WINYO
The King of Benga Blues
Kenyo
WINYO
The King of Benga
Benga, Afrofusion
Territory: Europe, UK
The Benga King, blends traditional Benga with modern sounds, his bird-like voice delivering powerful messages in Dholuo, Swahili, and English, earning him global recognition and acclaim.
Winyo, born Shiphton Onyango, is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose stage name means "bird" in the Luo language, a fitting metaphor for his melodious voice. Backed by a skilled four-piece band, his music blends traditional Luo melodies with Afro-fusion, Afro-jazz, and a contemporary acoustic interpretation of Benga. Singing in Dholuo, Swahili, Kikuyu, and English, Winyo's songs tackle a range of social issues, from the struggles of homeless children to love and courtship.
He first gained recognition as part of the acclaimed trio Rateng, where he played a key role in the composition of their 2009 album Thumology. Winyo's talent earned him multiple nominations in the Radio France International (RFI) Discoveries competition, where he was shortlisted in both 2010 and 2011. In 2012, he was nominated for the Rolex Arts Initiative Mentor and Protégé Programme, meeting and collaborating with the legendary Gilberto Gil in Brazil.
In addition to his music, Winyo is a versatile artist with experience as a composer, songwriter, professional photographer, actor, and TV producer. His debut solo album Benga Blues, released internationally in 2012, further cemented his reputation as one of Kenya's most captivating musical talents.
