The late ‘Hamnitishi’ hitmaker, E-Sir, would be celebrating his 38th birthday today. Media personality, Tallia Oyando took to social media to celebrate him on his great day.
She said; “Happy 38th Birthday In Zion Sizzo King wa South C you remain unforgettable. Celebrating you today and always, GOAT, FOREVER THE KING.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMNibXSUvnY
Tallia was a close friend to Esir. She even helped him in making the audio of the hit song, Hamnitishi. During an interview, she revealed how E-Sir carried her on his back to the studio after she fell ill on the recording day.
She said; “It was the day for recording and I had Malaria. He came to the house and he was like we are going to the studio and I said I was sick and I could not go to the studio.
He said that if we didn’t record the song that day, it would never happen. Then we walked up until my gate and I could not walk anymore and we only had 10 shillings between us. He then carried me on his back and walked all the way to the studio and used the 10 shillings to buy me tonic water.”
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 who was famous for his deft lyrical ability and command of the Swahili language.
He is still widely regarded as one the best rappers to emerge on the Kenyan hip hop scene. He first came to be known in 2001 by his song “Jo”, a song done in the same style as Black Rob’s “Whoa.”
The song proudly declared E-Sir’s arrival on the Kenyan music scene and was featured on the Ogopa DJs debut album. He went on to release his debut album “Nimefika” in 2003 which was a big hit with virtually all the songs on the album becoming radio singles. He won 4 categories in the 2003 Kisima Music Awards.
E-Sir died in a road accident on March 16, 2003, while in the company of fellow label mate Nameless. He was on his way back from a concert in Nakuru town that was to help promote the album.
His fans were shocked and grieved for days on end after hearing the news of his death. His death was considered coming at a time when his career was starting to take off.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBwfZAkgCn4
His other hits include “Moss Moss,” “Boomba Train,” “Hamunitishi” and “Leo ni Leo.” His only posthumous song was the collaboration between him and Nameless called “Maisha”.