Nelly The Goon: How I came up with the idea for ‘Bandana ya E-Sir’

The cross-generational hitmakers that include Nelly the Goon and Dmore of Gengetone group Ochungulo Family, Trio Mio, Habib and Nameless have come out to speak on the making of their latest track dubbed ‘Bandana Ya E-Sir’ in memory of the late legend.

In an interview on Citizen TV’s 10 over 10 show Friday night, the five made an appearance each speaking on how the now critically acclaimed track came to be, informing that Nelly the Goon was the brainchild of the idea.

“Around this year is when E-Sir would be turning 40. We have been thinking of what we can do to re-introduce him to the younger generation. Through blessings, Nelly The Goon contacted me out of nowhere with a song idea. I was vibing to it, more so after I heard the chorus ‘Bandana Ya E-Sir’. It’s a fresh way of doing a tribute,” said Nameless.

Bearing in mind that E-Sir was the older brother to Habib and a very close friend to Nameless, Nelly noted that the two have better knowledge of the late legendary artist hence decided to reach out for a collaboration.

“Nameless and Habib know E-Sir better than the rest of us who only him by his music. I never met him but I relate to his songs because of the lifestyle that we are living. However, I felt that it still needed some back up and it is at that point that I called Nameless,” said Nelly.

“Doing a tribute song for E-Sir was on my bucket list. I remember when I was young, listening to E-Sir’s song featuring Nameless ‘Boomba Train’ on a show called ‘Dancehall Mania’, so for me to do a song about E-Sir, it is a dream come true.”

Habib on his part lauded Nelly for coming up with the idea, further stating that E-Sir would be happy to hear such production in his honor.

“Nelly The Goon is creative. We spent years trying to figure out how we will do a song about E-Sir. We were going about it the wrong way because of our emotions but Nelly came up with a fun way of celebrating him while still maintaining his respect. Even if E-Sir could be here, he would be happy,” said Habib.

The new-age superstars Trio-Mio and Dmore both mentioned that they were beyond belief to have had the chance to work with a veteran adding that “it was an honor working with Nameless”.

Teen sensation Trio also added that he is inspired by songs by E-sir and being referred to as his reincarnation is what drove his motivation.

“I got very inspired when people started comparing me to E-Sir and so I knew being part of this song would be an amazing thing. I wrote my verse and told Nelly that I cannot disappoint E-Sir’s fans,” said Trio.

Bandana Ya E-Sir is a Kenyan urban pop cross-generational collaboration to celebrate E-Sir, a Kenyan icon and inspiration to many, who passed away 19 years ago at the age of 21, in a tragic accident along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway on his way back home from a concert in Afraha Stadium.

With a need to introduce his legacy to the younger generation, Bandana Ya E-Sir comes from the younger inspired generation and is guided by the veterans that knew him.

A host of other old school Kenyan music heavy hitters, consisting of Nyashinski, Wahu, Wyre, Jua Cali, Big Pin, Mr. Lenny, radio host Talia Oyando also appeared in the music video.