Veteran Kenyan musician and founding leader of the Them Mushrooms band, Teddy Kalanda Harrison, has passed away at the age of 72.

Kalanda died at his rural home in Kaloleni, Kilifi County on Tuesday, September 16, 2024, following a long battle with cancer. By the time of his passing, he had lost his eyesight.


The news of his death was announced by his younger brother, John Katana, who currently leads the band.

Katana noted that his brother died following his long battle with cancer.

Teddy Kalanda is best remembered for composing the classical hit ‘Jambo Bwana’.

The song had great success which saw it being redone countless times.

Known as a prolific saxophone player, Kalanda guided Them Mushrooms to international glory with the support of his family members who were part of the band.

He founded Them Mushrooms in 1970 and they were based in Mombasa.


However, they later relocated to Nairobi in the 80’s where they dropped their debut album at the Carnivore restaurant in Nairobi.

The band included Teddy Kalanda, George Kalanda(both deceased), Dennis Malume, Billy Sirro and John Katana among others.

In the early 2000s, the band rebranded to ‘Uyoga’ Swahili word for ‘Mushrooms’.

However, the band later went back to its original name, Them Mushrooms.

The group is known for hits such as Unkula Huu, Wazee Wakatike and Nyambura among others.

Kalanda’s son, Jeremy Harrison is also a reputable musician based in Sweden with his wife, Lioness Afreeka.

Following Katana’s death, fans and industry players have eulogized him as a man who dedicated his life for the growth of the Kenyan sound.