Whenever they release any new song, they are almost sure that it will become an instant hit.
Kikuyu radio DJs and presenters are always checking in their recording studios to find out whether they have any new releases to be the first ones to play their music in their respective shows.
Their music is so loved that when they go for months without releasing anything new, their millions of fans start asking for their whereabouts.
Here is a list of the five top Gikuyu secular musicians who are not only influential and popular, but also controversial at times.
1. John De'Matthew: Those who know him at a personal level call him 'ithe wa Shiko' (Shikoh's father). He is a Kikuyu legendary musician from Gatanga, the home of Kikuyu secular music.
De'Matthew has been in the music industry for over two decades now and the most interesting thing about his music is that it never fades. He infuses his lyrics with social and political messages which at times see him get into trouble with the authorities.
2. Kariuki Wa Kiarutara: He is another much revered secular Kikuyu artist who also comes from Gatanga Sub-County, Murang'a County. Kiarutara is the name of the village he comes from.
Kariuki is popular for his rich music composition where he spices his lyrics with traditional Kikuyu proverbs, idioms and what have you. It is not easy to understand the message in his songs if you are not well versed with Gikuyu language. His music career spuns for over 30 years.
During the sunset years of President Daniel Moi's authoritarian rule, Kariuki was banned from releasing any more music after his popular song 'Waruhiti' (Hyena) was interpreted to have been targeting Moi.
3. Peter Kigia: He is popular for his electrifying performances during 'mugithi' nights. Kigia comes from the same locality with De'Matthew and was very instrumental in the latter's music career when he began.
Kigia Wa Esther as he is popularly known, has mentored several upcoming Kikuyu artists and is the owner of the label 'Kigia Records'.
4. Kamande Wa Kioi: He also comes from Muranga County. Kioi's style of music composition is unique and second to none. His lyrics tell of day-to-day bustles and hustles though with a light touch.
When he came to the limelight, critics would accuse him of childish and meaningless songs unaware that that was what had propelled him to popularity.
Songs like 'Kapusi Gakwa', 'Githuruari Giakwa', 'Karanga Chapo', 'Niki Wekire Baba', 'Magogo', 'Ndegwa cia Wakioi,' 'Pirton', 'Muavocado' are some of Kioi's yester-years hit songs that continue to enjoy massive airplay.
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