Njuguna Gicheha alias Man Nyari can simply be described as a multi-talented entertainer who has embraced several areas of Kikuyu entertainment, managing to leave an indelible mark in each.
Man Nyari is a popular figure in Kikuyu gospel music, comedy and radio, just to mention but a few.
Below we focus on Gicheha's multifaceted roles in some of these Gikuyu entertainment scenes and why he is a towering figure in each an every one of them.
1. Kikuyu Gospel Music
In this area, the born again entertainer is popularly known as Njuguna Gicheha where he has over eight albums to his name.
Gicheha who claims his roots from Gatukuyu, Gatundu North in Kiambu County first ventured into Kikuyu gospel music in 1998.
The ‘Hurutira mwaki wa roho’ (fan your spiritual flame) song is among his most outstanding artistic works.
Gicheha, a self-taught guitarist with remarkable prowess, was influenced into music by local and international artistes who include the late Joseph Kamaru, Wahome Wa Maingi and Reggae music heavyweights Gregory Isaacs and Lucky Dube among others.
2. Comedy
In Gikuyu comedy, he became a household name when he played a lead role in a once very popular Kameme FM radio play christened ‘Micii ni Ndogo’.
The name 'Man Nyari' that he uses up to date can be traced back to this 2013 radio play and others that followed thereafter. Nyari, a talented thespian by all descriptions, has also featured severally on Citizen TV’s 'Machachari' and KBC’s defunct local soap opera 'Rosa'.
3. Radio
Man Nyari's comical wits during the 'Micii ni Ndogo' radio play which gave him unrivalled popularity, may have convinced the Kameme FM management that the entertainer was a valuable asset that the station could not afford losing.
As a result, Nyari would be paired with Njogu Wa Njoroge (now at Gukena FM) to co-host the popular Kameme FM breakfast show (Arahuka) playing the role of a comedian. After Njogu's departure, he would be shuffled to the nightly show (Thingira Wa Kameme) where he continues to do well especially with his guitar.
Man Nyari also hosts the popular Kameme FM Saturday breakfast show (Njanjo Ya Muturire) that basically seeks to reunite lost family members with their relatives. The show's high ratings saw it begin to be simulcast on Kameme TV recently.