Them Mushrooms aren’t just a band; they’re a cultural institution. For over five decades, these Kenyan musical pioneers have woven a vibrant tapestry of sound, blending Chakacha, Benga, reggae, Taarab, and Sega with contemporary rap and hip-hop influences. Founded in Nairobi in 1969 as “Avenida Success” by the Harrison brothers—Teddy Kalanda, Billy Sarro, George Zirro, John Katana, and Pius Plato Chitianda “Jibaba”—the band’s 1972 rebranding as Them Mushrooms, inspired by the mystical magic mushrooms of Africa’s rainforests, marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey. From the beach hotels of Mombasa to the world stage, Them Mushrooms have become synonymous with Kenyan music, their infectious rhythms and socially conscious lyrics resonating across generations.