Daniel Kamau Karanja popular in Kikuyu
Gospel, as DK Karanja is known for songs about everyday situations
people go through and God’s purpose in them. The songs soft,
prayerful melodic deliveries by Karanja is exactly what he asked God
for, when he knew he was called to gospel music.
Growing Up
Though he released his first album in
2007, as a young boy born in Nyathuna, Kiambu and growing up in
Narok, Karanja loved singing and also hoped to be a preacher. His
mother, quarreled him for his love of hitting anything metallic like
sufurias, milking buckets and kettles to create melodies. After 1992
tribal clashes forced them to relocate Kiambu from Narok he began to
sing. But it’s after, he got born again in 2000 he sensed he was
called to gospel music. His prayer to GOD was to sing uniquely and in
a way that would make HIM be honored by listeners.
Early Struggles and Influences
He got a job as a matatu driver and
saved money aiming to record one day. Money was hard to come and
getting shillings 20,000 to record was beyond him. He joined a merry
go round scheme where they saved money and got paid in turns Sh6000
after 30 days. In that time he listened to songs of other musicians
and correct mistakes he viewed existed. His aim was always to sing
from Godly conviction and will not for fame or money. “There is a
way GOD requires us to worship HIM, not all songs we sing to him
please HIM,” Karanja told Kikuyu Musicians.
Then he admired music by ND Githuka,
late Anastasia Karanja, Milkah Muthoni, Julia Lucy, Elizabeth
Nyambere and Njenga wa Cucu. “You can sense a touch of GOD in
their music it’s not something they were dabbling in,” observes
Karanja. He admired their songs that challenged people to live right
with GOD. Up to when he released his first album, Karanja learned
lessons on waiting on GOD. “A child can’t be born and eat
Githeri tomorrow there is a need for growth,” said Karanja. For
him GOD “delays” are vital to ensure we are not conceited after
getting quick blessings that can lead us to self destruction.
“Motivation shouldn’t be about money in gospel music,” he said.
Recording Debut Album &
Discouragements
When he was ready to record, he had
Sh6000 but the producer agreed to record him after promising to later
pay the rest. His aim for the album was to convey his musical
thoughts without interference by the producer. He released his debut
album Jesu Nyita na Guoko in 2007. The album was initially not well
received due to lack of radio airplay. “Acceptance for music in the
media is at times hard,” Karanja observes. He took his album to
Kikuyu radio stations around 10 times without any airplay. He even
got a painful verbal barb, from a radio presenter who called his
songs too mournful for radio. Another told him they had deleted them
from their database.
Nonetheless, Karanja soldiered on
without taking any hurtful statements personally. “Today I see the
presenter though he is ashamed I don’t have hard feelings,” he
said. The saving grace came through Skiza tunes by Safaricom once
Karanja got his music there, it became popular. Later, the media
picked his songs for airplay. “Skiza popularized my songs,” he
said. Through that he advises budding musicians to never give up and
be sure if GOD called them, the gift in them will flourish in due
time. He also urges them to not take seriously anyone who belittles
their GOD given musical gift. “So long as GOD who called You,
hasn’t told You he can’t help You, why give up,” Karanja asks.
He followed his debut album with
Ndakwambararia na Ngugoce album in 2009 which proved popular as well
as his third album Nii Ningwitheria. His latest album is
Mukunyururia whose title song has proved to be a spiritual anthem for
those in tough times and getting mocked. Its message is from the
story of the mocking Hannah endured from Peninah due to barrenness in
the Bible. “At times you require an enemy to get You out of
complacency and passivity and know what you lack,” said Karanja.
Composing Style & Piracy
When composing Karanja observes
situations (good or bad) people go through and GOD’s purpose in
them. According to him humanity suffers from common problems, in
lack one may lack clothes another food. From such he gets a message
first and then a melody follows. The Bible and Rhema word helps him
have a revelation of how to contextualize GOD’s solution in the
song for the listeners.
Though piracy has hit him, he has
managed to sell 0.7 million songs and albums. “GOD has favoured
me,” said Karanja. Piracy, Karanja says it won’t hinder him from
delivering GOD’s message to people in songs. “A mole can’t
stop a farmer from planting but those who feed their children by
stealing are cursed with them,” said Karanja. He sees piracy as a
blessing in disguise as GOD’s message reaches more people though he
loathes it.
Motivation in Gospel Music
From observing today’s gospel music
scene, Karanja is sad some people are in it for selfish motives like
greed for money and fame than glorifying GOD. “Be in it according
to GOD’s will only, the love of money is dangerous and makes people
kill,” he said. Though open to ministering internationally,
Karanja would shun invitations however lucrative whose motives are
not GOD centered. “I don’t sing to please people but if GOD is
honored people know HIM,” Karanja said. He recalls a person who
told him his music wouldn’t sell since it’s not too modern or
danceable but it never bothers him.
“There has to be a clear difference
between gospel and worldly music,” Karanja said as GOD looks at the
heart not the movements. These days unlike before, he is inundated
with invites to an extent he can’t keep up with them, but is
grateful to GOD for there were times they lacked. He markets his
music in crusades and churches. He also appreciates the role stations
like Inooro, Coro and Kameme FMs have had in making known his music.
“They even call to ask if we got new music,” he said.
Challenges and Handling Them
Challenges, Karanja says shouldn’t
faze us, as they are common to all, but leave us loving GOD more not
shunning him. “Problems mould you so that tomorrow you are not
prideful,” said Karanja. He has been in events where people have
told him he can’t sing and refused a chance to. Nevertheless music
is rewarding as his main source of livelihood and educates his
children. Through music he has begun businesses like construction of
buildings, hiring out public address systems and shooting videos.
Hope for the Future
In future he aims to expand his
business to create employment in his Stardan video and music production
company. His music is available in Simba Centre river road. He
encourages musicians to invest in other sectors as it not guaranteed
money from music will always flow. He urges people to know that GOD
thinks good of them. “Better the problems of today with promise of
a blessed tomorrow,” Karanja said. Of his 4 albums, Karanja’s
favorite is the debut, as its all where his musical journey begun.
“If we repent and follow GOD, HE will bring us to our vision,”
said Karanja. Karanja’s contacts are +254 725 592 168.
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