Salim Young: On growing up in Salim musical family and future hopes

Laban Kinuthia Salim who goes by the stage name Salim Young, is a scion of the famous guitar playing Salim family from Subukia, Nakuru. The family is largely credited with introducing to Kenya, the concept of playing One Man Guitar or Mugithi in entertainment spots accompanied by a drummer. The Salim family has produced the likes of Salim Junior, Mighty Salim, Sarafina Salim and now Salim Young.

Early Musical Starts

This family of eight with Salim Young born in 1990, the youngest of brothers was introduced to music by their Dad, Salim Senior, today a Private School Entrepreneur and Instrument’s tutor in Subukia. Like his singing siblings Salim Young was inspired by Dad who sang gospel. Contrary to popular belief, neither of his family members were Muslims due to the name Salim. Their Dad chose to be addressed by it as he wanted a name without many people. “We all now use it as our surname, it stuck,” chuckles Salim.

Early Musical Influences and Guitar Practice

Besides the Dad, Salim Young was was inspired by music of the late great Sammy Muraya of Subukia Success band. “That man’s songs inspired me a lot I remember seeing him when I was younger,” recalled Salim Young. Then Salim Junior worked at Sammy Muraya’s studio in River Road. Salim Young recalls picking the guitar and learning to play a tune when in nursery school. To learn he tapped what his Dad and elder brothers taught him, but admits to perfect his skills has taken dedication and discipline.

Studying in high school Salim Young awoke at 5am and before going to school practiced for 30 minutes. Their home due to their Dad’s musical inclinations had instruments like an accordion, keyboards and a recording studio. “I accessed the guitar at a very early age,” Salim Young recalls. That exposure, research and practice aided him to learn various guitar chords and styles growing up in Subukia.

Producer and Session Guitar Player

Today Salim Young plays Mugithi and on tracks of other musicians like his sister and band mate Sarafina Salim. He also plays keyboards, bass and lead guitar and has done production at Kuruga wa Wanjiku’s studio. Though still budding in music, Salim Young admits One Man Guitar shows pay his bills though they pay less. They have also formed a band with his elder Sister Sarafina, and perform Mugithi together with him, playing lead and rhythm guitar.

Debut Gospel Album and Performances

Now on cusp of releasing his first self produced gospel album, ‘Tondu wi Hinya’ Salim Young is studying Business Management and Entrepreneurship online so he can juggle the recording. Though coming from a rich background of One Man Guitar and Mugithi players, Salim Young admits being drawn to gospel music due to his mother’s godly influence, from a young age. Still on weekends, he performs at Trotters Club in Kenol , Muranga but has performed in Mombasa, Karatina, Banana and Manyatta.

Though not yet complete, ‘Ngatho’ one of the songs in the album done in Chakacha style is receiving airplay at Inooro FM. But Salim Young expects Tondu wi Hinya and Nindoka Mbere Yaku tracks to impact more once released. Having been a committed member of Subukia Town Baptist, Salim Young admits has impacted his creativity. “I think I do gospel music better than secular,” he said.

Composition Style

Salim Young composed the songs by observing people’s lives and trials they go through. The title track Tondu wi Hinya came by watching how people complain to GOD they got no shoes, yet there are those without legs to wear the shoes. ‘Nindoka Mbere Yaku’ was a personal repentant prayer song to GOD for straying away by doing things that may have annoyed HIM. The tune for songs he says he got them from GOD’s revelation and always prays for that. “I can be asleep at 3am and a tune comes to my brain, and I wake up and record it on my phone,” says Salim Young.

Salim Young’s Production Philosophy

For the self produced album he played all guitars in it. But consulted his Dad and seasoned producers in Leemax and Studio Sawa to gain extra production skills to apply in his album. Salim Young believes in producing albums with instruments being played than programmed and loves performing live. “Live music is richer with more creativity without monotony of programmed bass lines,” he said. To him, music needs to incorporate the unique richness and playing style of a keyboardist, guitarist, bassist and vocalists. Though optimistic on his debut album, piracy possibility nags him, but wishes the government was more proactive in fighting it.

Future Optimisms

That however has not stopped Salim Young, from being optimistic about the future and hopes to create music that’s heard beyond Kenyan borders if well produced with top notch technology. “Quality music rich in messages and well played instruments even if people don’t understand the language they will buy it,” he said. Challenges to getting to that level according to Salim Young, remains production expenses, elite recording equipments and instruments. So far his debut album has cost him Sh50,000 to produce. “Yet I can’t release it until I feel its quality my fans will appreciate,” said Salim Young.

To The Fans

To the fans Salim Young says he is just beginning and should be patient and anticipate the music he is set to release. “Once released they will understand who Salim Young musically,” he said. He is grateful to fans and feels this album will be a way of giving back to them, for supporting him and promises to not let them down. “If they give me a chance,” Salim Young told Kikuyu Musicians.

To Book Salim Young reach him on labansalim@yahoo.com

Copyrights to Kikuyu Musicians November 9, 2013

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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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Kikuyu Music most underrated hit songs and sleeper hits

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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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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