Popular Luo musician Emma Jalamo has lost his father Mzee Elias Onyach Okello and consequently canceled most his performances for the month of February to allow him to mourn.
In a moving tribute on his Facebook page, Jalamo eulogizes his father as a loving man who inculcated the culture of hard work and self-discipline in all his children.
He further says he has been successful because of the virtues his father taught him.
Here is the tribute
Not every kid gets a dad to take them through the tussles of this life, but I did and I count myself lucky.
My father taught me and my siblings the values of hard work by insisting that if we wanted to make it in life, we would have to put in extra effort and dedication.
His stories were all about hard work, and that’s why I’m here today.
Today, I feel as though I’ve lost my identity – the grasp of that which defines me MZEE ELIAS ONYACH OKELO. The very fabric that holds together our closely-knit family. I feel detached and disconnected because the person who I have always relied on for guidance and support has slipped from my arms leaving them calloused not because of grasping anything hard but for the pain that we have to endure in this crashing moment. From the time he left this morning, I haven’t known how to function in a ‘normal’ world devoid of his presence. My existence feels empty because my father had never taught me how to live without him.
As a result of this tragic happening, we have decided to cancel all our public concerts that were planned for the period between 5th February up to 16th February 2020 this year as a mark of respect and to give us enough time to grief during this time.
We are also aware that there might be some people who might use this unfortunate event to solicit for money using pseudo accounts please be advised that if there is any financial support we may ask for then we will use our official channels.
We will update you of the plans including the burial arrangements, as you fans means so much to me.
So again, thanks for everything dad I miss you, and I wouldn’t be here without you. May your soul rest in eternal peace Dad.
I just wanted to make sure you all know.
