Evans Ochieng Owino, known professionally as Prince Indah, is a renowned Kenyan Ohangla musician who has become a prominent figure in the Luo music scene. His rise to fame is a testament to his extraordinary talent, hard work, and cultural pride. Despite enduring personal tragedies early in life, Prince Indah’s journey from adversity to musical success has made him a symbol of resilience and artistic excellence.
Born on August 9, 1994, in Murumba Village, Siaya County, Kenya, Indah was raised in Huruma Flats, Nairobi. He was the third-born in a family of five children. Tragically, he lost his father in 2003 when he was just nine years old, and his mother passed away in 2010, leaving him without parental support. These losses forced him to mature quickly and take on manual labor jobs, such as construction work, to support himself. Despite these challenges, he continued his education and completed his primary school education at Oloma Murumba Primary School in 2008, scoring an impressive 360 marks in his KCPE exams.
Indah’s passion for music was sparked during his time in Huruma, where he often attended local Ohangla performances. His uncle, Emma Jalamo, a famous Ohangla artist, was the leader of the Ramogi Ohangla Rhumba (R.O.R) Band, and this connection paved the way for Indah’s entry into the music industry. He initially joined the band as a shaker and drummer, eventually moving up to become a backup singer and curtain raiser. His raw talent and dedication quickly earned him recognition in the Ohangla community, allowing him to pursue his musical ambitions further.
In 2014, Prince Indah released his debut album, which included popular tracks like Cinderella, Nyakisumu Pt 1, Pokna, Uchumi, and Ken Soldier. His second album, Tenda Wema, was released in 2016, marking a turning point in his career when he left R.O.R and formed his own band, the Malaika Ohangla Rhumba Band (M.O.R). This move was a bold step in establishing his unique identity in the Ohangla genre.
Indah’s musical evolution continued with the release of his third album, Weche Hera, in 2017, which featured the hit Nyakisumu Part 2. This album further solidified his status as a leading figure in the Ohangla music scene. His musical journey reached new heights in 2023 with the release of two powerful albums, Puonj Mag Dak and Kitabu Mar Hera, which garnered significant attention on streaming platforms and among fans across East Africa.
The stage name “Prince Indah” symbolizes his role as the musical successor to Emma Jalamo, who is often referred to as the ‘King of Ohangla.’ Indah’s style blends traditional Ohangla rhythms with contemporary themes, making his music resonate with a broad audience while maintaining a deep connection to his Luo heritage.
In his personal life, Prince Indah is deeply committed to cultural preservation and community support. He married his long-time partner, Winnie, in a traditional wedding ceremony in Migori County on April 13, 2024, and the couple has a daughter. Outside of his music career, Indah actively supports causes that promote youth talent and the preservation of Luo traditions through music.
Prince Indah’s journey has not been without its challenges. He faced the emotional and professional risk of breaking away from his uncle’s band to start his own, but this decision proved to be a key turning point in his career. His ability to navigate these struggles with grace has made his story one of resilience and self-determination.
Today, Prince Indah is considered a trailblazer for modern Ohangla music, inspiring a new generation of artists and helping expand the genre’s appeal beyond the Luo community. His impact on the music industry was officially recognized when he was awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) by President William Ruto in December 2024, alongside other notable Kenyans.
