Maroon Commandos

Maroon Commandos is a musical group from Kenya. It is a military band belonging to 7 Kenya Rifles (Kenya Army Infantry) of the Kenya Army. They are based at the Langata Barracks in Langata, Nairobi. The group performs benga, rumba and other styles of music. They perform both original and cover versions.[1] The band plays often at state functions.[2]

The group was formed in 1970 by bandleader Habel Kifoto and some other member. The next year they signed with Polydor Kenya[3] and released the hit "Emily".[4] In 1972 the band had a traffic accident, which left some of their members dead. After the accident the band was dormant for five years before releasing their album Riziki Haivutwi after 1977.[3] They also released the song "Charonyi ni Wasi", whose lyrics were written in the Taita language. "Charonyi Ni Wasi" became Maroon Commandos' first major hit.[5]

The band had a 10-year recording break which ended with the release of Shika Kamba album in 2007, released by the Sound Africa label.[2][6]

The band has had several line-up changes since its formation. Former bandleader Habel Kifoto retired from the military and was from 2009 to 2011 the chairman of Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK).[7] Kifoto died on 31 July 2011 in Nairobi as he collapsed due to a suspected heart failure.[8] One of its former core members, David Kibe Left the band after he rose in the military ranks and had no more time for the band.[2] Another former member was Laban Ochuka, who also played for another army band, the Ulinzi Orchestra. Ochuka died in May 2006.[9]

Diwani Nzaro was the band leader still in 2009. From late 90s he was part of the Malindi-based "Magazines"-band, that disbanded in 2002. He subsequently joined Kenyan Army and their band Maroon Commandos. He contributed for the two latest albums of the group, Shika Kamba and Kenya Unite. While still a band member, he released his debut solo album in 2009. On the album he performs traditional giriama songs.[1] The group has also had female members, like singers Doris Chepchumba Tanui[10] and Barbara Chepkoech Kiprotich (aka Waridi).[11]

The album Kenya Unite was written in the response of the 2007–2008 Kenyan post-election crisis. David Kombo is the current band leader, who joined the band in the late 80s and is the longest serving current band member (as of 2010). In the recent past the group has also had some members outside the military ranks.[12]