Lydia Achieng Abura, affectionately known by the stage name Achieng Abura, was a Kenyan singer and performer for Afrojazz, Afrofusion and Gospel music.

Early Life and Musical Genesis

Achieng Abura was born in Eldoret and held an Msc. degree in Philosophy and Environmental studies.

She has one child, specifically a son named Prince.

As a music lover and a great orator, she took music professionally which resulted to the release of her debut album,” I Believe” which was released in 1990 following the release of other songs like “Way Over Yonder” and “Sulwe” which shot her up to prominence in the Kenyan music scene. Abbi was formerly the backing vocalist for Achieng but later moved on to pursue his solo music career.

In 2022, she announced her shifting from gospel music to Afrojazz. She released the album “Spirit of a Warrior“. He released her last album before her departure titled “Dhahabu Yhangu” released by Blu Label and owned by Tedd Josiah.

Musical Career

Abura was the voice of crow in Tinga Tinga Tales. She was also a UNDP goodwill ambassador and toured in foreign countries like Spain. She was also a member of the Divas of The Nile group which featured four female Kenyan musicians like Suzanna Owiyo, Mercy Myra, and Princess Jully that performed at the Festival Mundial in Tilburg in Netherlands in 2007.

In 2008 she acted as a principal of the East African Project Fame(TPF) and also campaigned for the Global Call to Action Against Poverty.

Abura died at the Kenyattta National Hospital after a short illness on 20 October 2016.

Awards and Recognition

Abura won the Kora award in 2004 for 2004 for Best East African Female; the award was shared with Tsesenia Gebremarkos of Ethiopia. She was among the Kenyan among the Kenyan artists sponsored by the Alliance Français in Nairobi.

written by Ruth Ama Onumah