Njuguna Gicheha: Fanning the flame of Kikuyu Gospel Music

The Man Gicheha

In Kikuyu radio stations’ playlists ‘hurutira mwaki wa roho’ and ‘moko makwa’ rank among the most requested Kikuyu gospel songs. Yet the towering man behind these powerful, encouraging groovy songs, John Njuguna Gicheha admits musically, he hasn’t yet scratched the surface in spite of having recorded 8 albums to date.

Early Musical Starts

From a young age, growing up in Gatukuyu, Gatundu North, Thika County Gicheha desired to sing and music was inherent in him. “I’d listen to a song on radio and sing it again,” he said then, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) had the only radio station. He carried on his musical pursuits to high school where he learned to play the guitar. After high school, he joined Kenya Polytechnic to study Graphic Arts and Print Management course which he admits parents selected it for him.

While in college in 1998, Gicheha desired to record music, and the opportunity came through a former classmate who introduced him to a producer he worked for. After he sang the producer sensed his talent and signed him without charges. The arrangement was, after the album was released, they would share the proceeds. Looking back, Gicheha admits the contract exploited him financially. Nevertheless, he released his first album called “Ngoma aroiga mehia metwo maendeleo.”

The debut album gave him a name in Kikuyu music scene but little money to show for it. “I was naive to the workings of music production,” Gicheha said. In KBC’s Kikuyu Program segments, its songs were played and he got invited to sing on KBC TV’s Joy Bringers Program. The experience he had with the producer made him opt to produce his next album in 2002. In the nearly 4 year away from recording he joined a gospel band which matured his voice and musical abilities.

Musical Inspirations

The Musician

As a born again Christian, his music ideas are inspired by GOD’s power, preaching and His Biblical Word. He is also careful what he listens to. “If you listen to garbage your output will be it,” said Gicheha. He also believes a musician ought to live and believe what he sings. He cites the song ‘Hurutira mwaki wa roho’ (fan your spiritual flame) whose inspiration came after observing how when cooking ‘Githeri’ (maize and beans), one fans the fire until it’s cooked. The album’s message resonated with many listeners and has sold almost 20,000 copies to date.

He composed it from a spiritual perspective. “Whatever vision you have in life you got to fan it until it comes to pass,” observes Gicheha. He uses his guitar to compose melodies but some come randomly to his mind. “I could be walking and a melody comes,” he said. In such instances he records it with his phone. He also listens to diverse African music genres from regions like Congo, West Africa, South Africa and Western Music. Still he considers African music as very rich.

Gicheha musical influences have been Joseph Kamaru, Wahome wa Maingi, Gregory Isaacs, Lucky Dube and others. From these tastes, it inspires tunes in line with his musical vision. Over a time period he crafts the tune, chorus and stanzas by meditating, singing but not writing them down. When satisfied he records. “I prefer a random process of composing its fresh,” said Gicheha.

Take on Music Piracy

In his years in Kikuyu Gospel Music, money has never been the motivator considering piracy is endemic today. He cautions budding gospel musicians not to venture the industry with a business mindset or they risk disappointment. “It’s a ministry and sometimes your investment, may not correspond with your output and you can give up,” said Gicheha. He says relying on GOD’s faithfulness is the key to longevity in gospel music, knowing in due time you will be compensated by Him.

Consequently, piracy doesn’t keep him awake at night if anything, he sees it as a blessing in disguise as his music reaches more grassroots folks. To Gicheha, music pirates are thieves God will punish but prays for grace to continue in gospel music, regardless. “They can’t stop me from attaining my vision which I’m drawing near to,” he said. His vision is to sing his Kikuyu gospel music internationally and believes music regardless of dialect is a universal language. “I will spread the gospel through my music to encourage many diverse races of people,” he said.

As a largely self taught guitarist, he sings live or via playback depending on resources where he is invited to perform. Nevertheless, he loves live performances due to their authenticity. In all his recordings, he plays the guitar riffs in them. The person who taught Gicheha to play guitar was in a hurry and drew the C Chord on a paper. From that, Gicheha learned by practicing for two hours daily.

Acting Career and Challenges

Emcee and Musician

Since class 6 Gicheha has acted. He appears in Kameme FM’s popular radio play ‘Micii ni Ndogo’ as the eccentric Nyari, Citizen TV’s Machachari and KBC’s soap opera Rosa. He also Emcees events and every weekend he is booked. “Some I turn down,” he said. He urges Diaspora fans to invite him for shows to support Kikuyu music industry. “So when we come back we have money to record more,” He said. “Our language one of the greatest in Africa,” added Gicheha. 

In Kenya, Gicheha’s two most defining shows have been at Harrison Nganga’s CFF Church and ACK Gachie Church where he performed with fellow musician Kamau Karongo. Per invite he makes from Sh10, 000 to Sh60, 000 and admits music pays his bills and lives comfortably. 

 

Other challenges Gicheha has faced in his music career have been getting his videos to play on Kenyan TV stations. “But people love my music and I thank God,” he said. He also guides budding musicians by directing them to the best studios for recording and assisting them in the process. You can reach him on his email johnnjuguna.gicheha@yahoo.com or call him on +254 721 340 901

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