The Orutu is a traditional stringed instrument from the Luo community of Kenya and historically only be played by men. Even today, Labdi is the only woman who plays the Orutu professionally.
The orutu, a one-stringed Luo musical instrument, was historically played by men during celebrations, storytelling, and ceremonies such as mourning. For years, cultural beliefs discouraged women from ...
Nairobi — The man with the 'orutu' plays the stringed instrument shaking his head like a monitor lizard in contrast to the Japanese woman's graceful plucking of the 'koto'. Every time Japanese ...
A live performance beyond one’s borders is usually every artiste’s dream.
The band will host an interactive workshop on Saturday, June 25 from 2-4 p.m. at the North Water Street Gallery. A $10 donation is suggested for the workshop. Register online. Kenge Kenge Orutu System ...
Irene Labdi Ommes, 31, known as LABDI, is a Kenyan musician and composer, and a pioneering female Orutu player breaking cultural taboos around the traditional instrument. The orutu, a one-stringed Luo ...