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Fadhili William Mdawida (1938–2001) remains one of Kenya’s most iconic voices and a pillar of the Zilizopendwa golden era. He is best known as the first artist to professionally record “Malaika,” the timeless love ballad that became one of Africa’s most cherished songs. His emotive vocals and poetic storytelling cemented him as a cultural force whose influence spans generations. Born in Taita-Taveta to a musically gifted family, Fadhili began singing in school before joining Nairobi’s vibrant music scene. His breakthrough came in the early 1960s at Equator Sound Studios with The Jambo Boys, where “Malaika” captured heartbreak, longing, and universal love.
Beyond this classic, he recorded enduring works like “Taxi Driver,” shaping Kenya’s musical identity. His catalog, preserved across global platforms, continues to celebrate his artistry. Though he passed in 2001, Fadhili William’s legacy—especially through “Malaika”—remains a cornerstone of African music history.
Beyond this classic, he recorded enduring works like “Taxi Driver,” shaping Kenya’s musical identity. His catalog, preserved across global platforms, continues to celebrate his artistry. Though he passed in 2001, Fadhili William’s legacy—especially through “Malaika”—remains a cornerstone of African music history.
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