Today, May 20, the late E-sir real name Issah Mmari would have turned 38 years. It’s been sixteen years since his tragic emise. Born Issah Mmari, on May 20, 1981, in California Estate, and raised in South c estate Nairobi, Kenya, E-Sir was a Kenyan hip hop artist signed to the Ogopa DJs label.
Sadly the singer didn’t live to see past his 21st birthday courtesy of a grisly road accident along Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.
On the fateful Sunday, March 16, E-Sir was travelling back to Nairobi from Nakuru where he had performed at the Dimples Club the previous evening during the Miss Tourism Nakuru contest. Nameless survived the fatal accident, escaping with just a broken collarbone. E-Sir died alongside a friend, Kevin Kiiru Karanja.
To date his passing remains one of the most emotional days in the Kenyan music scene. Even long after his death, he is still widely regarded as one of the best rappers to emerge on the Kenyan hip hop scene. In 2017 he got a nominated on Mdundo Awards for Most Downloaded Hip-Hop Artist in 2017.
Here are some things about his early life you might not know.
1. E-Sir was born of a Kenyan mother, Damaris Wangui, and a Tanzanian father, Amin Mmari. “I always encouraged and supported him, and he was always willing to take my advice,” said Damaris after her son’s death.
2. E-Sir attended St Anne’s Junior Academy and later Brookehouse Senior School in Nairobi where he honed his musical skills.
3. He made his debut on the music scene in 1999 with Jo Nimefika, which he released with Ogopa Deejays Productions the following year.
4. E-Sir’s maiden performance came courtesy of one Evans Odhiambo Ombajo, a former councilor in Nairobi.
In early 1999, Ombajo was managing a musician who failed to show up for a scheduled performance in Mombasa. The promoter had agreed to carry E-Sir to the event after much pestering.
When his star attraction failed to show up, he ushered E-Sir to the stage. The crowd was ecstatic and a star was born!
5. E-Sir dated Yvonne Nkatha, then an 18-year-old first-year law student at the University of Nairobi.
“I will always remember his courage and determination, which shone through some of the songs he composed,” she said.
Marking his 38th Birthday, host Tallia Oyando has released a moving video of the then rising star.
Last year Nameless also posted a tribute to the star.
“Happy Birthday bro. We always celebrate you. 37”
Gone too soon. Rest in Peace E-Sir!