With the music industry now shifting and new style of music coming in from the initial benga style, especially in Luo Nyanza, one man has managed to stick around.
Being a major player in the music industry, a sector that even politician depends on for mileage, one producer has garnered fame, respect and vast recognition.
Ironically, he is not a Luo like the people he is working and living with, unlike the Onyango and Otieno names that dominate the Nyanza region, his is David Maina Mithu, a leading sound engineer.
‘Maina’ or ‘Maina Wuod Okuyu’ (Maina the Kikuyu boy) as many musicians hail him in their songs is the lead producer at Leemark Studios in Nairobi’s River Road.
The native of Murang’a is the force behind most Luo hits, and first worked with celebrated Benga Superstar Kolela Mazee in 1997. Other songs attributed to him include Dunia Mbaya by Princess July.
He also worked with the late Okatch Biggy, D.O Misiani and Jerry Jalamo, and has also worked with the new Ohangla-singing generation that include the likes of Omondi long’-lilo and Aboy Landlord.
Onyango Alemo, Osogo Winyo and Onyi Papa Jey also attribute their success to the man who remains one of the top producers of Luo songs despite the entrance of new producers like Wuod Phoebe of Barikiwa Studios.
In an Interview with the Standard, Maina noted that he loved working with Colella Mazee because the latter had good understanding of music and was flexible.
Regarding how he became so good in producing Luo music, Maina stated that "They guided me on the sound and within no time I got familiar with it due to my interest and love for music."
Hi exemplary work in producing high quality vernacular music has made him one of the most celebrated Kikuyus in Luo Nyanza.