Them Mushroom's Band member Ted Kalanda passed away at the age of 72 years old yesterday after battling cancer since his diagnosis back in 2018.
But who was this legendary musician? Let's begin below:
Early Beginnings in Music
Kalanda's passion for music began at age ten when he performed cymbals in his primary school percussion group. As he grew older, Teddy did guest performances at weddings and other social events.
A Major Career Decision
In October 1972, Teddy Kalanda left Makerere University, where he was studying Political Science, Philosophy, and German, following his father's death.
That same year, he founded Them Mushroom Band, named after the Swahili word "Uyoga." The band consisted mainly of his brothers John Katana Harrison, George Ziro Harrison, Billy Sarro Harrison, and friends Pritt Nyale and Arthur Akoth.
Family Legacy in Music
Two of his sons joined the band: Louis Mulashani Harrison (born 1976), who plays bass guitar and sings, and his elder brother Bigcat Matano Harrison (born 1973), who plays guitar, keyboards, and sings.
The Birth of a Hit Song
Teddy wrote the famous song "Jambo Bwana" in 1969 but recorded it in 1980. The song gained him widespread popularity.
He wrote it while sitting at a bar with his bandmates after performing for tourists in Mombasa. The phrase "Jambo Bwana" (meaning "Hello Sir" or "Hello Mr.") came from the way tourists greeted him at the hotels where he performed.
Although initially not played on the radio, the song was a hit in tourist shows.
Lasting Legacy
He also owned Big Matata Productions, a record company dedicated to raising funds for Oxfam America. He will be remembered for his significant contributions to music both locally and globally.
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