Soundtracks of farewell: Artists honor the spirit of Raila Odinga in song and dance

Tributes continue to pour in for the late former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga. While some have written their final words in the condolence book, others scream his name on the streets, their voices reaching the heavens.

But words alone cannot capture the essence of a man who wore many hats. To some, he was ‘Baba,’ a father figure. To others, ‘Agwambo,’ the mystery, the enigma.

Artists from across the region, in their own way, continue to use words—the best way they know how. They sing songs of praise, of mourning, of gratitude, and of reverence to Raila Odinga.

He loved singing, he loved playing with words. Raila Amollo Odinga was a man whose life cannot be encapsulated in mere syllables or sentences. A man whose story is woven into the very fabric of East Africa, and the African region at large.

Since his passing on Wednesday, October 15th, 2025, tributes from across the African region and the world have been streaming in, as artists use their talent and mastery to honor a man who was many things to many people, yet respected by all.

Some chose to dance one last time for the man they’ve called a cross-generational hero. Their steps and words joining in honoring a leader who has been called selfless, a champion for the voiceless, and a relentless spirit of change.

From the heart of Luo Nyanza, local artists have come together to mourn one of their own, expressing their grief in the rich, soulful dialect of their ancestors.

These tributes are raw and real words that cut deep, resonating with the soul of the land. Each song a powerful reflection of a people’s loss, honoring a leader who was both a symbol and a son of the soil.

But it’s not just local voices that have joined in. Across the border in Tanzania, the Gospel queen Christina Shusho lends her powerful vocals to eulogize Baba, while her brothers Diamond Platnumz, Rayvanny, and Harmonize add their mastery of Swahili vocals to mourn with Kenyans.

Music icons have shared their tributes for the man they knew and respected; Mbilia Bel, reggae master Luciano, Kanda Bongo Man among others.

Raila Odinga, a man whose life was deeply intertwined with the rhythms of his people, always found solace and strength in the power of words and song.

He loved singing not just as a form of personal expression, but as a way of uniting, inspiring, and speaking to the hearts of a nation.