EQUATOR RECORDS

Catalogue Group A side/B side Year

Number

EU 7-102 A: Daudi Kabaka & Party A: Hard Work (Kazi Ngumu)

B: Nashil & Peter Tsotse B: Bush Baby Twist (Kinda Wamba Twist)

with the Rainbow Boys

EU 107 D Kabaka and E Talian Bachelor Boy Twist/Safari Tanganyika

EU 7-109 Nashil Pichen & Peter Tsotsi Tamaa Mbaya/Nakumbuka Adija

EU 7-114 Nashil Pinchen & Peter Tsotsi A: Kondakta (Make This Bus Go Fast)

B: Wote Wanipenda (They Still Love Me)

EU 7-117 Charles Sonko & the Banana Boys Kampala Twist/Heart Beat Twist

EU 127 Daudi Kabaka & Fadhili Harambee/Bibi Moupe

EU 7-128 Charles Sonko & His Party Alima Wangu/Kadogo Wangu

EU 130 Fadhili William Malaika/Hakuna Mwingine 1963

& the Black Shadows

EU 131 Fahili William Wee Jane/Tucheze Twist

& the Black Shadows

EU 7-133 Frida Sonko with Fadhili & Nashil Love Me Baby/Step Out, Lady

EU 135 Peter Tsotsi & Nashil Pichen A: My Brother Eaton (Mkubwa Wangu)

B: Super Girl (Msichana Mzuri)

7 EU 146 Peter Tsotsi & Nashil Pichen A: Goodbye and Farewell (Nenda Salama)

B: Waiting for You (Nakungojea)

EU 147 Nashil Pichen & Peter Tsotsi Sukuti Tribal Twist/My Cheating Wife

EU 149 Peter Nashil and Michael Mimi Watchman/Rudi Mamu

EU 7-160 Moses Katazza & Charles Sonko Pelusi/Omwana Atubuze

EU 7-161 Johnny Storm & Fadhili William Can't Believe It/Golden Ringlets 1965

EU 7-162 Peter Tsotsi & Nashil Pichen A: We Suzanna (Sweet Suzanna)

B: Maisha Ya Town (Life in Town)

7 EU 170 Fadhili William Umasikini Ni Mbaya/Alama Yanga 1965

& the Black Shadows

7 EU 177 Adolph Banyora and the Rafikis Kuna Warembo Afrika/Simu Yako Susana

JW 111/112

7 EU 183 A: M. Mlamba & D. Amunga Kenya V. Uganda

JW 135-36 B: Charles Sonko & Zuhura Kuna Shimo (Hole in the Bucket)

EU 7-184 Charles Sonko & The Equator Boys Ukuwaza Wewe/Mpenzi Usilie 1965

EU 186 Peter Tsotsi & Nashil Pichen My Queen/Pesa Chakula

EU 189 Masagaza, Sonko A: Tuzimbe Enjumba

and Equator Boys B: Lady, Don't Go! (Mukyala Togenda)

EU 193 Frida Sonko with the Equator Boys Aloja Omukkwano/? 1965

EU 195 Daudi Kabaka & George Agade Western Shilo/Helule Helule 1966

7 EU 199 Fred Masagazi & the Equator Boys Ndi Wuwo/Osenidda Okkola

EU 7-200 Tony Hinde & the Silhouettes The Jungle Twist/Tanzania Ngoma

EU 7-201 a) Tony Hinde & the Silhouettes Kenya Kwela/A Major In Twist

b) Jimmy Hamilton & the Silhouettes

7 EU 239 Fred Masagazi A: Advice to Lovers (Entanda Yomukwano)

with King Jazz d'Equateur B: Honour Your Parents (Okuzaala Kwa Kasandali)

7 EU 241 Fred Masagazi Kola Zizo/Okukula Kwetta

with King Jazz d'Equateur

7 EU 246 Gabriel Omolo & Blue Shade Band Ma Eloso Mogik/Maro Oketho Ugunja

EU 252 Fred Masagazi and the Equator Boys Tekinnuma/Walana Mukulu, Sosi Muto 1966

7 EU 263 Daudi Kabaka Msichana wa Elimu/Usinione Wivu Kijana 1967

JW 411-12 and Equator Sound Boys

7 EU 272 Gabriel Omolo Dhako Ok En Mususumba/Nyiego Hatari 1967

& Equator Sound Band

7 EU 276 Orch Melo Success Jeannie/Kasazi Kibondo 1968

EU 277 Orch Melo Success Prierre Du Matin/Kulo Osenge

7 EU 290 Peter Tsotsi, Nashil Pitchen Pole Musa/Mpenzi Ni Merudi

& Equator Sound Band

7 EU 295 Fadhili William Sitaki Matata/?

& Equator Sound Band

7 EU 296 Equator Sound Naftali/Nyar Konge 1968

with Ochieng Kabaseleh

7 EU 302 Gabriel Omolo Secretary Mrembo/Piny Yuak Ne Derepe 1968

& Equator Sound Band

7 EU 311 Nturibi; Kaumbuthu; Anjuri Kiss na Kimeru/Meru Yetu

7 EU 313 Nashil Pichen, Peter Tsotsi Tuachane Kwa Uzuri/Mzee Kasema

& Equator Sound Band

7 EU 316 Dominic Sentamu Banange Ndabye/Mwami Tonjoga 1968

& The Rhythm Masters

7 EU 317 Tabitha King'ori Thoguo ni Athire/Is It a Brooch? 1968

& Equator Sound Band

7 EU 318 Alphonse Billy; Lingomba Naye A: Bolingo Eleki Diamond 1968

(Love Is More Expensive Than Diamonds)

B: Lomamba Lokolo

7 EU 320 Ndagona & Onzere Kikombe Cha Chai/Ndi Luya Ndagona 1969

with Equator Sound Band

7 EU 321 Kabaselleh; Ochome Wach Awacha Japuonj/Nyiwa Makawuono 1969

& Equator Sound Band

7 EU 322 Daudi Kabaka Mirija Ka Mapenzi/Second-Hand Material 1969

& Equator Sound Band

7 EU 323 Frida Sonko and Nakimanya Wamma/Mwami Kyusako 1969

the Equator Sound Band

7 EU 324 Mike Kakande; Leonard Ndaula Lwaki Wenyoma/Toba nga Juda 1969

& Equator Sound Band

7 EU 325 Peter Tsotsi; Nashil Pichen Maria Umeshindwa!/"Judy: - Sukuma No2 1969

& Equator Sound Band

7 EU 326 Gabriel Omolo Argwing's Kenya Hero/Ng'ama Odak Kende

& Equator Sound Band

7 EU 327 L'Orch Amical Succes Katanga Eme Mwasi ya Sortie/Je Me Suis - Trompé 1969

7 EU 328 L'Orch Amical Succes Katanga Camarade Mabe/Margueritie 1969

7 EU 329 Thomas Abbasi, Edward Nandwa Mulimi Kwanje/Bibi Maringo 1969

& The Bottletops

7 EU 330 L'Orch Amical Succes Katanga Mabala/Libala ya Cecille 1969

7 EU 332 L'Orch Amical Succes Katanga Kiri Kiri Chérie/Maloba ya Papa 1969

7 EU 333 Benson Simbeye A: Ndifwa Pikungu (the Forest of Death) 1969

& The Equator Sound Band B: Kudumisha Musiki

7 EU 338 Peter Ndungu Ndari ya Gitio/Mbui Thome 1969

7 EU 339 Gabriel Omolo Ogwela/Adeya: (Sorosoro) 1969

& Equator Sound Band

7 EU 340 "Bandmaster" Mwangi Wakinyenje Ng'ondu - Irimbiru/Muthunguci 1969

7 EU 342 Davidson Kamwana Katarina/Kiamwama Wimenyerere 1969

7 EU 343 Benson Simbeye A Letter to Job/Maisha Yawawili 1969

& The Equator Sound Band

7 EU 344 Herbert Misango Unyonyaji/Wake Miamoja! 1969

7 EU 347 Peter Sikuku Owiro Pachoo/Jamer Oyuma 1969

and Equator Sound Band

7 EU 348 Mohomed Ali and Hi-Five Band A: Bal Soorpt Obah Lamotyiy 1969

B: Rihahog Asaridakoh

7 EU 350 Joel Kileges and His Group Matolas Sut Kitto/Tilongto 1969

7 EU 351 Davies Gichango; Nancy Waithera Uyu Ti Mucii/Wandigire na Thina 1969

7 EU 353 Nashil Pichen; Peter Tsotsi Nafa Na Maraba/Hata Ujirembeshe 1969

and Equator Sound Band

7 EU 354 William Ngosi Mwoshi Varende Vanje/Valina Valahi 1969

7 EU 355 Gabriel Omolo Tom Iwewa (Tom Left Us)/Gimoro Imanitie

& Equator Sound Band

7 EU 356 Nashil Pichen; Peter Tsotsi Twashea Mie na Polo/Sina Honda 1969

and Equator Sound Band

7 EU 357 Benson Simbeye A: Mapenzi ya Hatari 1969

and the Equator Sound Band B: Ndivembela Mchumba

7 EU 358 Tom Miti and Indasi A: I Wish You'd Never Been Born 1969

with Equator Sound B: Mshele Wakora

7 EU 359 Lawrence Ng'ang'a Kirema Thahu/Mwana wa Kahii 1969

and Godwin Muhindi

7 EU 360 Peter Othens Wajiona Mzuri/Abalosi 1969

and Equator Sound Band

7 EU 363 Daudi Kabaka Binadamu Ni Mbolea/Spare Tyre Sukuma 1969

and Equator Sound Band

7 EU 364 Charles Makwita, Joe Omondi Aketho Kindena/Jaluo Asili 1969

and Equator Sound Band

7 EU 365 Peter Muleli; Joseph Lijina A: Magari za Mukokateni 1969

and Navongo Success B: Nzya Mumbo Wanzeze

7 EU 366 David Keroe & Jane Njeri Mumo na Karara/Sichambio ni Siaka 1969

7 EU 367 Bernard Ayuya Chuo Duto Rom/Nyar Mara 1969

and Equator Sound Band

7 EU 368 George Mauliti and Samuel Kinyeki Susanah Mwendwa/Muchera na Mukundu 1969

7 EU 369 Bernard Ayuya Mapenzi Sio Biashara/Uwe Mchumba 1969

and Equator Sound Band

7 EU 370 Ernest Indasi and Navongo Succes Niabu kwa Vijana/Pingu za Maisha 1970

7 EU 371 Jacob Luseno and Navongo Success Masero Wakora/Mwana ni Shikhoyero 1970

7 EU 373 Navongo Success with Joseph Abasi Mchezo wa Sukuti/Siri ya Wanawake 1970

7 EU 377 Navongo Success Kwachi Style/Balina Mumbele 1970

7 EU 379 Abenda Siso Jarateng Majaratiro/Osiepna Mageno 1970

(The famous blind artiste)

7 EU 381 Bernard Ayuya Maisha Mapia/Usinihabie Unyumba 1970

and the Equator Sound Band

7 EU 382 Jacob Luseno Kali Imbeli/Mbula Mulimi 1970

and Navongo Success

7 EU 401 Dr. Adam Nyahone T.T.K. Rispa Atieno/Wawinjire Uru

and Equator Sound Band

7 EU 403 Edward Nandwa & Navongo Succes Sifa Kwa Kenya/Uweke Akiba

1000 series

7 EU 1001 Fadhili William, Mona Miller Malaika/Njoo, Honey Njoo 1966

& Equator Sound Boys

EU 1002 Benson Simbeye, Kivilila/You Went Away 1966

Blue Mtweve &

The Equator Sound Boys

7 EU 1008 The Flames Hava Nagila/Mod Trad 1967

7 EU 1112 Equator Sound Band A: Tom Mboya - Mtu Wa Amani 1969

(A-side listed as A Tribute B: Kenya Ya Milele

from Equator Sound)

BB series

BB 7-24 Nashil Pichen & Peter Tsotse Usiniringie Na Suti/Nairobi Twisti

BB 7-32 Peter Muleli and J.A. Sore Vijana Wengine/We Sala Wangu

RA series

RA 7-3 Peter Tsotse & Nashil Pichen A: Mulofa Moja (Poor Fellow)

B: We Mwatuma (Aah Mwatuma)

RA 7-6 Joseph Gitau & Fadhili William Nitwa Kugeithia/Haicia Bendera

RA 7-8 Peter Tsotsi and Nashil Pichen Ugonjwa Wa Mapenzi/Kenya Ya Leo

RA 7-12 The Jordan Boys A: Safari ya Chomogondai (North-West Journey)

B: Vipusa wa Kisasa (Modern Girls)

RA 13 Fadhili William & the Black Shadows A: Think First (Pesa Ipeni Heshima)

B: Taxi Driver

RA 7-22 George Agade and Peter Sikuku Bibi Wa Kwanza/Rose Na Kuamini

RA 7-23 George Ramogi and John Tuda Onguo and Obondi/Ogembo

Unknown series

7 CC 127 M. Mlamba & D. Amunga Ma-E-Wendi/Kweli Ulinaki

Equator International

7 EU 313 Nashil Pichen; Peter Tsotsi Tuachane Kwa Uzuri/Mzee Kasema

& Equator Sound Band

7 EU 319 Wilison Macharia; Nyambura Nikahitwo/Ndiri Daguruku 1969

7 EU 321 Equator Sound Band Wach Awacha Japuoni/Nyiwa Makawuono 1969

7 EU 322 Daudi Kabaka Mirija ya Mapenzi/Second-hand Material 1969

& Equator Sound Band

7 EU 336 George Agade Hasira ya Nina Mchumba/Evalina 1969

& Equator Sound Band

7 EU 345 Kabaselleh & Equator Sound Band Nyanam/Lek 1969

7 EU 346 Daudi Kabaka Kujisifu Ulevini/Kabnaka Says 1969

& Equator Sound Band

7 EU 349 Bernard Ayuya; Kabeseleh. Leo ni Ukumbusho/Kapenda Mwenyewe

Equator Sound Band

7 EU 352 Apuot Ochieng' and His Group Yona Omolo/Cyrilus Ojow

7 EU 355 Gabriel Omolo Tom Iwewa (Tom Left Us)/Gimoro Ematitie 1969

and Equator Sound Band

7 EU 362 Jacob Luseno, John Mwale Tsimbemba/Jane Wanje 1969

and Navongo Success

7 EU 372 Robinson Mwangi & Michael Njenga Wacoka Kenya/Kwanyu Ndigacoka 1970

7 EU 374 Gabriel Omolo Wuoro Omaka Mwgwana/Anna Go Ogada 1970

7 EU 375 Sylvester Odhiambo Chike Luo/Okelo Kadala 1970

and The Equator Sound Band

7 EU 376 Peter Tsotsi Eko Bernadita/Mimi Simutumwa

and The Equator Sound Band

7 EU 378 Moses Kataza; Frida Sonko Ndelema/Bwezza! Bwezza!

and Equator Sound Band

7 EU 380 Frida Sonko Naye Wampaki/Ye Gwe Wekka

and Equator Sound Band

7 EU 383 Michael Minya Usiamini Picha/Malako 1970

and Navongo Succes

7 EU 384 Fadhili William Jitu la Madaraka/Wacha Nikae Chonjo 1970

and The Equator Sound

7 EU 385 George Agade Mchumba wa Chati/Mijini Kuna Hatari 1970

and Equator Sound Band

7 EU 386 Edward Nandwa Onyo kwa Wahalifu/Wampigania Mrembo 1970

and Navongo Succes

7 EU 387 John Mwale and Navongo Succes Hakuna cha Bure/Ludya Wazia 1970

7 EU 388 Christopher Sebowa Namata Mama/Juga Box Special No 1 1970

and Equator Sound Band

7 EU 390 Adolph Banyora Msiwe na Roho Nyesi/Jiepusheni na Jela 1970

and Equator Sound Band

7 EU 391 George Bita and Podho Jazz Nyego Thirowa/Jany Somo Pogowa 1970

7 EU 392 Fadhili William Heshimuni Wazazi/Simple Soul 1970

and The Equator Sound Band

7 EU 393 Dominic Sentamu Nasimbwa/Omwagalwa 1970

and Equator Sound Band

7 EU 395 Harun Akwyanga Mwana Ariranga/Kanyonyi Kamavaha 1970

JW 721-22

7 EU 397 George Agade Maisha ya Mwituni/Mapenzi Hayanunuliki 1970

and The Equator Sound

7 EU 398 Ayuya Yanini Kujigeuza/Shemeji Mpuzi 1970

with Fadhili and His Equaphone

7 EU 399 Fadhili William Mpenzi Jane Umeumbika/Jambo Soul 1970

and The Equator Sound Band

7 EU 400 Joseph Lijina Muyanze Ndori/Shichirashii? 1970

and Navongo Success

7 EU 401 Dr. Adam Nyahone T.T.K. Rispa Atieno/Wawinjire Uru 1970

and Equator Sound Band

7 EU 402 Dominic Gaceru and Ruth If I Lose Your Love/I Will Be Satisfied 1970

7 EU 403 Edward Nandwa Sifa Kwa Kenya/Uweke Akiba 1970

and Navongo Succes

7 EU 404 Joseph Mukira and Lucy Gathoni Nguonire Ndahuna/Ciana Cia Riu 1970

7 EU 405 Madudou Samuel Mwana ya Burundi/Omesani na Bundumba 1970

and Equator Sound Band

7 EU 406 Segamwenga Omubi Yenange/Ndimunaku 1970

and Equator Sound Band

7 EU 407 Bernard Ayuya Watuvunja Mashingo/Urembo Nairobi 1970

and Equator Sound Band

7 EU 409 Mwangi Wakamundu Thina wa Kenyatta/Kieha kia Rwendo 1970

and Joice Wanjiro

7 EU 410 Zein and Party Zawadi Nzuri/Zimenizidi Fikira 1970

7 EU 411 Zein and Party Hayari/Mahaba Tamaa 1970

7 EU 412 Humphrey Eshitoole Amina wa Ethiopia/Nasononeka Dada 1970

and Equator Sound Band

7 EU 414 Makwitta, Ayiembo and Uholo Boys Mama Koro Oriti/Okana Wuod Odera 1970

7 EU 415 Ayuya, Kabeselah A: Tusishike Yanayosemwa 1971

and Equator Sound Band B: Uzee Ogonjua Mbaya

7 EU 416 Evan Wachira and Pamela Ni Muno Ciana/Muiritu Muthoni

with Equator Sound Band

7 EU 417 Kabeselah; Ayuya Pong gi Wiyi/Lunna-Pinyingima

and L'Orch Lunna-Kidi

7 EU 418 Alex Ogwe Kendi/Dereba Mar Gari 1971

7 EU 419 Charles Sonko Legeza Roho/My Kenia Beauty

and The Equator All Stars

7 EU 424 Adam Kali and Equator Sound Band Lipa Mpoko/Adui ya Mtu ni Mtu

7 EU 425 Charles Makwitta and Uholo Boys Anna Owino/Taabu Osiko

7 EU 426 Roy Achilo Paro Ndalo/Piny Masani 1971

7 EU 421 Robinson Mwangi and Rewell Gitu Riu ni Gukomba/Inyui Batchelor 1971

7 EU 422 Les Cinq Grands Nagai Mwasi Anita/Mwasi Natiaki Motema 1971

7 EU 423 Thomas Miti & Navongo Success Ajali Ya Rongai/Yepesa 1971

JW 777-78

7 EU 428 Matayo Oduku Maunga/Yekula-Eshivanga 1971

7 EU 429 Orch La Cloche Marie Okoluka Nini/Nakobongisa 1971

7 EU 430 Fadhili William Mpenzi Umenishinda/Usiniambie Utaniacha

and the Equator Diamonds

7 EU 431 Geoffrey Nsereko; Alphonse Billy Vva Kungaambo/Ggwe Wange 1971

with the Equator Diamonds

7 EU 434 All Africa Galaxie Yunia/Lucienne 1972

7 EU 435 All Africa Galaxie Bonne Annee 1972/Mibali Botika 1972

Other series

7 TV 16 Edward Nandwa and Jacob Luseno Samy Unalia/Natuma Salaam

One-offs

TAN 7-1 A1: Choir of St Andrews National Anthem of Tanganyika

College, Minari A: Two Choral Versions

A2: Choir of Princess Margaret

Training Centre

B1 & 2: Band of the B: One Verse and Chorus Only/Full Anthem

Tanganyika Police Force

In the late 1950s English expat Charles Worrod bought the assets of East African Records and by 1960 had launched Equator Sound Studio and with it the label. Its roster included many legendary figures of Kenyan music including Fadhili William, Daudi Kabaka, Peter Tsotsi and Nashil Pichen, as well as top Ugandan singers Fred Masagazi and Charles and Frida Sonko

The label is best known as providing the original version of Malaika by Fadhili William, later an international hit for Miriam Makeba and recorded by countless others, although controversy still surrounds the actual authorship of the song.

Equator also hit big by adapting the Twist craze for the African market and through the release of Kabaka’s song Harambee, which was played every hour after the news on Voice of Kenya radio for years.

The label folded in 1974 when Worrod left the country as a result of laws that barred him from running a business unless he became a Kenyan citizen.

September 2011: The University of Mainz’s African Music Archive catalogue has yielded more than 100 titles to add to this listing. They show that the catalogue numbers for Equator Records and Equator International overlap. I’ve stuck with the university’s attributions, though they may mean some of the original records in this discography that are currently listed as being on Equator Records were in fact released on Equator International.