Watch OMUTIBO, In Search of the Last Luhya Dry Guitar Players in Kenya

Omutibo is a documentary film that captures the journey of two Kenyan musicians - Shem Tube and Johnstone Mukabi as they set out to discover the last remaining Luhya dry guitar players of Kenya. The film documents their quest to find the musicians and learn about the traditional genre of music called 'omutibo'. The film starts with Shem, a young guitarist, and Johnstone, a veteran musician, discussing their passion for omutibo and the need to preserve the tradition. They share their concerns about the decline of the genre and the lack of recognition for the musicians who created it.

The duo embarks on a journey across the rural areas of Western Kenya to find the remaining omutibo players. They travel to different villages, meeting people, and playing music along the way. The film captures the landscapes, people, and culture of the region, creating a visual narrative that tells the story of the Luhya people and their music.

As they travel, they discover that the tradition of omutibo is rooted in the social and cultural history of the Luhya people. They learn that the music was played at social gatherings, during harvests, and other community events. The music was used to express emotions and to tell stories about life and love.

Throughout their journey, the duo meets several omutibo players and records their music. They share their knowledge and experience of the guitar and help the musicians improve their playing. The film showcases the musicians' talent and the beauty of omutibo music.

As they near the end of their journey, Shem and Johnstone reflect on their experience and the impact it has had on them. They express their hope that the film will inspire others to appreciate and preserve traditional music.

Overall, Omutibo is a beautifully crafted documentary that captures the essence of the Luhya people and their music. The film is a tribute to the musicians who created and preserved the tradition of omutibo. It is a celebration of Kenyan culture and heritage and a reminder of the importance of preserving traditional music in a rapidly changing world.