African Fans Mourn Dolly Parton's Death

African country music stars and fans are mourning the death of Dolly Parton this week. They told NPR they related to her background and her ballads about rural hardship.

Esther Konkara, a singer known as "the Kenyan Dolly Parton," said Parton's songs spoke to her experience growing up in a semi-arid, dusty Kenyan village. The 39-year-old explained that singing about rural American life resonated with many Africans from similar poor, rural backgrounds. She believes this connection explains the love for country music in Kenya.

That love is now formalized in an annual Cowboys and Cowgirls Day festival. Kenyans and international fans wear western clothing and dance to country music. Elijah Manyeki, who owns a popular Nairobi store selling cowboy apparel, organizes the event.

Manyeki told NPR the whole continent is in shock. He is holding a candlelight vigil and barbecue in Nairobi for fans to remember Parton.

Connection Across the Continent

The connection extends beyond Kenya. In Nigeria, musician Ochiora Okogeri, who performs as The Country Man, also feels the loss. He said Parton sang about love, heartbreak, simplicity, and humble beginnings. Okogeri stated these themes are very relatable to most Africans, calling her songs down-to-earth.

Dressed in a Stetson and cowboy boots, he covers Parton's songs. He says his Nigerian audience has a clear favorite. "There was so much soul and truth in her songs, particularly 'Coat of Many Colors' when I sing in Nigeria there is always a very open reception for it," he told NPR.

Surprising Admirers and Collaborations

Parton's appeal in Africa reached beyond dedicated country fans. In South Africa, she counted former President Nelson Mandela as an admirer. The anti-apartheid icon was particularly fond of "Jolene." According to fellow inmates, he would ask for it to be played over the loudspeakers at Robben Island prison.

Decades later, the song found a new interpretation. The Ndlovu Youth Choir recorded a version in 2020, adding lines in isiZulu.

Parton herself collaborated with South African music legends. She worked with the a cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo on her album Treasures. The group's leader, Sibongiseni Shabalala, recalled first meeting "Mama Dolly" in 1995. He described it as a very happy session and said she was a lovely, easy person to work with.

They also performed a rendition of Bob Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" together. Ladysmith Black Mambazo last saw Parton in 2018 when they performed at her theme park, Dollywood. Shabalala said her legacy of beautiful music and support for everyone will live on.