Joseph Hellon
Hellon is a Kenyan jazz musician, known for playing the
saxophone. He is a well-known live performer who has
recorded albums including ‘Zamar’, ‘Ekkaleo’, ‘Bizkuti’ and
‘Hellon Live’.
Soon after high school at Starehe Boys Centre, Hellon
worked as a music teacher and later in 1991 became a
teacher at Real Music School which is affiliated with London
College of Music. He later renamed the school Jether
House of Music, when he became principal. Hellon also
teaches a number of musical instruments including the
saxophone, clarinet, oboe, flute, trumpet, trombone and
piano.
His musical inspiration comes from great saxophonists
like Kirk Whalum, who is best remembered for his solo
on Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” and the
influential John Coltrane. He also admires African legends
like Hugh Masekela and Manu Dibango.
As a way of giving back to the society, in 2017 Hellon
planned to sponsor 100 students through Starehe high
school and university education.
Aaron Rimbui
A man of many hats, but most
known for his prowess as jazz
pianist/keyboardist, Aaron also
produces and host sa radio show on
capital FM.
For Aaron, his ear for music was
developed while still a toddler. His
father would play everything from
Stevie Wonder records to Henry
Mancini and take him to local
restaurants where he heard the
music of groups like Les Wanyika,
Maroon Commandos and Samba
Mapangala. This had a significant
influence on how he developed
his sound in later years. Rimbui’s
individual expression in music
continued to form in his high school years. It is at this time that he picked up the piano. Before that, Aaron
actually played drums and ws so good at it, he was declared the official church drummer. Rimbui began to
gravitate toward jazz as he listened musicians in the likes of David Sanborn, Joe Sample and others.
Aaron is a self-taught musician, who never attended school to study music. He is also a composer and
producer, who has travelled widely and performed with other notable African musicians, such South African
legend Hugh Masekela, Nigeria’s afro-beat sensation Sean Kuti and Kora winner Eric Wainaina , just to
mention a few.
He has released several albums that have boosted him into the international talent pool of african Jazz
artists.
9 9 May 2018