A popular Kikuyu musician is among prominent Kenyans receiving prestigious awards from President Uhuru Kenyatta during today’s Jamhuri Day celebrations.
In a Kenya Gazette notice dated December 11, 2018, legendary artist Simon Kihara Macharia popularly known as Musaimo Wa Njeri will be feted with the Head of State Commendation (HSC) in 'recognition of distinguished and outstanding services rendered to the nation'.
HSC award, according to the National Honours Act, is decorated on a person who exhibits exemplary qualities, or achievements of heroism, patriotism or leadership, one who has made an exemplary contribution to the country in the economic, scientific, academic, sports, journalism, business, security or other fields.
Musaimo, who hails from Kanyenya-ini village, Kangema in Murang'a County, has had an illustrious music career spanning over three decades.
Among the hits he has produced include My Dear Kwa heri, Uthoni Wa Kanyenya-ini, Mwigerekanio, Kirumi and others.
Musaimo has been performing in various social and political gatherings since he came into the limelight after composing a song in praise of former powerful Minister John Michuki in 1979.
Michuki, who was seeking to oust former powerful KANU boss Joseph Kamotho from Kangema parliamentary seat, paid Musaimo Sh5,000 which he used to pay his school fees at St Theresa School in Eastleigh, Nairobi.
Upon completing his high school education in the early 1980s, Musaimo worked as a casual labourer where he saved some money to enable him to record a number of songs and establish his Mbiri Young Stars band which became very popular in the 1990s.
The 'Chai Wa 14' hitmaker attributes his success in the music industry to his mentors; Kikuyu famous benga artists Daniel Kamau (D.K Wa Maria) and the late Joseph Kamaru.
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