https://en.sputniknews.africa/20230919/your-music-will-live-on-kenya-born-renowned-folk-singer-roger-whittaker-dies-aged-87-1062215524.html
'Your Music Will Live On': Kenya-Born Renowned Folk Singer Roger Whittaker Dies Aged 87
'Your Music Will Live On': Kenya-Born Renowned Folk Singer Roger Whittaker Dies Aged 87
Sputnik Africa
Whittaker sold nearly 50 million records around the world, according to his website, and proceeded to receive 250 platinum, gold and silver awards during his... 19.09.2023, Sputnik Africa
2023-09-19T16:04+0200
2023-09-19T16:04+0200
2023-09-19T16:05+0200
sub-saharan africa
music
kenya
east africa
culture
united kingdom (uk)
death
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.africa/img/07e7/09/13/1062218237_0:144:2560:1584_1920x0_80_0_0_b25606942098bfd03787d2e02b1cdeaf.jpg
The Kenyan-born British folk singer and writer of such hit songs as Durham Town, The Last Farewell and My Land is Kenya, has died at the age of 87, his friend, Jesse Waggoner said on Facebook.*Whittaker's death came just a month after his page posted that he had fallen ill and had gone to the hospital. The artist reportedly passed away at home in France after failing to survive a stroke.Whittaker is recognized among Kenyan folk and country music fans for his composition My Land is Kenya, in which he professes his genuine affection and bond with the country where he was born and raised.In the wake of the musician's passing, netizens recall his work, his profound lines, as well as the significance of the hit about his African homeland.Another user wrote: "Roger Whittaker aka Roger Waithaka. Your song 'My Land Is Kenya' united us and was a clarion call. Your voice did justice to the lyrics.""A beautiful voice silenced," another post read. "Your music will live on."Whittaker was reportedly cremated and buried in a private ceremony. He is survived by his wife Natalie and their five children.* Meta (Facebook, Instagram) is banned in Russia over extremist activities
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20230913/peace-fans-mourn-death-of-nigerian-rap-star-mohbad-1062094153.html
kenya
east africa
united kingdom (uk)
Sputnik Africa
feedback@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
2023
Maxim Grishenkin
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.africa/img/07e7/0a/17/1063018107_0:0:1104:1103_100x100_80_0_0_03090c85a11f5d2e8a19cf1d989443c9.jpg
Maxim Grishenkin
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.africa/img/07e7/0a/17/1063018107_0:0:1104:1103_100x100_80_0_0_03090c85a11f5d2e8a19cf1d989443c9.jpg
News
en_EN
Sputnik Africa
feedback@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
Sputnik Africa
feedback@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
Maxim Grishenkin
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.africa/img/07e7/0a/17/1063018107_0:0:1104:1103_100x100_80_0_0_03090c85a11f5d2e8a19cf1d989443c9.jpg
music, kenya, east africa, culture, united kingdom (uk), death
music, kenya, east africa, culture, united kingdom (uk), death
'Your Music Will Live On': Kenya-Born Renowned Folk Singer Roger Whittaker Dies Aged 87
16:04 19.09.2023 (Updated: 16:05 19.09.2023) Whittaker sold nearly 50 million records around the world, according to his website, and proceeded to receive 250 platinum, gold and silver awards during his career, before retiring to France in 2012.
The Kenyan-born British folk singer and writer of such hit songs as Durham Town, The Last Farewell and
My Land is Kenya, has died at the age of 87, his friend, Jesse Waggoner said on Facebook.*
"It is with great sadness we share the news of Roger's passing at age 87. His life, artistry and legacy has meant so much to so many all over the world," Waggoner posted on Whittaker's Facebook page.
Whittaker's death came just a month after his page posted that he had fallen ill and had gone to the hospital. The artist reportedly passed away at home in France after failing to survive a stroke.
Whittaker is recognized among Kenyan folk and country music fans for his composition My Land is Kenya, in which he professes his genuine affection and bond with the country where he was born and raised.
"My land is Kenya, right from your highlands to the sea
You'll always stay with me here in my heart, here in my heart," he sang.
In the wake of the musician's passing, netizens
recall his work, his profound lines, as well as the significance of the hit about his African homeland.
"The great Roger Whittaker has passed on at 87. He was a great music ambassador for the nation with his hit song 'My Land Is Kenya'," one user posted on X.
Another user wrote: "Roger Whittaker aka Roger Waithaka. Your song 'My Land Is Kenya' united us and was a clarion call. Your voice did justice to the lyrics."
"My heartfelt condolences on the passing of the legendary country music singer, Roger Whittaker. Who's contribution to the music industry will be forever cherished. Born in Kenya, Roger Whittaker's music grazed the souls of millions worldwide," a fan tweeted.
"A beautiful voice silenced," another post read. "Your music will live on." Whittaker was reportedly cremated and buried in a private ceremony. He is survived by his wife Natalie and their five children.
* Meta (Facebook, Instagram) is banned in Russia over extremist activities
