Former Benga Maestro Orwa Ja Solo Suffering Paralysis Appeals For Help To Seek Medical Attention

• The health of celebrated former Benga musician Paul Orwa aka Orwa Ja Solo has, in the recent past, deteriorated, rendering him a pale shadow of himself
• For a man who rose to the top of the game alongside stars like George Ramogi and DO Misiani, Ja Solo's case is heartbreaking
• The singer was diagnosed with high blood pressure, resulting in depression and paralysis on the right side of the body

Renowned Benga musician Paul Orwa, popularly known as Orwa Ja Solo, is battling health challenges and appealing to the public for assistance.

The celebrated Luo Benga maestro, who played during the era of peers like George Ramogi and DO Misiani, has been ailing since 2016.

Paralysed on one side

Once celebrated for his melodious tunes and infectious rhythms, Ja Solo is now a pale shadow of his former self courtesy of health complications.

According to a fan named Jowi Raymond Wa Jesus, who visited him at his home in Nyakach, the crooner needs urgent medical attention.

Jowi told TUKO.co.ke that Ja Solo was diagnosed with high blood pressure, resulting in depression and paralysis on the right side of his body.

"He is sometimes unable to talk, but under the care of his daughter-in-law. He is a widower aged over 75 years," he said.

Ja Solo needs specialised treatment

Jowi added that the ailing singer has been treated in various hospitals, including Nyabondo Mission Hospital, Kisumu District Hospital, and Pap Onditi Sub County Hospital.

However, due to financial constraints, he is unable to visit high-cost hospitals, let alone afford the cost of living.

"Ja Solo requires proper medical attention so that he can prolong his life. He looks jovial despite the pain and trauma he undergoes," Jowi continued.

For this reason, he appealed to well-wishers and fans alike to help him raise enough funds to seek specialised treatment.

Famed for song about HIV

Ja Solo's contributions to the Benga genre, which fuses traditional Luo rhythms with modern instruments, earned him a special place in the hearts of music enthusiasts.

One of his most renowned songs was christened Jothum Tho Rumo (death is finishing musicians), a track he wrote in 1997 at a time HIV/Aids was killing many artistes from Nyanza.

Most of the deaths were blamed on witchcraft, forcing the singer to release a song in honour of those who'd died from the virus.

His star continued to shine until his health took a tragic turn that left him unable to perform, move independently, or carry out daily tasks independently.

Benga singer receives salvation

In other Benga news, famed singer Odhiambo Tusker recently ditched secular music for gospel, claims that God called him.

Odhiambo claimed that he had received a divine call from God compelling him to leave behind secular music.

The Benga artiste humbly requested his fans, clients, and friends to understand and support his decision and rally behind another aspiring artiste to help him achieve his musical dreams.