When they lived, they used their vocals to write own epitaphs by planting a musical seed that would keep them engraved in our memories even long after they are gone.
Their music was inspired by among other things, real-life events and their own experiences and which many of their fans still resonate with.
Below are 8 deceased Kikuyu secular music artistes whose musical legacies continue to live on long after the curtain of life came down on them.
1. John Ndichu
He was a legendary Gikuyu artiste from Gatanga, Muranga County. He died close to 30 years ago but his music is still relevant today.
Ndichu’s music has been remixed by several other Kikuyu artistes just to spice it up and give it a modern touch. Ndichu remains an icon among Kikuyus and his music isn’t about to fade anytime soon.
Ndichu's unrivaled talent of writing lyrics and infusing them with emotional themes, remains his biggest legacy perhaps yet to get a worthy challenger.
2. Sam Kinuthia
He died in 2001 after a short illness. His death came as a shock to his fans and fanatics. His popular hit songs that alluded to real life events have too been remixed in ‘mugithi’ style and continue to enjoy a wide listenership all over Gikuyuland.
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3. Sammy Muraya
He is another legendary Kikuyu secular musician whose prowess in playing the guitar was and may still be second to none.
Muraya died in 2005 but his music continues to entertain and educate many in the Kikuyu populace. His son, Sammy Muraya Junior, took over after his father's demise to ensure his legacy continues to live on.
4. Queen Jane
As her name suggests, she was undoubtedly the queen of Kikuyu Benga music during her lifetime. Her music revolved around many themes including romance where she would call out on wayward men to be responsible.
From ‘Mwendwa KK’ to ‘Sweetie Ndimunogu' hit songs, Queen Jane never disappointed whenever she came out of the studio with something new. She passed away over a decade ago.
5. Makibi James
The Gatanga-born icon passed away in 2007 but his songs continue to receive massive airplay on radio, TV and on several entertainment joints.
His lyrics that infused social-political themes, will undoubtedly continue to inspire the current generation and many more to come.
6. Joseph Kamaru
He died in 2018 after crowning Kikuyu Benga music charts for over four decades. During this time he composed one hit after another which will all forever remain a treasured jewel to present and future generations.
7. John DeMatthew
This list cannot be complete without the name of this man many had come to revere as "Ngai's" prophet especially on matters politics. His sudden death in 2019 via a road accident sent shockwaves across Kikuyuland and beyond.
He started together with among others, Makibi James, in Ndichu's band (Rwengo Brothers) before the band dissolved and all members went out solo to launch successful musical careers. "My Dear Nduku" remains among DeMatthew's greatest hits.
8. Salim Junior
The story of the late Subukia-born artiste can be summarized as; he came, he saw, he conquered. Salim is widely credited for the renowned one-man-guitar style that saw the popularity of 'mugithi' shoot through the roof in 2000s.
His main focus was to remix past Kikuyu music giving it a renewed taste and flavour. His renditions cut across the divide making him a household name among fans of Kikuyu secular and gospel music. His legacy will indeed outlive him for many decades to come.