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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Martin wa Janet: On musical journey anchored in perseverance amidst turmoil

Tough beginnings in life don’t necessarily mean the ends will be painful. That rings true for one Martin wa Janet 30 years, whose journey to the pinnacle of Kikuyu Gospel Music has been rife with challenges, self doubt, mocking and faith amidst hopelessness. All that has shaped Martin to fully depend and trust in GOD, at all times regardless of the pain through seasons of life.

Early Life

Known for inspiring hits like Nituririkanitwo and Nitumwinyihire with Obedi, life for this turbaned man (mkorino) began in Kihiu Mwiri, Muranga County. He attended PK primary and secondary school up to Form 3 where personal problems forced him to drop out. Hazy about what to do in life, he left Muranga for Kiambu and was housed by Mama Jane. He joined a local akorino church Africa Mission Holy Ghost headed by Bishop Ezra Njoroge where he played drums with vigour. 

In his teenage years, Martin, spent almost 4 years jobless in Kiambu but got a job in a hotel in downtown Nairobi around 2003, where he earned Sh100 daily. The hotel job proved a challenge for his slight frame, and one day the excessive heat in the kitchen caused him to vomit. The hotel owner reprimanded him and Martin begged him to give him one more month. He became a waiter but waiting hassles proved tiring he worked less than 3 months and quit. He also lost his beloved mom that year.

Trials as Matatu Conductor

A man who had a matatu noticed Martin jobless and loitering Kiambu town and offered him a job as a conductor for Kiambu town route 100, a job he did until 2008. As a conductor he desired to sing and after work composed songs but lacked recording money. “My heart was in music,” recalls Martin. He was influenced by fellow akorino gospel musicians like Sammy Nene and Hezeh Ndungu.

As a conductor, wearing the akorino white turban he experienced lots of trials. He recalls a time while hanging on Matatu door his turban accidentally fell off, and a passenger asked him sarcastically asked him what was that, that fell off his head. Also being a born again Christian donning a turban, traffic police loathed him, as he never due to his faith gave bribes. One police got so irritated at Martin’s refusal to bribe that he pulled a turban from his head and threw it to the vehicle. “It was hurtful and being a born again conductor I encountered many problems,” recalls Martin smiling. 

Working with Dennis Mutara

As fate would have it, as a conductor he met famous gospel artiste Dennis Mutara who sold oranges near a supermarket in Kiambu in 2006 while dabbling in his budding musical career. Then in 2008 Mutara released ‘Ngai angikiuga Niukugia’ album which he distributed around Central Kenya with a public address system. Martin joined his distribution entourage and they would go to crusades and open air market to sell them. Martin with funding from Mama Jane recorded his 7 track debut album ‘Ngai niwenjire Githima’ which was played intermittently on radio. 

Still to get the master CD from recording studio took him 3 months to raise sh15, 000. He followed it up with ‘Mwarie ciugo cia Ngai’ and ‘Ngai Tutumire Mundu’ both received limited airplay and acceptance. In 2009 he recorded ‘Mwathani Tuonerie haria tugutheremera.’ 

Breakthrough to Mainstream

Through his albums he got invited to lead akorino ‘kigooco live’ praise in 2010 every Sunday 5am to 6am at Inooro FM at Muturi wa Muiru’s show Kimuri Kia Inooro. For two years He pounded the akorino drums for an hour and sing. Eventually he got invited by Evangelist Lucy wa Ngunjiri to lead praise in crusades by her Beyond Boundaries Ministries. With 6 albums to date ^th album Jehovah ni Muthamaki both played prominently in Kikuyu FM radio stations. 

two songs that brought him prominence are Nituririkanitwo off his latest album and a collaboration with Obedi ‘Nitumwinyihirie’ off the 4

Challenges in Music

To get the recognition he has today Martin admits it’s been hard and he questioned his musical ability and God’s will in his life in the song (Ngai Niwe Niwanduire Mwariria) album 4. He recalls going to major events and selling only two CDs and getting arrested by the city council while hawking his music on a small radio. Potential customers also made false promises to buy his music. One moment that left him shattered, was when he accompanied Mutara to Nanyuki. Martin carried 300CDs for the event and by day 3 had sold 5 only for Sh500. Broke and worse off than he came, Mutara bailed him out by paying for his accommodation and food as his CDs were selling. 

Disappointed, on the last day Martin stood on stage and announced “I want to know if it’s my music you hate or don’t have money,” he decided to sell them at half price of Sh50 to get fare. Travelling back to Kiambu from Nanyuki he felt disappointed but realized maybe GOD’s time had not come. “If GOD has to lift you up, you will be tested by fire so that you are full of revelation,” observes Martin.

Besides lack of money for recording, Martin says getting his music recognized was hard. Having realized there are hundreds of thousands of Kikuyu musicians he knew for his music to reach masses, GOD would have to intervene. “If you are unknown musician you get ignored at events but work hard on your craft and leave the rest to GOD to uplift you,” says Martin. 

First Radio Airplay

Getting airplay in Kikuyu Radio stations wasn’t easy and he savors the moment in 2008 when his song ‘Niwe wenjire Githima’ got played first time on air at Kameme FM. “I felt reborn, reinvigorated and thanked GOD for it,” said Martin. According to Martin one can spend lots of money on recording but what matters is GOD’s favor and prayers. “You can write a song it gets lots of airplay but if GOD doesn’t open the ears of listeners to love your music, it won’t be accepted or bought,” he said. 

Composing Process

When composing Martin reads the Bible for revelation and connects the message to everyday life people go through. It takes him a day or over a month to perfect one song depending on subject matter he focuses on. For the Nitumwinyihirie with Obedi he wrote the chorus, and Obedi wrote most verses, a process that took 6 months to complete the collaborated album. The tune according to Martin comes naturally as he gets the lyrics. Besides the Bible he values listening to sermons as they provide him with songwriting ideas. To produce 1 album costs him around Sh100, 000 with Video shooting included.

Advice to Budding Musicians

His advice to budding gospel artistes is to go into it if one is sure it’s the call of GOD so incase an album flops you soldier on. Otherwise an artiste driven to gospel music for money gets disappointed if his first album flops. He also advises one not to enter music because of a wave. Personally Martin has observed people who sold a cow to record because they saw a neighbor record and be successful. He observes such end selling the CD”s to family or close friends and go back to the village broke and disillusioned. Though piracy has hit him he estimates to have sold almost 100, 000 of his albums VCDs included. 

Notable Shows

Martin has sung in notable shows for Kameme FM thanksgiving at Kirigiti stadium Kiambu, Inooro FM road shows and at book launch in KICC attended by Kalonzo Musyoka. But for a visa denial he was to perform in California accompanying Evangelist Lucy Wa Ngunjiri. The father of one says the key to being lifted up by GOD is by singing from revelation to give hope to the listeners and humility before GOD.

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Ngaruiya Junior: from a rebellious drug addict to King of Kigooco (praise)

In recent years, 30 year old, Ngaruiya Junior has established himself as Kikuyu Gospel music’s go to praise leader earning him the nickname King of Kigooco. He has revived traditional Kikuyu gospel praise songs by putting instruments on them and re-establishing their mainstream popularity. So popular are the songs, they have eclipsed his original compositions. His new album is Jehova Nitwaguthaitha will be launched at Dominion Chapel Ministries, Kiserian September 15^th 2013.

Early Life

Today in any event Ngaruiya leads praise; crowds are revived when he sings the Kigooco songs like Jehovah Mwathani, Mwathani Wakwa, Wi Mutheru Gocai Ngai Witu and Paul andikiire Kanitha. Though passionate about GOD today, Ngaruiya early life growing up in a Pastor’s home was laden with drug addictions, street life and rebellion that led him to quit school at class 6. Born in Kwambira, Limuru, Ngaruiya went to Kimiriru Primary School and at an early age got into bad company.

Wrong Company

They vandalized toilets, stole fruits from farms and even stole from churches including his father’s tithes and offerings. As a group of 4 boys’ money the stole was spent wastefully on eating mandazi’s. Later Ngaruiya was caught by his Dad and church members and spent two days in police cell. He was released on promising he would go back to school. Getting home, he threw his school uniform in a pit latrine and ran away from home to Nairobi to be a street boy. “I never lacked anything, my parents always provided every to my every need,” recalls Ngaruiya.

Street Boy and Addictions

That begun a downward spiral of addictions to bhang and glue and eating from garbage dumps. Life in Nairobi streets was hard, and Ngaruiya briefly returned to Limuru environs and begged food from people. Addictions also took their toll and Ngaruiya and the boys made Kikuyu Cemetery their home and slept there. For the 6 months he run from home, his parents reported him missing. “I’d hear on radio they were looking for me,” Ngaruiya told Kikuyu Musicians. The turning point came when he learned his aunt from Kimende had died and attended the funeral. At the funeral he was unrecognizable with his dirty street boy clothes, he saw his granny from Subukia he loved, and approached her.

Path to Redemption

The granny told his parents and through her, begged Ngaruiya to come back home. He promised only if he would be allowed to relocate to Subukia with his granny. The parents obliged and gave his granny money for clothes and provision. It was at Subukia, the urge to go back to church arose. He joined a Full Gospel Church, incidentally attended by a Kikuyu gospel duo called mother and son. He began singing with the church’s youth group after apologizing for his past misdeeds.

“People loved my singing,” Ngaruiya recalls and being mature he was asked one day to preach at a youth event. After preaching 40 people got born again, when he asked to be prayed for salvation 20 more people were born again. Life at his granny’s in Subukia consisted of Ngaruiya in casual labor of digging at other people’s farms. Later he got employed at Subukia Posho Mill which increased his visibility in the community, in addition to being active in Christian youth groups. “We used to sing in crusades, churches and funeral wakes,” Ngaruiya recalls.

Debut Album

Through those connections he got employed by a Pastor in Nyahururu to lead praise and worship in his church for Sh1000 a month. Though the pastor loved him, the wife hated Ngaruiya and even denied him food. “It was a hard life I used to go without food until the next salary,” he said. By close of 2000 he had saved some money to record his debut album ‘Jehovah wi Ngai Munene.’ He had also reconciled with his parents and his Dad, Harun Ngaruiya, who chipped in to help Ngaruiya record it in Nairobi.

He moved back to Nyahururu stayed a while but went back to Subukia at his granny’s. In those two places he managed to sell over 500 copies in 3 months. “I’d sell in crusades and in village funeral committees,” said Ngaruiya. Doors opened, and when popular gospel musicians like Hezeh Ndungu visited Subukia Ngaruiya performed with them. He later relocated back to his parents in Limuru.

Connecting With Anastasia Karanja

With Nairobi in proximity, Ngaruiya got connected to his musical mentor the late Anastasia Karanja of ‘Ino Ngoro’ fame. She mentored him spiritually and taught him to sing. Through her, he got invites to sing where she ministered like Keshas (overnight prayer vigils). To increase his reach, Ngaruiya also looked at newspaper obituaries to know who had died. Even without having known the deceased he would request presiding ministers to let him sing a song loved by the dead persons. Pastors obliged and he would sing and never charge anything. Several trips like those made Ngaruiya known.

Singing in Funerals

By the time Kikuyu radio stations knew him, he had already established himself in gospel music in Central Kenya. “Strange I got know from singing in maombolezi (funeral wakes),” said Ngaruiya. With Anastasia they founded an overnight prayer vigil called My Night with the King. Later on with KK a minister in Coro FM they started a church from the Keshas. Of his 10 albums so far he has 5 with Kigooco classic songs produced to capture the modern musical sound with guitars.

He also has done an original worship album ‘Jehovah ni Twaguthaitha.’’ He admits to love traditional Kigooco songs due to their longevity and their ministering influence never wanes. His advice to budding musicians is patience not expecting instant success. Mingling with people to increase talent exposure is vital according to Ngaruiya. Though piracy has hit him hard Ngaruiya sees it as a blessing in disguise as it increases his music’s reach. “If piracy hits You, know Your product is good don’t give up,” he observes.

Composing and Elevation to Prominence

When composing he gets a tune and message in tow. “It’s hard to explain, but it comes from GOD,” he said. His gifting has enabled him to sing for big shots in government like current President Uhuru Kenyatta he considers a friend. Internationally he has performed in Uganda and will perform in UK in December 2013. He aims to widen the reach of his music internationally in Africa and beyond. He is active in social media like Twitter, Linked In and Facebook and MCs events like weddings.

Importance of Prayers by Parents

Looking back, Ngaruiya admits he could not be where he is, were it not for his parents’ encouragement and persistent prayers when he was a delinquent. He advises young people to avoid drinking or drugs as they will ruin their futures. Having been a Pastor’s Kid (PK) Ngaruiya cautions church members to pray for their pastor’s families and homes, as the Devil targets them much, to destabilize Pastors from doing effective ministry to congregants. ‘Menyithia Mwathani Mathina Maku’ (tell Christ Your problems) is a song he wrote when he passed through troubles. In the song he prophesies to himself that he will be rich and out of those troubles. “I am doing well today,” he chimes in with a smile.

Mentoring Budding Musicians

Today he performs over 10 shows in a weekend and mentors over 10 budding musicians. Some he mentors include Uncle Ken wa Koimbi, CB Sir and Sammy Boy. Any budding musician he comes across Ngaruiya first establishes if he is forcing the musical talent or not. If he senses it’s there he takes him to the best studio. On recording he advises them before submitting the record to radio stations or an audience to listen first. “If it doesn’t make you happy, it won’t make a stranger happy,” he cautions.

Humility is also key to success “love GOD, walk humbly, pray and GOD will exalt you,” Ngaruiya said. For a man who wished to be a Kenya Power engineer he says now his heart is at home singing gospel music.
You can contact Ngaruiya on www.facebook.com/pages/Ngaruiya-Junior-Na-Mafans/243532435720466 or via email ngaruiyajunior@yahoo.com or juniorngaruiya@gmail.com 

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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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Musaimo wa Njeri: Kikuyu music legend still rocking on

Interview @ Mbiri Super Studio

Since he hit musical fame in 1983 with ‘my dear kwaheri’ Simon Kihara popularly known as Musaimo wa Njeri has recorded almost 200 songs and forever etched his status as a Kikuyu Music legend.  Yet, were it not for troubles he faced early in life he would have ended up an architect as he wished.

Early Starts

From a young age growing up in Kangema Muranga, Musaimo was drawn to music and loved listening to songs by Baraka Mwinshehe of Tanzania, Dr Nicol of Congo and fellow Kikuyu Musician DK Kamau.  “I desired to sing like them,” he said.  As a youth in 1979 he campaigned politically for the late minister John Michuki who gave him Sh5000. By then due to lack of fees after high school he became a casual labourer and stone mason like his Dad. Every cent he earned he saved.

Still Musaimo composed songs as a hobby with Mwalimu wa Gatanga a friend.  The first song they recorded was on ugly looks ‘Njungi ya Kiruka’ in 1981 with their savings but unfortunately it didn’t hit.  He continued composing and among those songs, was ‘My dear Kwaheri’ which when he wrote he didn’t think much of it. He sang it casually at his house in Dandora. Friends who eavesdropped on him singing it convinced producer Waweru wa Maingi late brother to Wahome wa Maingi another Kikuyu Musician to produce Musaimo . As he remembers, finding producers even then wasn’t easy.   

Breakthrough

“It was an instant hit,” Musaimo recalls.  The song’s success gave him access to kikuyu musical giants like Kamaru from whom he learned the band organisation.  He owed the song’s fame to musical experience he got studying at St Theresa School in Eastleigh.  Under tutelage of Father Arnold Grol the school had all musical instruments and Musaimo taught himself to play the guitar.  After mastering it, he bought his own for Sh40. This irked his dad as guitars in the 1970s were associated with rebellion. Still the guitar enhanced his musicianship by using it to compose.

Simon Kihara aka Musaimo wa Njeri

In early 1980s, he formed Mbiri Young Stars band with backup musicians like Kimani Thomas and Joseph Wamumbe from Gatanga famed for producing many Kikuyu musicians.  When ‘my dear kwaheri’ song hit they loved to be associated with the band.  The song is about a lover’s letter to his girlfriend after leaving her to work abroad makes Musaimo view his composing style as prophetic. 18 years after the song release Musaimo performed in the UK for the first time. While there he narrated that anecdote to his audience who were amused by it.

Composition Style

For him a song's melody comes first, then adds a message and records it. For a song to be timeless Musaimo says the message and original melodies are key. He cites his hit song ‘chai wa 14’ as an example. Since he recorded it in 1990, it’s still requested in his shows. His songs themes revolve around lost love, life’s troubles or people. “Songs today lack longevity,” he said.  

He observes troubles musicians experience makes for deeper messages in songs especially those like him who came from humble backgrounds.  “There is no pretense,” he said.  Musaimo also observes playing instruments among musicians today is a dead art. When recording, he plays lead, rhythm and bass guitars. This he adds aids to his composing.

Western Influences

 Like his Western Country music contemporaries like Alan Jackson and Don Williams, Musaimo loves when his songs are accompanied by guitars. His latest songs ‘Chugio ni maisha’ has country music flavor to it while a 1990s monster hit ‘Mwigerekanio’ has a heavy rhythmic bass guitar lead. He composes a song in a day or two then works to improve it in weeks following.  His 1994 award winning hit album Combination took six months to finish. Technology has made his work easier than as he uses electronic drums in studio, saving the manual ones for live stage performances.

Though he runs Mbiri music shop Musaimo admits today its shows that sustain him.  Per show in Kenya he charges around 30,000 and in a month he may have 5 to 6 shows especially in festive periods. “The more your hits the more the invites,” he said. He also gets international invites in UK, US, Canada and Australia attended by over 500 people charged at $25 per head by promoters.  

When on those shows he plays ‘mugithi’ hits in addition to his own music.  “It leaves them so nostalgic about home,” Musaimo said. Overseas he carries his Ovation guitar and programmed drums as carrying instrumentalists would be expensive.  He values to play his music live than with CD accompaniment to retain some of its core authenticity.

Piracy

Though most of his classic songs are famous he admits piracy has hit hard compared to when he started.  In the era of gramophones he sold 30,000 ‘my dear kwaheri’ albums.  However with advent of easy to copy media like CDs and cassettes, album sales have dipped.  “You sing a hit and end up with nothing,” he observes.  He estimates from his almost 20 albums without piracy he may have sold even half a million copies.  He also notes only paltry royalties are paid to them by Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), even after all the airplay his songs receive on the media.

Music Pays

Nevertheless, he is grateful music has enabled him make a living to educate his children.  His daughter named after his mother Njeri scored straight A’s in her 2012 high school final exam.  “Everything I own is from music,” said Musaimo sentimentally.  Musaimo, advices budding musicians to learn composition and write music that gives advice not corrupts or is shameful. “Know your audience and dancers in your songs shouldn’t dress provocatively,” he said.

Strumming a tune on his Ovation Guitar

Mentorship

In over 30 years in Kikuyu Music, Musaimo has mentored and first produced now famed musicians like Hezeh Ndungu, Joseph Kariuki wa Kiarutara and Warukemi.  He urges Diaspora fans to buy original Kenyan not pirated.  Among Kikuyu Musicians he is the first to have his music in SoundCloud and Apple’s Itunes platform and admits he earns from it. “I’m much updated on latest music technology,” he said.  His band has a website www.mbirisupersounds.com and also shoots his music videos through his own Interco Studios. To produce an album he charges Sh30, 000 and to shoot music videos it’s Sh40, 000.

Awards

His musical efforts for this Kikuyu Kenyan guitarist have won him awards from MCSK for his Combination album and Kisima awards in 2005. He aims to enlarge his production capacity and start a media school to train students interested in music and media production. Musaimo can be contacted on his email mbirisupersounds@yahoo.com .  His studio is in Sheikh Karume road in River Road, Nairobi.

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