MUSIC PRODUCER JAZZ ODONGO MOURNS THE DEATH OF RON KENOLY

Kenyan music producer Jazz Odongo has joined the global Christian community in mourning the passing of iconic worship leader Ron Kenoly, whose music defined a generation. 

Reflecting onKenoly’s influence, Odongo shared a personal tribute, in his remembrance, Odongo hailed Kenoly as “the real OG of Contemporary Christian Music before we even knew what that was,” noting that his growing years were saturated with Kenoly’s anthems. “We sang every song he wrote,” Odongo stated, recalling how the musician’s work with integrity music set the professional benchmark for production, live performance, and spiritual impact for an entire generation of musicians.

Odongo recounted the moment in the mid-1990s when, as a young child, his father took him to see Ron Kenoly perform at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium. “It was way past my bedtime,” he reminisced. “I was star-struck and slightly shy, but getting to meet him left an indelible mark.” He credits Kenoly’s Nairobi visit, potentially linked to Youth for Christ events, as an experience in his own musical journey.

“The influence Ron Kenoly had on thousands, or more likely millions, before the internet era is incredible,” Odongo reflected. “His legacy is built on a true calling: using his voice to lead people to God through worship. That is the timeless standard he set.“