Tabu Osusa: 5TH AFRIMA Juror

William Osusa, better known in the music circle as Tabu Osusa is a key part of the Eastern African Music Industry. The Kenyan native is the founding Executive Director of Ketebul Music, a musical outfit that has been actively involved in shaping the careers and running some of the top recording and performing bands and artistes in the country.

He has also been the Project Coordinator for the Singing Wells Project, a partnership project between Ketebul Music and Abubilla Music from London, UK, from which he produced and released three documentaries titled; “Retracing The Benga Rhythm”, “Retracing Kikuyu Popular Music” “ Retracing Kenya’s Funky Hits”.

For the past 30 years, Tabu has been actively involved in the music industry as a promoter, producer, composer and band manager. Having to oversee some recording and performing bands/artistes in the country, including the much acclaimed Orchestra Virunga, The Nairobi City Ensemble, Iddi Achieng,’ Makadem, Suzanna Owiyo, Olith Ratego, Ogoya Nengo, Gargar and Winyo to mention but a few.

He has contributed immensely to the promotion of Kenyan artiste and music from the Easter region, while acting as lead consultant on a radio music project which focused on tracing the history of East African music from the 1960s to the present, and also co-chairs the steering committee of the ‘Spotlight on Kenyan Music’ in partnership with director of Alliance Française in Nairobi.

Tabu regularly collaborates with the Goethe Institute in Nairobi as a music consultant and is currently working on a concert series known as “Muziki wa Kenya” with a view to promoting emerging Kenyan artists.

With a dedication to seeing African music on a high pedestal in the global scene, Tabu’s passion comes to bear on the AFRIMA Jury where his practical knowledge in the music of Eastern region will be applied effectively.

August 10, 2018