The orutu is a one-stringed fiddle native to western Kenya, especially amongst the Luo community.
The term also refers to a genre of music in Kenya which involves this instrument. The instrument is also a central part of the benga musical genre, with the band Kenge Kenge Orutu System being the most prolific users of the musical instrument.
This musical instrument is played a bit like a violin but has a different, more African sound to it. It is accompanied by drums and singing, but these instruments are not very popular as most of Kenya is quite poor and not many have the money to afford the lessons of music or even afford the instrument. There aren't many teachers of this instrument either.
Hold still
Don’t move I say
Wilt thou hear
My elegy
Head high
Preserve my pride
I shall defy the gallows
I and you and me
Well we just don’t know
What love can do
I pledge to you
That I won’t deceive
The heart that’s mine
As here I sit
I vow
Your history does not
Perish my love
The shame
Will be mine for a
Scarlet woman thou art
I and you and me
Well we just don’t know
What love can do
I pledge to you
That I won’t deceive
The heart that’s mine
Dead from the grave
We’re all slaves
To what we’ve got
Love
Is been through
The door