Dennis Ombachi and Musa Keys’ African adventure: crossing borders through food

In a delightful culinary adventure, Dennis Ombachi, also known as The Roaming Chef, teamed up with South African singer and record producer Musa Keys to serve netizens a soulful plate that highlights the best of African cuisine. 

In the latest episode of Ombachi's cooking reels, the duo cooked up a storm, showcasing the rich flavours and traditions of their respective cultures.

Ombachi drew inspiration from Kenyan and South African staples to create a hearty meal featuring kienyeji chicken and ugali, commonly known as road runner or hard-body chicken (umleqwa) and pap. 

The self-taught chef complemented this dish with mrenda (imfino or morogo) and kachumbari (shatini or raw tomato relish).

“This chicken curry is more than just flavour. It carries all family traditions and history,” Ombachi shared, recounting how his grandmother prepared the meal.

Although the dish is prepared slightly differently in each country, it resonates deeply in both South Africa and Kenya, illustrating how Africans share similar tastes in food and music.

“That’s the beauty of culture. It comes wearing different masks, yet underneath, we are all the same. In the end, whether it's ugali or pap, it means we all have food, we’re all speaking one language, sharing the same African dream and destiny,” Ombachi explained, describing the significance of his meal. 

“Minimal ingredients but cooked with love and patience. The table before us felt like a map of home and home away from home. And just like his music, these flavours crossed borders without a passport, stitching cultures together one plate at a time,” he added.

The cooking session sparked a lively discussion among netizens about the differences and similarities between Kenyan and South African food.

Here’s what they had to say:

@yoloh_mcclain14 commented: “We are truly one people❤️.”

@rngonyi remarked: “As a Kenyan living in Namibia, that comment of pap vs ugali is too real 😂.”

@thabangmolaba_ expressed: “Love this. 🤝🏽🙌🏽😅.”@evamodika shared: “I’m hungry right now 🔥.”

Umleqwa, also known as hardbody chicken or road runner chicken, is a traditional South African dish popular in Xhosa and Zulu cultures. 

It refers to a free-range, home-reared chicken that is older, resulting in tougher meat and stronger bones compared to commercially farmed chicken.

Pap is a staple in many African countries, especially South Africa, made from maize meal or corn flour.

It can be cooked to a runny, soft or stiff, dough-like consistency, depending on the amount of water and maize meal used.

Known as ugali in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, sadza in Zimbabwe, it is often served with stews or other proteins like chicken or beef.