John Chege: From humble beginnings to producing Kikuyu Gospel Music heavyweights

Strongpoint Studios

Since 2004, John Chege of Strongpoint Digital Media in Rwaka, has distinguished himself as the go to, music producer among established and upcoming Kikuyu Gospel Musicians. To date by his estimation he has produced around 3000 gospel musicians. His production credits, has the who is who in Kikuyu Gospel Music like PJ Kongo, Jane Muthoni, Ann Kariuki, Carol Wanjiru, ND Githuka, Hezeh Ndungu, Dennis Mutara, Jeremy Damaris, Beatrice Wangui (Jordan), Solomon Nganga, Shiru wa GP and others. 

Early Starts and Musical Exposure

Yet for this soft spoken man, his early beginnings in life, music and eventually production were humble and required faith. Born in Kangema, Muranga, he relocated with his mom to Banana, Kiambu when he was 7 years. The relocation in 1985, exposed him to a church with instruments unlike ones he attended earlier in Rwathia village, Kangema. By 1992 on completing class 8, he began dabbling with musical instruments and gadgets like mixers at Restoration Victory Ministries Banana, where he attended. 

“Anything musical had a pull on me and fascinated me,” Chege recalls. That exposure enabled him to learn how to control solo and choir voices in a mixer. Also, as a self taught bass and keyboard player, he could detect when songs were sang on or off key. “God had placed me there for a reason, I realized later” Chege told Kikuyu Musicians. Controlling the instruments on mixers gave him an early idea on what a studio requires, to be fully functional. 

Early production forays

At one of the Church’s youth retreat Chege met Paul Mbugua, of Ndakinyite Beshrani fame, who informed him, on use of computers to record music. That realization, bugged his conscience and he thought of buying a computer and trying it, but could not afford one. Early 2004 with Mbugua tutelage in a small house he could barely afford rent of Shs800, in Banana, they borrowed basic recording machines. There, Chege recorded his debut album “Nikwari Mundu” on Job’s tribulations. He followed it up with a quick launch in April 2004, which netted him Shs37, 000. 

After paying all debts he owed like rent, he was left with Shs26, 000 and bought a desktop computer he uses to record to date. His foray to mainstream production and recognition began after meeting PJ Kongo who added to Chege’s musical knowledge. Chege had never studied computers formally, but learned to operate it by using his’ Bishop Michael Chege’s computer. Kongo introduced him to Fruity Loops music programming software. For 6 months he produced Kongo’s “Raha Ciathi” album in his home makeshift studio, using a church microphone plugged to an old cassette deck to capture vocals. 

Production Breakthrough

The song became a hit after Joe Rugano then of Kameme FM, played it after being impressed by its digital quality production. “Then it was rare for Kikuyu Gospel Music to digitally produced, most studios produced with live instruments,” recalls Chege. People who heard Kongo’s song, begun enquiring where it was recorded. “Musicians begun flocking to us, and always got shocked since they expected to find a huge recording studio, with pricy equipments,” said Chege. Since there was no recording booth they would start near the computer and sing. “If there was an interruption we recorded again,” Chege recalls.

Importance of Focus and Single Mindedness

Solomon Nganga followed and recorded his debut album ‘Ngai atua itua niegukurathima.’ Today Chege acknowledges Strongpoint Media is where it is, because of those humble beginnings. In growing his studio Chege admits its taken faith, focus and single mindedness. When he decided to be a producer, he closed a milk kiosk that guaranteed him some basic income, to focus all his strengths in the then, fledgling Strongpoint Media. “My mother thought I’d gone mad, since the studio didn’t earn me anything then,” Chege recalls he had unpaid rent arrears and ate food, at his mom's place. 

Still, his passion kept him going. A vital lesson he learned is the importance of avoiding distractions when pursuing one’s passion. “I feel we Africans, dabble in so many things at once, than focus on a single goal, and give it 100 percent,” he said. Even when initial outcomes of a venture may not be promising, Chege urges people not to quit. “I never gave up though I knew Capital required to start a studio is much,” he recalls. The story of Moses encouraged Chege, when Moses was asked by GOD what he had in his hand, when he had a rod. Chege is still attached to that computer he uses to date. “It’s only the screen I’ve changed and rather than lose it, I upgrade it,” said Chege sentimentally.

Chege attributes his success to prayer, honesty and GOD. “If I ever walk away from GOD that will be my downfall, God started this,” he said. Before an album project commences, they pray for it with the musician, and every morning before he starts producing. Also he listens to aspirations the musicians have for how their albums will sound like. “As a producer, I can’t stifle his creativity my role is to make suggestions, and correct errors if I interfere, I could stop the album being a hit,” said Chege. 

Producing Shiru wa GP’s Agiginyani

This is the way they worked on Shiru wa GP monster guitar driven hit album “Agiginyani.” Shiru came up with ideas for guitar; Chege sourced the session guitarist best fitting the album in Utukufu. He also ensured they were recorded to improve the song, not take anything away. His belief is, if he engages a musician in the creative process, they will all be satisfied in the final project. He remembers once, Jane Muthoni came with a song that had been recorded 4 times without her satisfaction. He listened to what she wanted, and recorded it once and she was happy with it. 

Production Philosophy

Each day in his studio he books one musician daily, so that he perfects the production and delivers on time. “If I do one great job today it guarantees me a future as a producer,” emphasized Chege. He is also a firm believer in peer consulting not being a know it all producer. Where he feels cooperation with a producer or an instrumentalist will improve the album, he engages them. That ensures every album produced is unique and doesn’t sound like another out in market. “At the end the musician is satisfied and listeners love what came out,” said Chege. To finish an album takes him 1.5 weeks, and he charges from Shs5000 onwards for each song produced. 

For the last 3 years, Chege has been working with students interested in learning music production from him. He also has enrolled to study music production at a college, having never studied it formally. He urges budding producers to learn to play instruments, as that way, they can easily spot errors in instrumentation and understand their coordination with vocals. This father of a boy and a girl also urges producers not to be driven by money. But focus more on moulding, even a least talented musician, to be a success and leave the uplifting matters to GOD. 

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DK Karanja: ‘Mukunyururia’ singer shares his passion for God in Music

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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Modern Kikuyu Worship Classics Songs

Carol Wanjiru

From time to time in Kikuyu Gospel, there comes along artistes who craft Kikuyu worship songs that take us into deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ. Some of the artists may not be famous but their songs touch us. For some it might be the only song(s) they are known but others they are prolific. Nevertheless let us celebrate them. We are not suggesting these songs are the only ones, If You know others kindly leave comments below this post. Some may not even have audio or video on Youtube.

Munduiriri - This is a song by Carol Wanjiru from Uthiru. This song was composed from her personal experience on a painful broken engagement. This prayerful song is basically about praising God regardless of your current situation. It praises God as the one who fights our battles. She also has other modern worship classics like Munguuri and Turi Uhore all worth a listen.

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Muhaturi – This is new song by a new artiste Freddy K. Its prayer and deep complemented by sultry female back-up vocals. This worship song is about GOD who is our rescue in times of our troubles. Freddy praises GOD as the one who is his rescue in times of troubles. It’s worth a listen when one feels discouraged or low in life.

Muguthaithi – This is a song by Mercy Ken. It’s basically a song on worshiping God day and night. Mercy Ken also thanks God for making her a worshipper. The song has been around for a while getting airplay from all stations like Inooro, Coro and Kameme FM.

Niwikite Magegania – This song by new artiste Sammy Irungu is currently ruling the airwaves. In it Irungu praises GOD for perfoming miracles that he even can’t explain. When Irungu performs the song even people who are seated stand up and worship their arms up in the air.

Kiriga – This is a song by the prolific, worshipper from Nyeri, Charles K Kingori, it’s from the album by the same name. In the song Kingori sings about the wonders of GOD that leave him in awe and wonder. Its message is borrowed from the old and new testament in the Bible. Kingori as a relatively new artiste in Kikuyu music has cut a niche of writing songs with Biblical messages. His trademark in his songs is the constant refrains in nearly all of the compositions. His other worship songs are Mahindi momu, Ngai Kihoti, Njamba ya Ita and his latest Ndi Murathime.

Hau Noho – This is a song by Mirugi Dishon of Matiribu fame. Of the songs in the list, this is one least played anywhere among the three stations of Inooro, Coro and Kameme FM. It’s what one would call an underground hit which Mirugi sings in churches or crusades. The song’s message is about waiting on God patiently without giving up. Its melody is driven beautifully by a keyboard and drums and faded guitar melody. It borrows heavily on Bible stories of Hannah and Peninah.

Nyitagirira – This is a wonderful song by Esther Muthoni based in the US. It’s beautifully produced and speaks about God being our refuge. In the song Muthoni speaks the song from Bible verses and the chorus is about God holding us up so we don’t faint or fail.

Moko Marathime – This is a song by Njuguna Gicheha also an actor in Kameme FM’s Micii ni Ndogo as Man Nyari. The song borrows heavily from the Bible story of Adam and Eve and their being expelled from the Garden of Eden. The song is about God blessing the works of our hands and whatever we do prospering as a result. Gicheha urges people to prophesy positively about the works of their hands. It’s one of the most requested songs.

Mutharaba: This is an old song by Pastor Isaac Kahura. In the song he urges the listeners to carry the cross of Christ without compromising regardless of the situations. He narrates a story in there about a man who patiently carried the cross without cutting it and was able to cross the river with it. Yet there was another who cut his cross to be lighter and couldn’t use it as a bridge to the river.

Mawiko: This is a song by ND Githuka of Ahiurania from the Mawiko album. The song is about God’s doings, blessings and His everlasting mercies. In it Githuka also sings about GOD who blesses everyone who pleases. The album also has hits like Dekapoli and Hingurira.

Jesu niwe Hitho: This is a timeless 90s worship classic sung by Geoffrey Wachira. In the song Wachira praises Jesus as his hiding place in times of turmoil. He commits to make Jesus his refuge and strength in all the days of his life. No audio/video available on Youtube.

Nii Nindiriirie Guguturira: This is a song by Milkah Wanjiru also of Nithengiu Ngai Wakwa fame. The song is about desiring to live for God all the days of life. In the song she prays to God to give her a heart that fears the Lord. It’s a worship song easy to sing and remember. Wanjiru based in Naivasha is not much known but her songs bless us.

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Leah Mercy Ngugi: From rejection to redemption and ‘uranyarara niki’ inspiration

Within Kikuyu Gospel Music the song ‘uranyarara niki’ (why belittle me) is a staple in Kikuyu radio stations and has become a spiritual anthem to encourage those whose hopes are dashed by life’s trials and tempests. Yet if anyone was justified from a young age to give up on life, it was the songstress behind the song, Leah Mercy Ngugi.

Early Life Rejection

Leah was born to an unwed mother in Londiani Division Kericho County, over twenty years ago. Her mom conceived her while in high school, Form 2 as a result her well off, educated family due to shame she had brought expelled Leah’s expectant mom from home. Her mom reluctantly went to stay with Leah’s biological dad until she was born, but they separated later.

Frustrations got better of Leah’s mom and she saw her young daughter as reason why her future got destroyed. As a result by the time Leah was 7 years, she experienced lots of psychological and physical abuse from her mom. “She had no ill will but frustrations she got from parents were directed to me,” said Leah. Her mom also married another man and had children. The new step father to Leah, unlike her mom was “friendly” to her, but his intention was to sexually abuse her. It got so bad; that Leah was almost raped by her step father, at age 10.

Fearful of telling her mom since she would be beaten up; her only option was to run from home. She took refuge at a teacher’s home studied and worked as a house girl. Her relief was short lived as her mom came for her, beat her and urged her to leave home and get married. Surprisingly at school, regardless of domestic troubles Leah was academically brilliant and used to be number 1 or 2 in Kericho district at exams. Teachers were lenient on her due to her tough family issues and never punished her when she got to school late.

Fleeing home

With life at home unbearable, Leah travelled to Karatina by lying to get transport there. Getting to Karatina and stranded, a lady about her business noticed and approached her. Leah told her he was waiting for a lady who had promised to employ her as a house girl but couldn’t locate her. The lady gave her a house girl job at her house where besides being beaten, she was overworked and had to draw water from a well and irrigate land every morning and evening. The torture was too much that she fled and lied to get transport to Nyeri.

Homelessness

For two days in Nyeri, she wandered hopelessly and at night, slept in public toilets and bathrooms. By the 3rd day, she had not eaten. She went to a hotel called Munyaka and saw a youthful man on a table by himself. Hungry she gathered courage and told him she was hungry. The man ordered food for her. After eating she poured all her life frustrations on her. It was odd for her since in her life no matter, what she went through she never told anyone. Though the man was startled at first by her story, he broke out laughing. The man told her it’s no big deal and it’s normal to be chased away from home as he had also been chased. Leah got encouraged and saw it as normal to be chased away.

The man offered her a “home” to stay and told her there are others like him who had been chased way. Leah agreed and the man Njoroge later insisted he call her dad.

Living with Gangsters in a Cave

The man took her to a cave hidden in thickets by River Chania minutes away from Karatina town. The cave had thin mattresses, clothes and 5 other men. He introduced Leah to them as his daughter and organized for her, to be getting breakfast, lunch and supper at Munyaka Hotel at his expense. He used to give her money to buy mitumba (second hand) clothes at markets in Nyeri. For Leah, the cave was the best place she had lived. She considered it home since she had been in worse off situations. “I got to sleep without fear and I was happy,” said Leah.

Every evening they left and told her they had jobs of loading dry maize to trucks. They returned in the morning with wrapped up bhang. Leah was given the task of sorting seeds from dried plants. Then she didn’t know it was bhang. When they smoked it, they told her its medicine to treat their brain disorders. They also forbade her to smoke it by telling her if she did, she would be sick like them. But Within her she sensed something was amiss with the men but she was naïve to point it out.

Guns also used to lie around the cave but she had no idea what they were. “I’d never watched TV but I wondered what those were,” said Leah laughing. One day as she wandered around Nyeri she saw a policeman with an AK-47 gun similar to what she saw at the cave. Days later as she wandered in Majengo area a shoot out broke out between thugs and police. To her surprise one of the men involved was a man who lived in the cave. The police apprehended him by shooting his head and foot. Leah ran back to the cave crying and told Njoroge one of the accomplice had been shot. She was scolded by him and asked where she learned that was a shoot out.

Njoroge laughed and dismissed the shoot out as street play. She was warned if she saw that happen again she should run back “home.” He also enquired if she had been followed but she wasn’t. She was also warned never to ask about that particular shot uncle again she never saw him again. Another day as she went to a show in Ruringu stadium after Njoroge gave her Sh200 she bumped into another shoot out. Another of the robber Gichomo in the cave was shot and arrested, Leah never saw him again.

She ran back home with questions on their lifestyle. When she told Njoroge he was livid and insisted to her that was another street play not a shoot out. They were eliminated gradually. The third thug disappeared only Njoroge her “Dad” and Kamau were left. One day when her “Dad” was out Kamau attempted to rape her, she screamed and Kamau told her it’s only a play. She ran out crying into the thickets it brought recurring memories of her step Dad attempted rape years earlier. Luckily Njoroge arrived and asked her “my child why are you crying” when he saw her.

When Leah narrated her near rape ordeal, Njoroge her “Dad” had a physical confrontation with Kamau and stabbed him. Kamau screamed at Njorge “why do you want to kill me over a child You don’t know. “ Njoroge who led the gang threw his belongings out of the cave and expelled Kamau. “I think bhang made them very angry, Kamau left bleeding,” said Leah. The turn of events stressed Leah and at night she seldom slept due to fear. She left the cave and ran off to Mahiga market at evening as she stood there, stranded a lady saw and approached her.

Leah lied to her she was waiting for a Mama Wanja who had promised her a job. All ladies with that name were called and she said it was neither of them. The lady, decided to take her to be a house girl for her daughter. She was around 12 years and the lady who employed her, treated her well. After two days she went looking for Njoroge in the cave and found him washing his face in the morning. Shocked, he asked where she had been, Leah told him she got a job and was well treated. She took him to a neighborhood where she was employed. Satisfied Njoroge allowed her to stay there.

Njoroge - Gangster and Father Figure

One thing about Njoroge “Dad” that left an indelible mark in Leah’s life to date was despite Njoroge being a thug he counseled her on never to steal and to be obedient. “That man was my dad and mom,” recalls Leah. Every evening he came to check on her or at times in the morning. He would whistle and she would come out to avoid being discovered by her employer. She nevertheless discovered and but thought it was Leah’s boyfriend. Around that time Leah learned from a lady friend that in Nairobi there were better job opportunities.

Coming to Nairobi

She came to Nairobi alone and ended up in Kawangware. As she wandered about a lady who knew her from Londiani recognized her. She led Leah to her uncle’s place living in Kawangware. She worked there without pay but later got a house girl’s job at friend of her uncle’s. The lady of the house paid her Sh1200. She was overworked sleeping at 1am and waking up at 4am. She also at times never ate breakfast or lunch and supper was in rations. One day during street skirmishes in Kawangware she took a different route and ended up in her uncle’s home. She narrated to him all she went through.

Her livid uncle told her to stay but she insisted to go back for her belongings at her employer’s home. Going back to pick her stuff the lady threw Leah out. Afterwards, she had a change of heart on realizing the diligence Leah had when she worked did for her. She cried and begged her uncle to allow her but to no avail. While Leah still worked there, from her savings she would buy curtains, mitumba clothes and resell them. God blessed her with another house girl job that paid her Sh2000.

Early Business Beginnings

Not long, the owner who was a widower got so impressed with her work caring for her kids and great housekeeping and gave her a raise of Sh500. Since she had lots of free time, she noticed that across the street where she lived was a club owned by one of her employer’s brothers. Her employer allowed her to open a sausage stand next to it which she ran in her free time. The stand flourished that she opened another one and employed an attendant. Then she was 17 years and quit her house girl job.

Business Flourishing and God’s Favor

Her budding business of selling mitumba and curtains flourished that she rented a one bed roomed apartment for Sh5000 and later one for Sh9000. She then moved her business to Kahawa West. In 2007 she released her first album ‘Tigai gutua thakame ya Jesu Mai’ She got connected to the music industry through Murimi wa Kahalf of Momo fame who her customer. Later she met Trizah Wambui who was back up vocalist for ND Githuka’s Kahii CD and also backed her. She released her second album in which didn’t do well and a follow up Swahili album titled Unaweza in 2009.

Release of Uranyarara Niki Album

Album Launch @St Andrews

However Uranyarara Niki her 4^th album, brought her to fore of Kikuyu Gospel Music receiving much airplay in Coro, Inooro and Kameme FM. It was launched in April 14 2013, at St Andrews University way an event which Jeremy Damaris was MC. The song’s inspiration came after she got a lift in a vehicle owned by a friend who wasn’t willing to give it to her. By the time she got home she had the whole song worked out. She didn’t think much of the song even when she presented it late to Dede Records producer as album filler. When the producer heard it, he told her that is the main song. Her preference and one she thought would have impact on release was titled thimu ya Ngai (God’s Phone line).

Album Airplay and Impact

When she took the song to Kameme FM PM Squared opted to play Uranyarara Niki though Leah wasn’t convinced the song was a gem. Wanjiru wa Mbugua (Dere Supa) from Coro FM also preferred the song as well as Man Simo of Inooro FM. The song ended up becoming a monster hit and the album has so far sold 25,000 copies. “I thank God for uplifting me yet there are so many musicians’ songs never get airplay not because they are not good,” Leah told Kikuyu Musicians.

Reconciliation with Mom

Looking back at her life so far, Leah glorifies God for covering her in all she went through. Though her mom rejected her she has never hated or had grudges at her. By time of her passing in 2011 they were best of friends. “Though she tortured me, she made me get to where I am today,” says Leah. Her mom got born again and was her intercessor until her death. Though her mom asked her for forgiveness later Leah never bore in grudges against her. “She would pray and fast for me for days,” remember Leah. “I think God took her because I had turned her into a god and stopped prayed,” she adds. For her even if she is offended she forgets and moves on quickly. “I think it’s a weakness,” Leah says laughing.

Sharing Story at Kameme FM

When she shared her story on Kameme FM with presenter Rachel Wa Kuria the morning of launching ‘Uranyarara Niki’ album several suicides were averted. After the show 10 people called to tell her they were on verge of suicide but stopped and to date they still call. One case that struck her was of a lady who had already mixed up poison but opted to take it after listening to her story. She didn’t kill herself and ended up born again. Children were also reconciled with estranged parents. When she shared her story at Kameme FM she was surprised by the reception since to her, her life was ordinary. “There are people who have gone through worse, than me,” said Leah.

Life’s Lesson

From her life’s lesson she pleads with people to know for every trials and difficult times, there is a reason and God may have them there to usher one to destiny. Also living with Njoroge the gangster made Leah realize, God doesn’t have to use a Christian to help You. God uses worst of characters to be a blessing to a person like HE used Njoroge. “God also likes humility and out of that he will give You a testimony,” said Leah.

On Njoroge her Gangster “Father”

Looking back at the one year she spent in the cave under his care, Leah reckons God must have put an angel in the soul of Njoroge. This considering that Njoroge cared for her like a father to a daughter when he wasn’t obligated to, if anything Leah thinks, Njoroge could have done the worst to her if he wished, but didn’t. Looking back to her young life it’s now she notes the many risks she was under. She used to pray and that to her that was ordinary life even sleeping in public bathrooms.

Counselor

Her unfilled wish is to meet Njoroge and thank him. She has gone back severally to trace him in Nyeri to no avail. Since they parted when she came to Nairobi, Leah has never seen Njoroge again. “If I was to see him he would be my dad and best friend,” Leah says. Today she is a counselor to schools, couples and churches. She is also a building contractor who has helped musicians like Wakabura Joseph, Solomon Nganga and Loise Kim in their real estate building ventures.

Supporting Kikuyu Gospel

To support Kikuyu Gospel Leah has paid studio time for budding gifted gospel musicians who lack money to produce without ever asking for a refund. She however laments that gospel music today has become commercialized and more entertainment. According to her, when albums are being sold they need to be accompanied by preaching. “If one soul is saved there is more blessing,” said Leah.

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ND Githuka: ‘’Ahiurania’ hit-maker shares his faith and passion for worship music

As a young boy growing up in OlKalou, Nyahururu, in late 70s and early 80s, ND Githuka, the Kenyan Kikuyu gospel giant behind hits like kahii, mawiko and the latest ahiurania remembers singing. He treasured a visitor who passed by their home with a radio cassette as he got to listen to music. His earliest musical inspirations then were Julia Lucy, the late Milka Muthoni, and later Hezeh Ndungu, Geoffrey Wachira of Jesu niwe Nitho and Joseph Mwaura of Muthini wa Ngai fame. 

 

Early Starts

Prior to being born again in 1992, Githuka treasured godliness, reading the bible and attending Sunday school. “I think that drew me to sing gospel,” Githuka told Kikuyu Musicians. He loved wisdom for living songs sung by Kikuyu Music veterans like the late Francis Rugwiti and Timona Mburu. “I admired their composing, musical arrangements and messages in the songs,” said Githuka. However as he grew up he identified more with Kikuyu gospel music, in particular songs by Joseph Mwaura. 

 

After completing high school and failing to get sufficient grades for university where he wanted to study to be a doctor, Githuka got a teaching job, at James Gichuru high school. He taught Chemistry, Maths and Biology for two years. His desire was to gain admission to Medical Training Center but the plan collapsed as well. Instead in late 1991 to mid 1992 Githuka was admitted to a police college and after completing his course was posted to Gilgil, anti-livestock theft unit as an officer. In Gilgil he got born again and somehow felt his musical gift begin to grow within him. 

 

Any singing doubts he had, were dispelled after Githuka attended a meeting by Evangelist Teresia Wairimu in Uhuru Park grounds in 1994. She preached on going for the extra and released a prophetic word towards the side Githuka was, in the crowd. The word was, some in the ground were called to be worshippers yet are not singing yet songs being sung in gospel music were written in 1940s. For Githuka, that grasped his spirit to an extent that the following morning out of nowhere, messages and songs came from within him.

He started composing and by 1995 released his debut album ‘Tua Itua’ while still a police officer. The album sold 700 cassettes and he admits there were challenges in producing it. As a naive start up musician, he didn’t know where to record but Joseph Mwaura guided him to a studio and shared tips on the recoding process. Still as Mwaura was busy and couldn’t guarantee to supervise him record all the songs, Githuka was left at the mercies of the studio staff. He recalls recording one song and after it was done, was informed it needed backup singers to be better. However since recording technology then could not allow adding of back up after one sung it got spoilt. 

 

Lull in Recording

With those lessons learned, he recorded his second album Decapoli in 1998 and did fairly better than the debut selling 3000 cassettes in two years. It was then Githuka felt something in his music was not working. He took a break from music to research on production and to grow spiritually. He dedicated himself to prayer and reading the word of God. “I kept myself busy writing songs, polishing them and praying for God’s perfect timing,” Githuka told Kikuyu Musicians. In the spell away from music in 2001 he composed Kahii and finished it. 

Leap of Faith in Kahii release-2005

In 2005 an inner voice from God prompted Githuka to record his third album. “The voice was diving and powerful,” he adds. Then he worked in the police as a telecommunications engineer a course he pursued in the police force. He also recalls the voice telling him his work as an engineer was nearly done, as he was called to be a worshipper. With those spiritual confirmations, Githuka approached a recording studio without money. “All I had Sh500 in my bank account,” he recalls smiling but he had unmovable faith. 

 

When the studio inquired from him, how he would pay, he told them His father in heaven would write him a check and clear the money once it matures. Githuka was adamant it was God’s timing. The people he shared with on his recording project gave and lent him money. In total, the amount spent was Sh150, 000 to record and shoot the videos. When Kahii album was released in 2005 its fame spread like wildfire after getting first played in Inooro FM (where he took the album) other Kikuyu radio stations like Kameme and Coro FMs picked it. It brought Githuka to the fore of Kikuyu Gospel Music. 

 

Later Kameme gave him the first interview. Kahii success ensured Githuka even repaid those he owed money even before their set deadlines. In a short while title song Kahii was known worldwide. Githuka recalls a non Kenyan Pastor, from Australia who somehow came across the album, and called him to ask permission to screen the song Kahii to his congregation. The pastor informed him though his flock can’t understand Kikuyu language, the song and video was powerfully inspirational. People in Athens, Japan and Saudi Arabia were also calling to compliment him. “Yet I have never been to those places and people don’t understand the language,” Githuka said. 

 

Composing the funny 'Ahiurania'

For Githuka, his composition process is unique for every song. He gets melodies and messages when resting, driving or in everyday life. He normally saves his ideas to polish them later. He remembers composing Kahii and Mbara almost seamlessly. In every composition the Bible guides him. His latest humorous monster hit “Ahiurania” (swindlers/cons) is a testament to that. Based on Psalms 55, the song is based on real life experience Githuka has lived through and at pains to narrate.

According to Githuka, he has had an experience where close family members or friends borrow money and promise to pay back but never do. “People who swindle You are not strangers, you even attend church with them,” said Githuka. Inspiration also came from Githuka, observing corrupt institutions and how they rip off Kenyans. The songs sum the solution to such con schemes as God when we pray for him to deliver us. He composed Ahiurania in 2010/2011 though the album was released this year 2013, and has so far sold 50,000 copies and due for launch June 9^th at St Andrews University Way entry free.

Combined he estimates to have sold almost half a million of all his albums in original copies but confidently estimates he could have sold 10 million but for piracy. He markets his music through wholesalers and distributors around Kenya or moves it in cars around estates.

Githuka views gospel music as a ministry requiring leading by the spirit of God and sustained by the word of God. Walking in humility is vital as its God the gift giver. “Once You know it’s the Lord who exalts You won’t exalt yourself but seek to be humble like Jesus as you seek to mature to his nature,” said Githuka. He adds that Jesus is the model of humility as He washed His’ disciples’ feet and we should mirror him.  

Such drive pushes him to perform without charging a coin as he reckons no one can pay for a God given gift. “The levels I have reached I seek to be a blessing and to bless others,” said Githuka. Freely You have received freely give to bless God’s people is his philosophy. Still he is thankful fans buy his music via Skiza tunes which enables him to continue in the music ministry. 

 

Stand Out Ministry Places

To date among the places he has ministered through music, Githuka remembers a crusade in Jabet Area in Marmanet, Kenya where he got there late at 7pm. As he sung, 2 stars in the sky moved and stood on sky above them. After finishing the song Kahii he did an alter call and 28 people gave their lives to Christ and kids were spirit filled. The meeting run up to 10PM yet people wanted to continue. He also recalls ministering in Kagio and Kiamutugu where smoke filled the room. “There was heavy anointing in those places,” Githuka adds. 

 

Future-Worship Teacher

As a passionate worshipper Githuka aims in the coming years to establish a school of worship along Thika Road to equip worship leaders and grow their gifts for years to come. He currently mentors upcoming gospel musicians like CB Sir. He is of the view that, in Christian music there is nothing like a gospel artiste; rather it’s a gospel minister in praise and worship. “What angers me is seeing a music ministry not winning souls to the kingdom, as it should like other ministries do like evangelistic, apostolic, pastoral and teaching,” said Githuka.

The father of two confesses there are people who after listening to his music called, asking to be born again and he leads them on phone. Afterwards he does follow up and connects them to the nearest churches so they can grow spiritually. For his public performances he uses playback to limit on expenses brought about by use of live instrumentation. He dedicates himself to composing though he admits he almost learned guitar but someone denied him an opportunity.

Though open to performing in the diaspora fans in outside countries he follows the Biblical Mandate in the book of acts of reaching his Jerusalem before going to Judea.

You can contact ND Githuka on +254 720 257 550 or kikuyumusicians@gmail.com

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