PS Ummi Bashir (R) confers the OGW title to Prince Indah [Courtesy/X]
Celebrated Luo Ohangla sensation Prince Indah has received one of Kenya’s highest state honours, the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW) in recognition of his remarkable contribution to preserving and promoting the country’s cultural music.
The award was conferred by Culture, Arts & Heritage Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir, who praised the artist for his role in showcasing Kenya’s rich musical heritage to the world.
“Today, I had the honour of presiding over the investiture of celebrated Luo Ohangla musician, Evance Ochieng Owino, popularly known as @princeindah, with the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (O.G.W.) medal, awarded by His Excellency the President @WilliamsRuto on 12th December, 2024,” she wrote on her social media page.
“This recognition celebrates his outstanding contribution to the promotion of cultural music and artistic excellence in our Republic. As a State Department, we stand proud in acknowledging the transformative power of music and arts,” she added.
Today, I had the honour of presiding over the investiture of celebrated Luo Ohangla musician, Evance Ochieng Owino, popularly known as @princeindah , with the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (O.G.W.) medal, awarded by His Excellency The President @WilliamsRuto on 12th… pic.twitter.com/fV8lzZ11Pr
Born Evans Ochieng Owino in Siaya County, Prince Indah’s rise to fame is a story of resilience, passion and perseverance.
Orphaned at a young age, he moved to Nairobi where he took up manual jobs to make ends meet.
Music had always been in his blood and with inspiration from his uncle , legendary Ohangla artist Emma Jalamo , Indah joined the Ramogi Ohangla Rhumba (R.O.R) Band as a shaker and drummer. His talent quickly shone through, earning him a spot as a backup singer before launching his own career.
His stage name reflects his musical succession from Jalamo, known as the “King of Ohangla,” with Indah often regarded as the “Prince” of the genre.
Prince Indah is celebrated for blending traditional Luo rhythms with modern instrumentation, creating a sound that resonates across generations. Singing predominantly in his native language, his lyrics often capture love, life’s struggles and societal reflections.
His electrifying live performances have made him one of Kenya’s most sought-after entertainers, with a loyal fan base both locally and abroad.
The Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya is a prestigious presidential award granted to individuals who have rendered outstanding service to the nation. It recognises contributions in diverse fields including public service, the military, arts and acts of bravery.
For Prince Indah, the honour is not just a personal achievement but also a milestone for Kenya’s creative industry , highlighting the value of cultural arts in nation-building.
With this recognition, Prince Indah joins the ranks of celebrated Kenyans who have left an indelible mark on the country’s cultural and social landscape. Fans can expect the artist to continue championing Ohangla music, inspiring the next generation of musicians and proudly flying Kenya’s cultural flag high.
Moureen Koech is a digital journalist who delivers clear, engaging and timely stories for online audiences. She focuses on human-interest features, current affairs and digital trends, ensuring every story is accurate and impactful.
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