Ohangla musician Prince Indah, born Evance Ochieng, has addressed criticism surrounding his newly released album, Timeless Anthem. The 16-track project, launched on Saturday, November 8, at Utalii Grounds in Nairobi, features songs such as Nyar Suba, Pedeshe (Ajawa Marwa), Believe Me, Ngima Dhano, and Jo Fitina.
Prince Indah opted to collaborate with non-Ohangla producer Teddy B for this album, diverging from his usual partnership with longtime producer Wuod Fibi. Speaking on the Oga Obinna show, he explained the decision was driven by technical requirements. “There is a software that I wanted to use. We have very good producers, but most of them use Cubase. Cubase is good, but this time round, I didn’t want to use it; I wanted to use Logic. I tried to find a Luo producer who could do Logic, but they are all used to Cubase. I wanted the album to sound exactly the way it does,” he said.
The album has generated mixed reactions, with some fans expressing disappointment in the beats and production style. Prince Indah defended the work, stating that listeners with an understanding of music would recognize Timeless Anthem as his best album yet. “Someone who understands music will tell you that the album is my best. Some understand music and some are fanatic about music. They are used to one tune, and if you introduce another tune, they complain. They are used to that, but they will adapt with time,” he said.
Prince Indah also shared his predictions for the future of Ohangla music, suggesting that the traditional sound will undergo a major transformation in the next five years. “Mark my word, in the next five years, this normal Ohangla will not be thee. It will be no more. Our people are growing musically,” he stated, indicating a shift toward experimentation and modernization within the genre.
Timeless Anthem reflects Prince Indah’s efforts to push the boundaries of Ohangla while appealing to a broader audience, blending traditional roots with contemporary production techniques.
