Audio By Vocalize
Few Gospel musicians can be described as global, authentic, versatile, inclusive, and impactful. Dr. Ron Kenoly fits all these attributes and much more. His profound influence on songwriting, music arrangement, studio and live productions, concert delivery, worship leading, lyrical intentionality, and genre versatility is hardly understated. Allow me to highlight three major influences Dr. Kenoly had on my own musical journey.
Dr. Kenoly’s generous display of genre versatility is remarkable, spanning from Latino sounds in songs like “Lift Him Up” and “Ancient of Days,” to the Reggae vibes found in “Winnerman,” to RnB hits like “Beauty for Ashes,” and even AfroJazz reminiscent of Hugh Masekela in “Sing Out.” His work also includes the melancholic choral arrangements of worship ballads like “Anointing Fall on Me” and the sequel, “Hallowed Be Thy Name.”
Experiencing this versatility was a great blessing during a time when the Kenyan Church grew critical of my multi-genre productions. I faced scrutiny for incorporating Reggae into my 1987 and 1989 recordings, and for including strong Afro-beats in the album of my friend Douglas Jiveti. Along with Isaiah Symekher from the IFC Jericho Choir, we were perceived as a threat to the purity of Church music. Dr. Kenoly’s music gave me the courage to push stylistic boundaries and continue exploring, particularly from my pop background.
Every time I see young musicians embracing this versatility, and more so as the African Church increasingly embraces various genres in worship and liturgical practices, I reflect on the sacrifices made by those of us striving to show that styles are merely vessels for expression. I am thankful for figures like Kenoly, who championed such versatility, elevating him to global Gospel sensation status. His integration of children’s choirs, exemplified by Uganda’s Watoto Choir in “The Lord Be Magnified” from the Sing Out album, showcases his commitment to inclusivity.
Moreover, one legendary musical inheritance I can claim from Ron Kenoly is the ability to identify skilled Christian musicians and actively involve them in my studio and stage productions. We shared a conviction that God deserves the best, which includes musical talent. Watching Dr. Kenoly enlist the exceptional skills of musicians like Abraham Laboriel Sr., Chester Thompson, Alex Acuna, and others inspired me to engage varied talents for my own projects.
When I encounter gifted musicians, I strive to feature them in my productions, even when it requires substantial financial investment. During the recording of my “Never Alone” album in Goshen, Indiana, in 2001, I recall spending considerable amounts on talented artists. For example, hiring a harmonica player for just four notes was costly yet invaluable. This commitment to quality has led to collaboration with some of Kenya’s best saxophonists, drummers, lead guitarists, and vocalists. In fact, it was Ron Kenoly who significantly influenced my approach to large choral arrangements.
In 2002, I engaged the top camera crew in Nairobi for the production of our Ombi Langu album. By 2016, I took my ambitions a step further, recording “Worship at the Tent” at CITAM Eldoret with an uncompromising commitment to band and videographic quality. While many musicians settled for simple music videos, I opted for a full-fledged concert recording, making me excited to see this legacy flourish within today’s gospel music landscape.
Lastly, Dr. Kenoly inspired me to foster a deeper intimacy with God, which is foundational for authentic worship recordings and performances. I learned that one cannot go wrong when being genuine, sharing one’s own story through musical expressions. As highlighted in John 4:23-24, God seeks true worshippers who will worship Him in spirit and truth. This authenticity resonates not only with other musicians but also aligns with their cultural backgrounds. This thematic depth is beautifully encapsulated in “Ancient of Days,” symbolizing global worship as indicated in Revelation 7:9.
May Dr. Kenoly rest in eternal joy and bliss, remembered as a servant who fought the good fight and finished the race. As John the Revelator affirms in Revelation 14:13, blessed are the dead who die in the Lord; they rest from their labors, and their deeds shall follow them.
