It is often said that controversy sells big time especially if you are are a public figure in politics, media, music to name but a few.
In Kenya, the music industry has in recent years become very competitive leading many artists including those who sing gospel music to embrace controversy as a tactic for survival. Willy Paul and Bahati are good examples.
Among the Kikuyu secular artists, the same wave of controversy is much present even though it may vary from one artist to the next.
Here we focus on three artists whose controversy arises from their tendency to incorporate 'dirty' lyrics in their songs or the ones they 'corrupt' from other artists during night live performances (Mugithi) at various entertainment joints.
1. Mike Rua. He is the unrivalled 'King of Mugithi' and his fan base goes beyond Gikuyuland. Rua was once very popular among listeners of Kameme FM where he used to co-host the 'Mugithi Show' alongside Wanjiru Wa Chege (now Muranga Woman Rep) every Friday night.
During the show, Rua would infuse 'dirty' lyrics in the songs he played on one-man-guitar style. Today, he performs at various entertainment joints across the country where he continues to do what he knows best.
2. Mike Murimi. The only difference between him and Rua is perhaps his long dreads. His style is one-man-guitar, sings dirty lyrics and just like Rua, he once had a radio show on Inooro FM every Sunday night. The show was of course 'PG' rated due to the artist's 'naughtiness'.
3. The late Salim Junior. By the time Salim died, he had cut a niche for himself by becoming the 'King of One-man-guitar' music style. Salim had remixed hundreds of songs by other Kikuyu artists giving them a fresh taste.
However, when it came to 'Mugithi' live night performances, Salim would get as 'naughty' as Gikuyu language words would allow him. May he rest in peace.
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