George Peter Kinyonga

Tanzanian song-writer, singer and guitarist. Most famous as co-founder of Orchestra Simba Wanyika with his brother Wilson Peter Kinyonga. Born in Tanga, Tanzania in 1950 ( the exact date is unknown but George usually stated February 22nd). He and his brother joined Jamhuri Jazz Band in Tanga in 1966. In 1970/1971 the brothers moved to Arusha, Tanzania, and formed Arusha Jazz (with their brother William Peter Kinyonga and others). Late in 1971 the band relocated to Kenya and changed their name to Orchestra Simba Wanyika. He stayed with the group when most of the members left to form Orchestre Les Wanyika but then in 1980, disagreements with his brother led to George leaving and starting his own band Orchestre Jobiso (named after a 1970s dance rhythm). The split proved short-lived and George rejoined Orchestra Simba Wanyika within a year. George did, however, keep the "Orchestre Jobiso" name to record his own songs outside of the main group. He died of tuberculosis on December 24th 1992 in Nairobi, Kenya, aged 42.