Laka Waithaka
Laka Waithaka is a saxophonist, composer and music educator from Nairobi, Kenya.
Laka is interested in unearthing Africa's unique jazzy voice and using music to create cross-cultural appreciation.
He is the band leader of the award-winning afro jazz band Shamsi Music, based in Nairobi, Kenya. Shamsi Music creates music that mirrors the sound of their heartland, Kenya, and their Motherland, Africa.
Laka has been part of groups like rock/jazz band XnO (KE), the Bethel Jazz Orchestra (US), the Nairobi Jazz Orchestra (KE), Orchestre Lipombe Jazz (France/Kenya), and Shamsi Music (Kenya).
He has also collaborated widely with artists from across Africa such as Bokani Dyer (SA), Mandla Mlangeni (SA), Asia Madani (SD/EG), Maurice Kirya (UG), Gilad Millo (KE/IL), Siti Amina (TZ), Ifrikya Spirit (DZ), and Man Sulei (TZ)