Remembering Tony Msalame: A Pioneer of Kenyan Radio Entertainment

The late Tony Msalame was an authentic entertainer, both in radio studios and on the TV show Tushauriane. Many Kenyans of a certain age will remember Tony as the signature voice of the early days of Metro FM radio at KBC. Teaming up with younger DJs like Lucy Nduta, Angela Obino, Anne Lamayan, and Kenyan-Congolese Dr. Harry Kabecha, African music, including Lingala and Benga, flourished at Metro FM.

Tony was an accomplished broadcaster, effortlessly acting on TV and presenting shows like Jazz Hour on radio and Rhythm and Blues with Fayaz Qureishi. His show, Zum Zum Kipindi cha Kuongeza Maarifa, which he co-hosted with Kenyan-Tanzanian Tido Mhando, was in a league of its own. On Sunday evenings, Msalame and Dada Mrembo Khadija Ali would captivate audiences with scintillating and often provocative Taarabu ballads.

Tony Msalame trailblazed modern FM radio entertainment in Kenya with his Sheki Leggy program. His contemporaries included the evergreen Freddy Obachi Machoka (known as the blackest man in black Africa), Khadija Ali, Eddy Fondo, and Abdull Haq, not to mention Mwalimu JOJ (Kenyan Franco), John Karani, and Jeff Mwangemi.

Tony’s passing was a significant loss to Kenya’s national entertainment scene. A true Kenyan, Sheki Leggy with Tony at Metro FM was unparalleled. His fans spanned every corner of Kenya. He would begin with a call from Kip in Eldoret, follow it with Kasivu from Mwala, and add a touch from Nyongesa in Bungoma before inviting listeners from Busia, Kisumu, Kisii, Kakamega, Muranga, Lunga Lunga, and all of Kenya to join in on Sheki Leggy.

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