When popular Kikuyu benga music maestro Joseph Kamaru died in 2018, questions started to emerge on who would actually assume the father-figure role of the 'orphaned' Gikuyu music artistes.
By Ndung'u Wa Gathua
Some of the artistes whose names featured most as best suited to take over the mantle from Kamaru included but not limited to Simon Kihara popularly known as Musaimo Wa Njeri.
And Sunday being a 'ngogoyo' day among the fans of old Kikuyu benga music, why not focus on one of their favourites Musaimo Wa Njeri whose career in Gikuyu benga music spans for almost four decades!
So, other than his lengthy stay in Kikuyu benga music, what else do you know about Musaimo's decorated musical career?
Below are 5 quick interesting facts about Musaimo Wa Njeri that you may or may not have come across before;
1. Musical Fame
He shot to musical fame in 1983 when he recorded his evergreen hit song christened ‘My Dear Kwaheri’ which simply talks about a letter to his girlfriend who had left him to go and work abroad.
Before the hit song, in 1981 Musaimo had alongside his friend (Mwalimu Wa Gatanga) done another song about ugly looks ‘Njong'i ya Kiruka’ using their lifetime savings but unfortunately, it didn’t go anywhere.
2. Mbiri Young Stars Band
Musaimo who comes from Kangema in Muranga County, formed his singing band 'Mbiri Young Stars' in the early 1980s. It had backup musicians like Kimani Thomas and Joseph Wamumbe from Gatanga which is famed for producing many big names in Gikuyu benga industry.
3. Recording Career
The artiste has recorded and released over 200 songs which have given him the legendary status he enjoys today among the lovers of Kikuyu benga music.
4. Mentors
Musaimo was inspired to music by artists like Baraka Mwinshehe of Tanzania, Dr Nicol of Congo and fellow Kikuyu musician DK Wa Maria whom he desired to sing like.
5. Sh40 Guitar
He bought his first guitar for Sh40 something he is quoted as saying before really irked his father as guitars in the 1970s and early 1980s were associated with rebelliousness.