Fans of popular Luo Benga musician Lillian Auma, better known as Princess Jully, continue to pay tribute days after her passing.
The Benga queen died on Saturday at Migori Hospital after a long illness. Her son Ogudah Bradley said she had suffered multiple organ failures after she had spent about two months undergoing treatment at the facility.
On Monday morning controversial Senator Karen Nyamu remembered Princess Jully for her rebellious spirit calling her “my people.”
“I want to give my tribute to this girl Princess Jully aka Jully dunia mbaya. I’m a big fan of women who disregard societal expectations. You are my people. Dance with the angels Jaber. Rest in peace Princess Jully,” she said.
At the height of her career, the Benga Queen was considered a rebel not only for thriving in an industry dominated by men but also for defying cultural expectations.
Ignoring all remarks about her rebelliousness, Ms Jully took over her husband’s band after he died in 1997, continuing her music career despite expectations that she would remain in the background as a widow.
Many fans also remembered how important her music was in the 90s. She was known for addressing societal issues such as corruption at a time when it was dangerous to do so.
One fan wrote: “Princes Jully was an Icon. If you grew up in the 90s with KBC general service FM station, you would know.”
In addition to offering political commentary, the Benga Queen also made it a point to educate Kenyans about the risks of HIV/AIDS.
At the time, discussions around HIV/AIDS were shrouded in shame and stigma but Princess Jully used her platform to raise awareness about the disease and advocate for those affected.
Her song “Dunia Mbaya” is attributed as one of the most significant efforts in her HIV advocacy.
“This is track Princess Jully ‘Dunia Mbaya’ made and saved so many lives from contracting HIV/AIDs,” a fan said of the song.
Langata MP Phelix Odiwour popularly known as Jalang’o also highlighted the importance of her work sharing, “Rest well Legend! Your Legacy lives on! Princess Jully thank you for gracing The Luo Festival.”
A few other celebrities also paid tribute including actress Sandra Dacha who shared, “Rest in peace our Benga Queen Princess Jully also known for her popular hit song “Dunia Mbaya” your legacy will live on forever.”
Sharing a longer message on Facebook on Monday, fellow Benga musician Prince Indah called her a mentor and an inspiration.
“Princess Jully will forever be remembered for her “Dunia Mbaya” hit song which instilled hope and swept away the stigmatisations among those who lived with HIV viruses during those horrible days.”
He also thanked her for sharing her wisdom, encouragement and music with the world vowing to not let her memory be forgotten.
“We will carry your memory in our hearts forever and strive to honour you in all that we do. A Matriarch has departed, Nyajogina’s legacy lives on” (sic).
