Achieng Abura- Biography, Son, Songs, Photos, Death.
Achieng Abura was a Kenyan musician, who performed Afro-jazz, Afro-fusion and gospel music. She started off her career in music industry in the early 1990 with a gospel album ‘I Believe’. She later released albums such as ‘Way Over Yonder’ and ‘Sulwe’. In 2002, when she shifted to Afro-jazz, she released the album Maisha and later released the album Spirit Of a Warrior. In 2007 she released the album, Dhahabu Yangu. Achieng Abura acted as a principal of the East African reality TV show, ‘Tusker Project Fame’ in 2008. She was also a UNDP Goodwill ambassador. Achieng Abura was the voice of the Crow on Tinga Tinga Tales.
Background
Achieng Abura was born in Eldoret and was a single mother to one son. She held an MSc. degree in Philosophy and Environmental studies. She joined Kenya High School’s Life Ministry and sang Gospel Music while a student of a Bsc (Chemistry) degree at the Virginia Commonwealth University, USA, where she sang with the Monroe Sisters, in 1990. Her debut gospel album ‘I believe’ became a household song. In 1993, when Abura’s mother passed away, she recorded and dedicated an album to her titled ‘Way Over Yonder’ she then recorded her third album ‘Sulwe’, with Ted Josiah of Blu Zebra.
Awards
Achieng Abura won the Kora Award in 2004 for Best East African Female artist. She was part of the Divas of The Nile supergroup that featured four Kenyan female musicians which included Suzzana Owiyo, Mercy Myra and Princess Jully.
Death
Achieng Abura died on thursday 20th October 2016 after an illness at Kenyatta National Hospital where she had been admitted at the private wing on 13th October.
