Kisumu lit up with emotion and music on Wednesday evening as Kenya’s top entertainers came together at Da Place Lounge to honour the late Maurice Ryan, a beloved showbiz promoter whose impact on the country’s entertainment industry was immeasurable.
The memorial concert drew a crowd of fans, industry players, and performers, all paying tribute to the man who helped shape the careers of many Kenyan artists. The evening was filled with heartfelt performances and moving tributes from stars like Avril, Arrow Bwoy, Otile Brown, King Kaka, Khaligraph Jones, Mejja, Timmy Tdat, Frasha, and Prince Indah. At least ten local DJs and MCs from Kisumu also graced the event, contributing to the powerful celebration of life and music.
Maurice Ryan passed away on July 6 while undergoing treatment at a Kisumu hospital. Known for his tireless efforts in organizing concerts and nurturing local talent, Maurice was instrumental in putting Kisumu on the entertainment map. “Maurice gave many of us our first big stage,” one performer shared. “It was only right to return to this city and honour him where it all began.”
The memorial was more than just a night of music it doubled as a fundraiser to support Maurice’s young family and assist with funeral and burial costs. Attendees paid a KSh1,000 entry fee, with all proceeds going directly to the cause.
Artists like Arrow Bwoy, Khaligraph, Mejja, and Prince Indah were seen arriving in Kisumu earlier in the day, reflecting the unity and respect the entertainment fraternity has for Maurice. “Together with my fellow Mights, we will gather to celebrate his memory, share light, and stand in unity,” Prince Indah remarked.
As candles lit up Da Place Lounge and the final song echoed through the night, the love and appreciation for Maurice Ryan were unmistakable. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy will continue to shine through the artists he believed in and the industry he helped build. His memory now lives on in the music, the stories, and the unity he inspired.
