George Ramogi (1945–1997) was a towering figure in Kenyan music, widely celebrated as a pioneer of the Benga music genre, particularly within the Luo community. Born George Ramogi in 1945, he was instrumental in transforming traditional Luo music by adapting the intricate finger-picking styles of the nyatiti (a traditional lyre) to the electric guitar, creating the distinctive, fast-paced, and bouncy Benga sound. His career began in 1965 when he co-founded the Luo Sweet Band, which later became known as the Continental Kilo Jazz Band (C.K. Jazz), and later the C.K. Dumbe Dumbe Jazz Band. Ramogi was known for his mastery of both Benga and Rumba, establishing a sophisticated style of music that resonated throughout East Africa. He was a gifted storyteller whose lyrics explored a spectrum of themes, from mature, respectful love songs like "Affline The Pretty" to poignant memorial songs documenting historical events and honouring figures like "Argwings-Kodhek Onindo."
Ramogi's influence extended beyond his own recordings, earning him the title of the "professor of music" among his peers and mentees. He was a strict perfectionist and a mentor to a generation of successful Kenyan musicians. His band and music style served as a foundational template for many subsequent Benga artists. Though he passed away in 1997, his rich discography and his pivotal role in empowering the Benga genre solidified his legacy as one of Kenya's most important cultural icons. His music continues to be celebrated, embodying the soul and history of Kenyan popular music.