It is often said that when an old tree falls, birds and anything else that was reliant on it suffer.
It is without a doubt that following the death of Kikuyu secular music icon Joseph Kamaru, who was buried on Thursday this week, the entire Kikuyu music industry suffered a big loss.
However, it is not all lost as Kamaru who died aged 79 last week, had mentored tens of Kikuyu music artistes, both secular and gospel.
These artistes are definitely expected to take over from Kamaru now that he is no more and continue his legacy, at least in his honour.
Nevertheless, not all those he has mentored will likely fit in his big shoes, for indeed not all that have been selected will be chosen.
That said, which artistes are best placed to take over from Kamaru?
Well, they must live up to Kamaru's kind of music which as Father Dominic Wamugunda noted during his funeral, was more 'prophetic and cultural' than anything else. We list them.
1. John De'Matthew
De'Matthew has all it takes to take over from Kamaru. His music has striking similarities to that of Kamaru. From cultural music to prophetic, love, political just to name but a few, this artist has composed songs on many thematic issues just like Kamaru.
Additionally, De'Matthew commands a cult-like following from his huge fan base and his music is liked by all in equal measure.
2. Muigai Wa Njoroge
Some call him 'njamba ya ruriri' (hero of the tribe) and indeed he is. Almost all his songs have something for the Gikuyu tribe that among other things will be educating or warning them about something. This was what majority of Kamaru's music was about.
3. Kariuki Kiarutara
The Gatanga-born musician prides in over 20 years of rich Kikuyu music composition. He sings in parables and it is not even easy to understand his music if you are not well versed in Gikuyu language.
However, those who understand Kariuki's music well can tell you he can be a perfect successor to Kamaru.
4. Daniel Kamau alias DK
The veteran Gatanga artist, many will agree, can take over from where Kamaru left. He is experienced, his music also revolves on the same things that Kamaru sang about during his entire lifetime.
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