By Prudence Minayo
Jose Gatutura, real name Joseph Kanyi Kigio, is a Kenyan musician who sings in his vernacular language Agikuyu. The artist who is also popularly known as Mashette the King has released hit after hit over the years making him one of the best Kikuyu artist.
Most details about his private life are unavailable as he is a very private man. In a number of interviews, he has not stated whether he has a wife or children and also hasn’t said much about other personal details until recently. He mostly talks about his music which is going to be the major focus of the article.
Girlfriend
The secular Kikuyu artist has been linked to Inooro TV presenter and actress Nyambura Gabue. According to an article appearing on K24, the long term friends are expecting a newborn baby anytime this year. The TV siren held her baby shower a few weeks ago with the event being graced by her close friends.
Gatutura has however denied claims that he is the father. Asked by K24 Digital if he is the father, he replied: “No. Those are rumours.”
Music Career
Born and raised in Nyandarua, Gatutura comes from a family of musicians. His uncle is a singer while his father is a music composer. He ventured into the music industry by first performing in night clubs within Nairobi. Back then he was doing covers of Kikuyu songs.
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. The secular artist then 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’.
In 2018, he released four songs that featured Kareh B who is a former Tahidi High actress as well as a country music singer. The two had a chemistry that kept fans glued to their songs and some even started wondering if they were dating.
In a YouTube interview, he said he believed he had what it took to become a pastor although he was not saved.
“ I am not saved but I know Christ is the Lord and I always see that I will one time become a pastor. But at the right time,” said the singer.
He believes in his ability to preach as he also does it through his music.
“I preach through my music, only that most people dont understand the message. There is time for everything and I will be a gospel artiste,” he added.
The Gikuyu singer further added that his music aims at addressing the vices in society such as pride. He also added that he can sing with anyone including gospel artists although they refuse to collaborate with him thinking he is not serious.
Songs
As mentioned earlier, his music is message ladenl and contains a lot of entertaining lyrics.
Some of his songs include:
- Ninjui ni Urimi
- Mwari wa Uthamaki
- Tuirio Tuega
- Haha Nigute
- Madiamba
- Utonga ni Waku
- Utuku Umwe
- Thimu ya China
- Thii Ukiumaga
