He can be counted among the prolific Akorino gospel artistes who have revolutionized the Akorino music giving it a sense and touch of modernity.
It is these efforts by Martin Wa Janet and other youthful Akorino musicians that among other things can be said to have led to the likeability and adoration of Akorino music beyond the sect followers as well as gaining a niche in the mainstream Kikuyu gospel music.
But as we appreciate these Akorino artistes whom we can simply say have given the Akorino music a 'swag', it is only good to know their backgrounds and perhaps after that, we can be able to tell what could have informed their style of music.
And as such, here are 5 things you need to know about the Akorino gospel music sensation Martin Wa Janet according to Kikuyu Musicians blog.
1. Martin Wa Janet hails from Kihiu Mwiri, Murang'a County where he attended PK primary and secondary schools up to Form 3 before dropping out as a result of 'personal problems'.
2. While still a teenager, he worked at a hotel in downtown Nairobi around 2003, where he earned Sh100 daily. The hotel job proved challenging for his slight frame and one day, the blog documents, excessive heat in the kitchen caused him to vomit.
The hotel owner reprimanded him and Martin begged him to give him one more month after which he was assigned the role of a waiter.
3. Martin lost his beloved mother in 2003.
4. He worked as a matatu conductor where he used to ply Kiambu Town Route 100, a job he reportedly did until 2008. As a conductor wearing the Akorino white turban, he experienced lots of trials.
He recalls a time while hanging on matatu door his turban accidentally fell off, and a passenger asked him sarcastically what was that that fell off his head.
5. The two songs that shot him to fame and prominence are 'Nituririkanitwo' (We have been remembered) and the 'collabo' song ‘Nitumwinyihirie’ (Let's humble before Him) which he did with Obedi Karanja, another youthful Akorino singer.