Ben Githae is a 47-year-old Kenyan musician whose songs are mainly in Kikuyu. The musician has been in the industry for a long time and has made hit songs, won an award and faced his own fair share of scandals. In 2013, he released the political hit-song “tano tena” for the ruling Jubilee Party.
Early life and education
The vocalist grew up in Gatundu and would often sing even when others were picking coffee. Githae went to Muthurumbi Primary school where would spend his free writing lyrics for his classmates. ‘Small radio’ is what many used to call him and all he needed was to hear a song twice and he’d master all the words.
The “Tano Tena” hit maker proceeded to Ituro High School where he graduated with a C+ plus. His grandmother employed him at her posho Mill. Jane Muthoni, a Kikuyu song composer and singer, also worked at the posho Mill back then.
Music Career
While working at the posho mill, Githae was widely known for his love for singing. In 1994, the singer gave his life to Christ and started composing songs with Jane Muthoni. They led praise and worship during church services. Ben informed his mother that he didn’t want to go to college but would love to pursue a career in music. This galled his mother who thought he was throwing away his future by not pursuing a professional course.
After taping himself in 1996, he approached Kamaru and released his first album, “Mwiri Uyu.” Kamaru shouldered the expense since Githae had no money. The terms of the contract were unfavourable. They stated that after the sale of 2,000 cassettes, he would start getting 10 shillings for every cassette sold.
The second album, “Chunga Ulimi Wako’ was released by Peter Kigia who gave better terms, a down payment and 20 shillings per cassette. Later, he decided to produce the music himself and the launch of Kameme FM made it possible. The singer would in 2006 decide to modernize his music.
The 47-year-old has always advised young upcoming musicians to stay humble and be aggressive in order to record their songs. Life situations and the Bible are what he cites as sources for his musical inspiration.
At one time Ben recalled how hard it was to get your songs played at KBC.
Kisima Award
An album produced at a studio in Westlands featured the song “Mulianza na Roho” which earned him the Kisima award. This award was birthed by Ted Josiah and Pete Odera in 1994 to annually recognize talent in East Africa.
Scandals
Celebrities and scandals are like two peas in a pod and Ben Githae is not an exception. In an exclusive interview with Tuko, Rose Wanjiru accused the married gospel artist of fathering twins with her and refusing to take responsibility. She said they met in 2011, began an affair in 2012, followed by a pregnancy in 2016. Four months into the pregnancy, Rose claims Ben demanded an abortion. Upon her refusal, thugs were sent to rough her up at Blue Springs hotel. She was admitted at Thika hospital. The ‘mpango wa kando’ further claims the hit maker refused a DNA test and that another woman who had been threatening her.
During the interview, the prominent vocalist was contacted and refuted the woman’s claims that he has been a deadbeat dad. He said he has never denied the twins and provides financial assistance.
The “Tabia Mbaya” singer admitted to Massawe Japani that he cheated on his wife. He went on to say that he has resolved some of the issues with his wife and cannot blame anyone for his mistakes.
“Siwezisema ni lini nilitoka njee ya ndoa lakini wacha niseme kutoka nilitoka. Mpaka ifike hapo ilikua kwa miaka, mke wangu alijua kitambo na ikaleta issues at family level. Zingine tukatatua na zingine tukaamua kuishi nazo. Siwezisema kulikua na issues kwa familia yangu ndio nikatoka njee. Wacha niseme ilikua tu ni tabia mbaya….”
Wife And Children
The singer has two children with his wife. Her first born, who is an accounts student at JKUAT, is 19 years old while the young one is in class 7. He married his wife 20 years ago, they were in the same praise and worship team.
“My daughter is 19-years old. She is a second-year at Jkuat doing accounting, the other one is in class seven,” he said.
“I got married 20 years ago, and I met my wife in church. She was a singer and I was also singing in church.
She went to college and we separated. Later, we got in touch and she used to call me via the late Benga musician Kamaru’s phone number. We developed a relationship and got married later through a church wedding,” He shared on Ala-C YouTube channel.
Ben Githae Songs
- Tabia mbaya
- Glory to glory
- Uhuruto tano tena
- Mere Makire
- Irathimo Ciakwa
- Kunuthirwo Uru
- Maya ni Mabataro
- Niundu Wa Wendo
- Utalia
- Timiza Maono
- Tigai Tu
- Uroneneha
- Mwambararagia
- Kioneki
- Wee Niwe Ngwenda
- Maya Maundu
- Watoto Wanna Haki
- Ucio Niwe Ngai
- Ageria Niekuremwo
- Oya Wendo Wakwa
- Roho Wa Kaini
- Nii Tinie Mwathani
- Kiande Ini
- Kaba Kwirayia
- Ndirwekora
- Vita Nyumbani
- Mlianza na Roho
- Fanya Kitendo
- Guthii ni Guthii
- Nimarekwo Mendane
