As Kenyans prepare to bid goodbye to the legendary Kikuyu pop musician Joseph Kamaru a few things about him can never go unmentioned.
Mr Kamaru started his in 1965 where he produced his first song Uthoni wa Mbathini (Celina) together with his sister. He also sang mboco iri mbuca.
In 1966, he recorded the highly controversial song Ndari ya Mwarimu with Ujuzi Radio Services, which took the country by storm and became a subject of discussion in Parliament. He later produced many songs under the Chandaria Studio in Kericho.
In 1971, after the registration of the Kenya Association of the Phonographic Industries (KAPI), he opened his first music shop in Luthuli Avenue under his own recording label Kamaru Music Store (KMS) 1972, he produced his first song Mundu Ececere and Ndanuko ciamitahato in his own label.
When the famous JM Kariuki was killed, Kamaru recorded the famous song JM Kariuki, which was backed by CDM Kiratu.The song emerged as his biggest which propelled him to national and international limelight.
Kamaru passion for music started while he was working at the kahawa Barracks as a cleaner and a cook.From his earnings, he was able to buy his first guitar.
During this time he used to play and practice his singing with his guitar, however his neighbors was not happy as they accused him of making noise and they broke the guitar to pieces, he never gave up even after White settlers destroyed his guitar.
“He later moved to Kenya High in Kileleshwa where he supplemented his income by selling fruits and vegetables. He usually rode on a bicycle with wife Susan Wangari,” the eulogy says.
His music career was influenced by political, social, economic and cultural events.
At an early stage in his career, Kamaru demonstrated his selflessness by investing heavily in the promotion and production of many musicians such as Lawrence Nduru. Others are Joseph Gicheha, Kakai Kilonzo, Tom Mwangi, Wahome wa Maingi, Mukaramani and Osumba Rateng among others.
“At the dawn of digital media, Mzee Kamaru was involved in the development of the vernacular radio station programmes including the naming of Kikuyu FM stations – Kameme Kayu Ka Muingi and Inooro FM. He produced his own programmes including Itaha ria Muoyo.
He has also won numerous awards during his heyday. They include in 1977 – The Njenga Karume Cup and1978 – The Best Artist Nairobi Pop Festival.
In 1992 SOYA Awards (Singer of the year), 1994 – Head of State Commendation, 2009- Music Maestro of the Year by the African Culture Heritage, 2012 – MCSK Gala Awards (Living Legends and Most Consistent Artist).
The musician was awarded a honorary Doctor of Humanity Degree by the US-based United Graduate College and Seminary International in 2012.
Kamaru spent his early years in Kangema where he started school at Gathukiine Primary School.
He sat the Kenya African Preliminary Examination ( KAPE) in 1957 at Kangema Gakuru DEB .
As a young boy, Kamaru was famed for his prowess in traditional dances.
In his later years, Kamaru complained of a back problem that caused him difficulty in movement.
Kamaru is set to be buried on Thursday at his Kaharati farm in Muranga County.
The funeral service will be held at Muthithi Primary school in Murang’a.
The popular Kikuyu musician died on Wednesday, October 3 at MP Shah Hospital in Nairobi where he was receiving treatment.