Ayub Ogada - Kothbiro

Kenyan singer-songwriter Ayub Ogada was a busker on the Northern Line when he came to Real World's attention in the late 80s. And this 1993 set - his only record for the label - proved that it was a meeting of minds, with his disarmingly simple arrangements, allowed to hang there unadorned, making a lasting impression. Simply backing himself (albeit with virtuosic ease) on an East African lyre called a nyatiti, this record introduced Ayub as a performer of great charm, his warm vocals never leaving centre stage.

[Prizzy]

I know this song from the movie "The constant gardener" which I can't watch anymore because it makes me cry every single time. One of the most beautiful, delicate, consuming songs ever written.
Rest in peace Ayub Ogada, and thank you for the wonderful music you've given us.

[glenncombs]

Ayub Ogada's "Kothbiro" is sublime. It melts the soul. I have seen "The Constant Gardener" 6 times. Each time I watch the scene when Fiennes wants to help, , Abuk, the little village girl get on the rescue plane and he can't help her, brings tears to my eyes. This film exposes the horrors of predatory capitalism and how we're all reduced to commodities ... some of value and some expendable.

[vic-da-]

Rest in peace ayub Ogada.
The rain finally came,
And the cows came home too.
May you find solace in the hereafter

[faridaziza]

2025 still listening to this beautiful master piece 🌹

[malaikamahlatsi]

My mom, Dipuo Mahlatsi, loved this song deeply. We came across it on The Constant Gardener. My mom lost her battle to gastrointestinal cancer two months ago - at the young age of 45. Listening to this song brings back the best memories we shared - including my university graduation ceremony, which she attended just six weeks before she passed away.

I will always love you mama ka. You are the star of the story that I will always tell.

[Ladyfaithke]

Was born, lived and died for this beautiful soothing song .Rest in power hero!

[OBrienOtieno]

Translation

Auma be uwinga (Auma do you hear me)
Koth biro (Rain is coming)
Kel uru dhok e dala ( Bring the cows home)
Hah, Haye haye haye haye haye haye

[ongaro_kongaro]

I am Kenyan and Luo (the dialect he is singing in), this is so awesome, reminds me of the good old days when cows were so treasured in Luoland.

[kymokoth]

I'm an American, married to a Kenyan Luo 26 years....this song means more to me every single time I hear it. First heard of Ayub not long after we married. Forgot about him for many years. Now with three sons, one called Okoth....this just touches the deepest part of my soul.

[MissAnnetteification]

We are a choir of happy ladies in Norway that will have this song on our performances this year🎶🤩

[mrukariapaul]

Music is indeed a universal language. Im Meru, one of the many tribes in Kenya- including Dholuo, the one Ayub is singing in. I sing word to word with him and enjoy the melody as much.

[pearlolifant]

My dance teacher used to play this song during the cool down section of our class. It always left this huge smile on all the students faces but no matter how much we asked, he never gave us the names of the musicians he played in class. He always told us to go out and look for African music. Five years later and I finally found it! The absolute joy in my heart <3

[t_m_mickey]

An kenda ema ng'eyo Ayub Ogada bang' post mar NGC, most streamed Spotify. Omera wer ni mit, wer ma muol❤❤❤❤nind gi kwe! Ayub

[landscapedrsound]

Mi maestra de teatro ponía siempre esta canción cuando calentábamos antes de actuar. Era maravilloso. La busqué por mucho tiempo hasta encontrarla.

[symonwambugu]

Am a Kikuyu and this song touches me so deep inside my soul. Most of the time after job I sit outside my house, go to YouTube and listen to this song until sunset. The lyrics are very soothing.

[donoloo]

My grandmother used to shout what Ayub is singing almost every time it was about to rain...Yaye, nyikwaya..un utimoru nade?Koth biro, keluru dhok e dala...

[aldobifele]

Cette mélodie me perfore le coeur et l'âme 😢

[baantawai]

So saddened to hear of Ayub Ogada's passing. Thanks for the beautiful music you gave us brother. RIP Ayub.

[jayjoshi]

I don't understand any word.. but I don't need to. I simply love this composition

[OnyangoApudo-thys]

Ayub Ogada..I had the privilege of meeting up with him at my place of work. Such a simple soul, Rest on brother.