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| Ritho Ria Tha |
When Kikuyu songs are released and
receive airplay, there are those that are instant hits but others lag
behind in popularity. For every ‘mabataro’, ‘mwigerekanio’
‘ahiurania’ song there are three others equally good to be
classified as sleeper hits. These songs are unknown largely due to
the singer not being a household name like Githae, Musaimo or ND
Githuka. We profile some of the songs and their writers below. Some don't have Youtube videos but can be found at Simba Centre River Road, Nairobi.
Ritho Ria Tha: This is guitar driven pop song by the relatively unknown Peter Muiruri with a
dominant, vibrant rhythm riff that adds passion to the song. The
song is an anthem for those dubbed in Kenya as ‘’safaras’’ or
hasslers in informal sector like mkokoteni (rickshaw) pullers or
shoe shiners. In it Muiruri acknowledges if God doesn’t intervene
in his efforts he won’t be blessed and be rich enough to one day
buy a house in Buru Buru Estate.
Andua Aria: A great groovy
gospel song by another unknown Jane Mumenya. This song has a catchy
bass line and lead rhythm guitar very well produced. Its message is
about people who walk and wait on God never grow faint or weary.
It’s an uplifting song that uplifts downtrodden spirits and lifts
one up.
Gikuu kia Nugu: A gospel song by unknown Sovinga wa Bibiana an underground artist in River Road
Nairobi. He collaborates on this hit with Muigai wa Njoroge. Like
any Sovinga’s song this requires keen listening to understand its
cryptic wisdom for living message. At a snapshot the song theme
centers on the saying that when death is near for a monkey all trees
are slippery.
Megutha: A song by family counselor and Pastor JJ Gitahi off his album ‘Kinyaga Mbere.’ In
the song Pastor JJ Gitahi sings about the love of GOD that compelled
him to follow Christ without resisting (megutha). Part of its
message is drawn from Matthew 8:20 of foxes have holes. Its simple
yet profound and played with strong lingala influence.
Andu Marekanire: This is a song by Ndindiko wa Waithaka of the Githingithia comedy fame. This is an
apology and asking for forgiveness song by Ndindiko. In it Ndindiko
apologizes to former girlfriends he had promised to marry and anyone
he wronged. He acknowledges his earlier years naivety as the reasons
he committed all those wrongs.
Mwihodotoro: An original song by the King of Mugithi Mike Rua. This is a relatively unknown song
but is actually quite catchy. In a snippet of the song Rua thanks
the person who first gave him a guitar for free when he could not
afford it. He chronicles his early musical beginnings and in chorus
urges a guy to stop complaining and eat vegetables called managu in
kikuyu and sleep. The song is worth a listen if only for its
combative vocals and great rhythm guitar playing.
Wikore: A gospel and wisdom for living song by Muigai wa Njoroge. This is anthem for the downtrodden
struggling to make ends meet. Drawing on his own poverty past Muigai
urges listeners to trust God in their sufferings as one day they will
be exalted and be rich. The song has some nice vocal harmonies,
keyboards and a background guitar riff it’s mournful but makes for
a beautiful listen.
Tiga Niwe: One of the best sleeper kikuyu gospel hit song this 2013 by Beatrice Wangui aka
Jordan. Once You listen to its message, You will understand why it’s
a divine tearjerker. Its production is exquisite and the message by
Wangui just acknowledges God goodness and faithfulness. In it Wangui
sings if it were not for GOD she would not have been born again. It’s
off her new album Kiambiriria.
Hau noho: A gospel song by Mirugi Dishon of Matiribu fame off Mirugi’s new album Matiribu. In
the keyboard driven song, Mirugi urges Christians to be patient and
wait on GOD. It draws on Biblical stories of Hannah and Peninah.
Korwo Ngai: A song by Wakabura
Joseph. He chronicles his difficult beginnings in life the pain and
suffering he went through to get to the pinnacle of Kikuyu Gospel. He
urges the listeners to not quit when GOD is molding them to eventual
greatness.
Githaa: A song by John Muchira
a wedding MC from Kirinyaga County. The song is well produced and
encourages listeners to wait for GOD’s perfect timing only. He
acknowledges GOD is never late and is always on time.
Iremithia: A gospel song
by an unknown Helen Wagio. In the song she prays GOD to remove
obstacles hindering her from accomplishing her lifelong goals. It’s
an uplifting anthem that lifts ones spirit to look to GOD as their
source.
Gachomo Foreman: A song by Njuguna wa Lucy produced by Studio Sawa. This is wisdom for living song about a Gachomo character who worked as a building foreman. He used to swindle the company he worked for and steal money from builders working under him. Gachomo had such a big ego that he tied his trouser in high waist. Unfortunately luck run out he was caught fired became so broke that today he operates a beat up puppet near Shooters Githurai and receives coins from well-wishers and passersby incidentally he hated coins when he was a foreman.
These are not the only songs we
consider sleeper hits. There are other sleeper hits from unknown
Kikuyu artistes. If you know a sleeper hit from an unknown musician
comment below this story or interact with us on our social media
pages below.
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