Suzanna Owiyo, “Kisumu 100” & Owiyo Arts Centre — A Travel Vlog, A City’s Song, A Cultural Promise
Watch the travel vlog (full tour & story): https://youtu.be/A2eLf6Wqz7Y
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SonyangaOleNgais
Suzanna Owiyo’s “Kisumu 100” is more than a song — it’s a sonic map of a city, a celebration of people, and a bridge between tradition and modernity. Performed for Kisumu’s centenary, the anthem fused traditional Luo rhythms with contemporary acoustic guitar to make the city’s history sing. In this blogpost we unpack the meaning of the song, Suzanna’s musical journey, and the Owiyo Arts & Cultural Centre on Riat Hills — plus we point you to a candid travel vlog that walks the grounds and shows the centre as it exists today.
Why “Kisumu 100” matters
“Kisumu 100” works because it’s both local and universal. The lyrics list the transport routes and neighborhoods — planes, trains, matatus, boats, boda-bodas — and in doing so they invite listeners to imagine the geography and people of Kisumu. That directness made it perfect for the 2001 centenary celebrations and turned Suzanna into a household name in Kenya. The song helped introduce Kisumu to many who had never visited, and it remains a cultural touchstone for the city and Lake Victoria (traditionally called Nam Lolwe).
Suzanna Owiyo — from Kasaye to international stages
Born in 1975 in Kasaye (Upper Nyakach, Kisumu County), Suzanna grew up around music. She learned the rhythms of Orutu and Nyatiti instruments, began singing as a backing vocalist, then carved a distinctive sound by pairing traditional Luo instrumentation with contemporary arrangements. Her breakthrough with “Kisumu 100” led to awards (including continental recognition) and performances on global stages — from the Nobel Prize ceremony to Nelson Mandela’s birthday celebration in London. Beyond the stage, she’s an advocate for culture and youth development.
Owiyo Arts & Cultural Centre — the vision and the reality
In 2014 Suzanna began building the Owiyo Arts & Cultural Centre on Riat Hills — a planned cultural hub with an 8-acre plot, landscaped gardens, a modern recording studio, training programs, and panoramic views of Kisumu and Lake Victoria. The centre’s aim is to nurture young talent (residential 6-month programs were envisioned), host concerts, cultural exhibits and even garden weddings — making culture and tourism mutually sustaining.
If you want an honest view of the centre as it stands today — its gardens, unfinished projects, community vendors and the view over Kisumu — watch the full travel vlog I made that visits the site, meets staff and visitors, and documents the on-the-ground reality: https://youtu.be/A2eLf6Wqz7Y
What to expect when you visit
Scenic Views: Sweeping panoramas of Lake Victoria and Kisumu city; great for photos at sunrise/sunset.
Entry & Amenities: Local vlogs mention a modest gate fee (a small donation that keeps the grounds open), on-site snacks and small vendors, a large lawn for events, and plans for improvements such as cottages, a zipline and a pool. Check the vlog for current visitor tips and booking notes.
Cultural Experience: A living space where Luo music, local crafts and community ambitions meet — ideal for travelers interested in culture and music heritage.
How this story boosts cultural tourism and local jobs
Owiyo Arts Centre is an example of cultural infrastructure that can create jobs (events, hospitality, studio work), preserve musical heritage, and attract visitors who spend on local services. Highlighting projects like this in travel content creates a virtuous loop: more attention → more bookings and donations → more resources for talent development.
Quick resources & credits
Watch the full vlog: https://youtu.be/A2eLf6Wqz7Y
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