The year 2018 has been very nasty for many artists in the music and entertainment sectors. It has been a period defined by quite a number of memorable events.
Within the last 12 months, the cruel hand of death set in, taking three Kikuyu celebrities with it.
1. Joseph Kamaru
He was a leading Kikuyu benga musician who made a name for himself by producing quality songs touching on social, political, cultural and economic matters.
Until his death on October 3, Kamaru had recorded over 2,000 songs within a period of five decades.
The songs are not only popular among the Gikuyu community, but also among other communities in Kenya and in Africa.
His popular hits include Ndari Ya Mwalimu, Muhiki Wa Mikosi, Certificate Ya Maisha, Muti Uyu, Charia Ungi and many more.
The son of Wanjiru and Macharia, as popularly referred by his fans, passed on at the MP Shah Hospital in Nairobi while undergoing treatment for Parkinson Plus disease.
His burial was attended by hundreds of his fans including President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, ODM leader Raila Odinga and a host of other prominent Kenyans.
2. Stephen Muraya Tutu
Popularly known as Watutu, the Kikuyu secular musician died in August while undergoing treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital.
He was the artist behind hits such as Kahaki, Mutego Wa Kihiuko and Mashabik.
Watutu was also an accomplished guitarist and comedian.
Besides music, he used to work as boiler plant technician and a supervisor at United Millers, an oil refinery in Nakuru Town.
3. Joel Riiya
This great gospel musician died in November while undergoing treatment at the Kiambu Level Four Hospital.
Among the songs loved by his fans include Murata Wa Mundu, Thuthuria, Baba ni Unjuui and others.
Besides music and business, Riiya was also a Deacon at the Akorino Church.
He hailed from Karogoe village, Njoro Sub-County, Nakuru County.
#hivisasaoriginal