Mugithi music has become a staple in the Kenyan entertainment industry.
With its unique blend of Kikuyu cultural rhythms and modern influences, it has become a favorite among music lovers across the country.
The genre has produced some of the most talented and celebrated artists in Kenya, with their electrifying performances and soulful lyrics captivating audiences both young and old.
In this article, WoK looks at the top ten Mugithi artists in Kenya.
1. Jose Gatutura
Joseph Kanyi, alias Jose Gatutura is a Kenyan musician who sings in his vernacular language Agikuyu.
He ventured into the music industry by first performing in night clubs within Nairobi.
In 2007, he met someone who was willing to mentor him. He also learnt how to play the guitar and managed to write and produce his songs.
The songs grew in popularity and he amassed quite a huge number of listeners, and went on to tour a few countries in Africa and even Dubai.
He released a number of songs including Machete, a song that earned him the name ‘Mashette the King’.
2. DJ Fatxo
Lawrence Njuguna, otherwise known as DJ Fatxo is a popular DJ and Mugithi singer.
DJ Faxto who was initially deejaying gained massive popularity after releasing his debut Mugithi song, Ndi Mang’a, making him an instant celebrity.
The song was well received as it amassed over 2.8 million views just eight months after its official release.
3. Franco Wa-Subu
Franco Wa-Subu, alias Francis Mwangi hails from Subukia, Nakuru County.
He ventured into music in 2010.
Wasubu is popular for his hit songs Wendo Wa OCS (In love with OCS) and Isabella. He is also known for his album named Ndia ngurie (Hurt me I hurt you).
4. Joyce Wa Mama
Joyce Wa Mama is a high-flying Kikuyu artiste who has been in the game for more than 11 years.
She is famed for hits like “Wanjogothaga Niki”, “Tiga Kunjira Sorry”, “Wari Wakwa”, “Zurura Dada”, “Thina Ni Umagwo” and “Mundurume Njamba”.
She also released a collabo with Samidoh known as “Ihuha”
5. Joe Salim
Joe Salim Mwangi is a top Mugithi artiste from Subukia, Nakuru County.
He is the father of Sarafina Salim, the late Salim Junior, the late Might Salim and Salim Young, and the grandfather of Kajei Salim.
“I had eight children, including the late Salim Junior, and five of my children eke out a living from the music industry,” he said in a past interview.
Salim said he fell in love with music in his formative years, largely influenced by his older brother who had joined a church choir in 1958.
“I used to admire their singing skills and when my brother bought his first guitar, my singing ire was pricked,” he noted.
6. Samidoh
Samuel Muchoki Ndiragu alias Samidoh is a recording and performing who also serves as an Administration Police.
He came into the limelight in 2016 after releasing his hit song, Ndiri Mutwi Mwega.
Samidoh was born in Subukia, Nakuru Country in a family of six boys.
His father died when he was three years old after which they were kicked out of their Subukia home by his father’s brothers.
His family was forced to relocate to Oljororok in Nyandarua County where he grew up.
7. Gachathi wa Thuo
Gachathi wa Thuo is a popular Mugithi artiste popularly known for his hit song ‘Kiura Ruuga’, aimed at advising couples to leave abusive relationships before it’s too late.
In 2018, Thuo sparked mixed reactions on social media after saying that he will continue singing secular music despite getting saved.
He noted that people get saved differently; there are those who seek the face of God because they want eternal life after they leave this world.
“For me, I view it differently. The main reason we should seek salvation should be to help us live well with others and redefine our relationships with God. Eternal life should just be a top-up for a life well lived on earth,” said Gachathi.
8. Sarafina Salim
Real name Beatrice Muthoni, Sarafina Salim hails from Subukia, Nakuru County.
Sarafina was born in a family of musicians; her father is Joe Salim, an instrumentalist and singer while her siblings are the late Salim Junior, the late Might Salim and Salim Young.
Kajei Salima, a fast-rising Mugithi singer is her nephew.
Other than being a musician, she is also a businesswoman, running Sarafina Safaris, offering tours and safaris.
9. Eddie Gathenge
Eddie Gathenge is a Mugithi artiste hailing from Kiharu, Murang’a County.
In a past interview, he noted that other than being a recording and performing artiste, he is also a gynecologist by training.
He is famed for among other songs, ‘Nindarwarire’ where he sang about how his ex-lover left him for another girl.
10. John Njagi
John Njagi is a popular Kikuyu artiste from Mukurweini in Nyeri County.
The musician is popularly known for his hit songs, ‘Mundu Utoi Ungi’ and ‘Lucy’ which he both released in 2015.
Njagi previously worked as a shamba boy before getting a job as a waiter in a local hotel and later as a casual worker at a construction site.
He then opened a hotel in Kariobangi South which enabled him to open a general shop elsewhere, and used proceeds from the shop to launch his first CD.
