Kisumu town's entertainment spots fell silent yesterday as music enthusiasts mourned the death of yet another Benga icon, Nelson Ochieng' Mengo. 

Known to his peers and admirers as "Dr Nelly", Ochieng' died on Wednesday at his rural Kabondo home, Rachuonyo District, after an illustrious entertainment career spanning several decades.

The death caught the music fraternity by surprise sincemany people did know he was ill.

Some of his best numbers include Sabina, Ondiek Chilo and Piny Luorore .

Family sources said Mr Ochieng', 51, had been ailing and died as he was about to be transported to Kisumu for specialised treatment.

Kisumu town's Hillbrow Centre, where his Orchestre Victoria Jazz band has been pulling in benga enthusiasts, was yesterday swarming with mournful crowds.

"We have lost an icon, an educator and entertainer," said Mrs Susan Olago-Aluoch, the Hillbrow proprietor who had contracted Nelly.

She added: "Dr Nelly was one of the few remaining benga musicians who played the music of purpose. It's a big blow to the music industry." 

Mrs Olago-Aluoch said Ochieng' was a practical and level-headed family man. "He used the proceeds from his work to care for his family. We were very proud of him." 

Loved for his Zilizopendwa (old hits), Mr Ochieng' joins a long list of benga artists who have died in the past five years.

These include George Ramogi, whose C.K. Dumbe Dumbe band trained many musicians.

Others are Elly Otieno Okatch Biggy, founder of Heka Heka, George Ojijo, Ochieng' Kabasseleh and 'Dr' Collela Mazee.

Mr Ochieng' joined many bands but his turning point came when he joined Ramogi, with whom he recorded many numbers.