Mike Rua has had a show every weekend since 1992
Barring the pandemic, the legendary ‘King of Mugithi’, Michael Mike Rua, has performed at weekend gigs for 28 years. Since 1992, the Gatundu-born musician has been a staple of the Kenyan music scene, performing at public holidays, live TV shows, local outlets, private functions and festivals almost every other weekend, as evidenced by research from selected music archives.
‘Barikiwa Studio’ tagline producer is Prince Indah’s back-up vocalist
Still on the vernacular music scene, the producer behind “Barikiwa Studio,” which funlovers often hear in many Ohangla fusion tracks, is the voice of singer and songwriter Shiqo nya Kisumu (Kisumo). And surprise! Shiqo nya Kisumu is one of Prince Indah’s backup vocalists.
Jose Chameleone began his music career in Kenya
Uganda-born Joseph Mayanja, also known as Jose Chameleone, has enjoyed an illustrious career in the entertainment industry. He started as a DJ at the Missouri nightclub in Kampala in 1996, before becoming active as a musician in Kenya with the Ogopa Deejays record label two years later, in 1998. The label released his first single, Bageya, featuring dancehall star Redsan. Chameleone released his first album, Mama Mia, in 2000. By 2013, he had released a total of 13 albums, including Shida za dunia, Valu valu, Bayuda, Badilisha, Sweet Banana and Champion. Some of his hits include Valu valu, Jamila, Shida za dunia, Bayuda, Tatizo, Nkwagala nyo, “Kipepeo and Dorotia.
Jaguar doesn’t drink alcohol
The musician-turned-politician, Charles Njagua Kanyi (aka Jaguar), has publicly stated on several occasions that he has never consumed alcohol, cigarettes or hard drugs. In a recent interview, the Kigeugeu singer again took a strong stance against substance abuse within the music industry,
“I have never touched alcohol, I have never smoked cigarettes or any drug. I will encourage our artistes to use their opportunities well. When you are invited for a gig and you start asking for expensive alcohol brands, you might go broke and start using even the cheap ones,” he stated.
Nonini designed the Calif Records logo
Before streaming services and TikTok, there were Ogopa Deejays and Calif Records. The latter has two architects of the Genge music genre, JuaCali and Nonini, backed by their producer Clemmo. What people don’t know is that their Calif Records logo wasn’t outsourced to a creative agency or a budding designer; it was the ‘Kadhaa’ hitmaker, Nonini, who channelled his creativity and sketched the logo. Nonini also went on to print various merchandise, including T-shirts for the record label.
Fundi Konde was the First East African electric guitarist
Kenyan musician Fundi Konde was the first East African to record on an electric guitar in the 1940s. He was one of the first popular performers and his songs include Tausi Ndege Wangu, Majengo Siendi Tena and Waniuwa Kipenzi, which were made popular again by “Them Mushrooms” in the 90s. He died in his home in Kibera in 2000.
Pierra Makena, Redbone and Wini formed an all-female deejay unit
In an industry dominated by gentlemen, three ambitious ladies joined forces and dared to do the unheard of: form an all-female deejay unit. Comprising the award-winning actress turned deejay Pierra Makena, Grace Kaburu aka DJ Redbone and poet Wini Nkinda, there was a new sheriff in town or rather three, as they aptly called themselves Sheriff DJs. Their official reveal was held at the popular Galileos Lounge in Westlands on July Friday 27, 2012, before they embarked on a series of tours. However, the unit split after a few months, citing personal developments.
Jalang’o, Caroline Mutoko and Larry Asego were once arrested for protesting
During the 2008 Jamhuri Day celebrations, Kenyan police arrested several journalists and a large number of civil society activists. The police broke up a protest against the passage of the controversial Communications Act, which gave the government powers to interfere with the independence of the media. Those caught in police custody included the known Kiss 100 morning crew of Caroline Mutoko, her co-anchors Larry Asego and now Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor aka Jalang’o, as they demonstrated at the national celebrations to mark Kenya’s independence from British colonial rule 45 years ago (at that time).
The mysterious disappearance of C’zars
C’zars (Abdulkarim Mohammed) was a popular 17-year-old Kapuka musician from Kenya, known for his 2005 hit Amka Ukatike, who disappeared mysteriously on 13 October 2006 while preparing for his final KCSE exams in Mombasa. Despite an 18-year search by his father, Mzee Makasi, who passed away in 2024, the case remains unsolved.
Ukoo Flani is an acronym
The legendary Kenyan hip-hop collective Ukoo Flani (often refered as Ukoo Flani Mau Mau) was formed in 1996, spanning Mombasa and Nairobi. The group was known for socially conscious, raw lyrics highlighting slum life. Their moniker is an acronym for “Upendo Kote Ole wenu Ombeni Funzo La Aliyetuumba Njia Iwepo”, which translates to “love everywhere all who seek teachings of the creator; there is a way.”
Adhiambo Nyakobura is the longest Kenyan original song
Adhiambo Nyakobura by Ohangla musician Okatch Biggy is widely recognised as one of the longest, if not the longest, original songs recorded in Kenya, with a duration of approximately 31 minutes. Released by Biggy Sounds Production, this iconic track is a staple of Kenyan Luo benga/ohangla music, often featuring on albums of the same name.
Kenyan musician Reuben Kigame has the highest number of albums
As of 2020, gospel singer Reuben Kigame is recognised for his prolific career. He has released at least 29 albums during his 33-year career in the Kenyan music industry. Widely regarded as one of the country’s most prolific and long-standing musicians, he has maintained a strong presence in gospel music.
Nyashinski doesn’t have an international award
Despite his immense talent, Kenyan musician and performer Nyashinski has not won any international awards as a solo artist. However, the ‘Mungu Pekee’ hitmaker has won several local and regional awards, including two Pulse Music Video Awards (PMVA).