When popular Kikuyu secular music maestro Joseph Kamaru died in 2018, questions started to fly around on who would actually assume the father-figure of the 'orphaned' Gikuyu artistes.
Some of the artists whose names featured most as best suited to take over the mantle from Kamaru include the legendary Gatanga musician Daniel Kamau alias DK, Simon Kihara popularly known as Musaimo Wa Njeri just to name but a few.
We focus on the latter whose career in secular Gikuyu music spans for now close to four decades. But other than his successful and lengthy stay in Kikuyu secular music, what else do you know about Musaimo's decorated career in music?
Here are 5 interesting quick facts about Musaimo Wa Njeri you may not have across before;
1. He shot to musical fame in 1983 when he recorded his evergreen hit song christened ‘My Dear Kwaheri’ which simply talks about a letter to his girlfriend who had left him to go and work abroad.
Before the hit song, in 1981 Musaimo had alongside his friend (Mwalimu Wa Gatanga) done another song about ugly looks ‘Njong'i ya Kiruka’ using their savings but unfortunately, it didn’t do well.
2. Musaimo who comes from Kangema in Muranga County formed his singing band 'Mbiri Young Stars' in the early 1980s and had backup musicians like Kimani Thomas and Joseph Wamumbe from Gatanga which is famed for producing many Kikuyu musicians.
3. He has recorded over 200 songs which have given him the legendary status he enjoys today among the lovers of Kikuyu Benga music.
4. Musaimo was inspired to music by artists like Baraka Mwinshehe of Tanzania, Dr Nicol of Congo and fellow Kikuyu musician DK whom he desired to sing like.
5. He bought his first guitar for Sh40 something he is quoted before as saying irked his dad as guitars in the 1970s and early 1980s were associated with rebellion.
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