When they were still alive, they used their vocals to plant a seed in form of music that would keep them in our minds long after their departure to eternity.
These Kikuyu secular artists continue to entertain us through their always-evergreen hit songs that have withstood the test of time.
Their music was mainly inspired by real-life events and experiences which many of their fans still can relate with.
Apart from the legendary musician Joseph Kamaru who passed away on Wednesday after a celebrated 44-year music career, here are other five deceased Kikuyu secular music artists whose legacies continue to flourish long after the sun set on them.
1. John Ndichu: He was a legendary Gikuyu artist 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 artists 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.
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 have also been remixed into the ‘mugithi’ style and continue to enjoy a wide listenership all over Gikuyuland.
3. Sammy Muraya: He is another legendary Kikuyu secular musician whose prowess in playing the guitar was and still second to none.
Muraya died 17 years ago but his music continues to represent him perfectly.
His son, Sammy Muraya Junior, is also doing well musically ensuring that his father’s legacy continues to live on.
4. Queen Jane: She was indeed the queen of Kikuyu benga music. From ‘Mwendwa KK’ to ‘Muraigua Wuiru Niki’ hit songs, Queen Jane never disappointed whenever she came out of the studio with something new. She passed away almost 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 had social-political messages infused in them, will undoubtedly continue to inspire the current generation and many more to come.