Kenya's Obamamania hits a high note

Inside a Nairobi pub recently, a folk group sang the praises of Barack Obama, hoping that their ode to Kenya's new favourite son will match the US political star's meteoric rise.

In a pulsating dance rhythm -- a fusion of one-string fiddles, drums, cow horn and strident vocals -- the all-male Kenge Kenge folk troupe has produced a catchy song about the US presidential hopeful ahead of the November 4 election.

"In America blessing is Obama, American people for good change vote Obama. In America ooh, in America, this is the time, if you miss it it's gone," the vocalists sang.

Kenge Kenge launched the song in Kenya at OJ's Pub last Friday to a nonchalant crowd that had initially gyrated to more familiar curtain-raiser rhythms.

Nonetheless band leader George Achieng was enthusiatic that the song -- "Obama for Change" -- would stir excitement among Kenyans who are closely following the US presidential campaign hoping for an Obama win.

"It will definitely sell. Already people are asking for it (the CD)," Achieng told AFP after the performance.

The 13-member band composed the song for Obama, whose late father was Kenyan, during a five-nation European tour that kicked off in late July.

"We started performing this song during our shows and that is when we realised it was hitting," said Achieng.

Since being given a hero's welcome here in 2006, Obama has stirred interest among Kenyans, not least from the country's Luo community to which his father belonged and sees his presidency as a harbinger of hope for the east African country.

"Kenyans are going to be happy especially the Luo community, but that's not going to help them," said Alphonce Omondi, a 27-year-old student and a reveller at OJ's Pub.

"Obama is going to be a public figure. He's going to work hard for the American community and not Kenyans or Luos," added Omondi, a Luo, wearing a T-shirt with Obama's picture.

"I'm proud. I'm a Luo man. I'm proud and I congratulate him."