Kikuyu or Gikuyu is a language of the Bantu family spoken primarily by the Kikuyu people (Agĩkũyũ) of Kenya. Numbering about 7 million (22% of Kenya’s population), they are the largest ethnic group in Kenya. Kikuyu is spoken in the area between Nyeri and Nairobi.
This list puts into consideration the number of hit songs, cultural impact, longevity and contribution to music in general. Upcoming artists have been deliberately left out although many are very promising. Feel free to comment.
Joseph Kamaru
With a career spanning over five decades and over 3000 recorded songs, there is no doubt that this is the greatest artist from Central Kenya. Apart from recording and performing, Kamaru Wa Wanjiru is also an accomplished guitarists, drummer, and also good with the keyboard.
Joseph Kamaru died at the MP Shah Hospital in Nairobi where he had been admitted since after he fell ill.He died at the age 79.
Daniel Kamau
D.K is often regarded as the father of central benga. He is credited for introducing percussions and drums and in the process introducing a new beat to Kikuyu Music. His music star faded in later days as he focused more on active politics.
John De’Mathew
Ndemethiu has recorded over 50 albums over the last 30 years. He has managed to remain relevant in changing times and has sung influential songs on love, politics and social commentary. He continues to record to this day.
John Ndichu
Ndichu wa Gakunga was arguably the most influencial Kikuyu artist prior to his death over two decades ago. He sang sentimental and often sad sang that resonated well with his audience. Ndichu’s songs remain relevant to date.
Queen Jane
Jane is the greatest female central benga musician ever. She covered classical folk songs and released popular hits throughout the 90s. Her songs are regularly performed by upcoming female artists in social joints. Queen Jane’s mantle has since been taken over by her sister Lady Wanja.
Kimani Thomas
During his prime, Kimani enjoyed unrivalled success in secular and later gospel music. His songs have however enjoyed little airtime in the past decade as new school artists take centre stage.
Peter Kigia
Wa Esther, as he is popularly known, has remained ever green in the Kikuyu secular music scene for over three decades now. He continues to perform regularly to date. His old and new songs enjoy equal popularity.
Sammy Muraya
In his prime Muraya was a popular and widely travelled musician. He often infused humor to his lyric and was a respected singer, guitarist and music distributor. His son, Paul Muraya has since taken over his mantle.
Simon Kihara
Musaimo wa Njeri has enjoyed remarkable success in his four decade long music career. He has inspired many artists from Kangema and the wider Murang’a to join the industry. His protégés include Kang’ethe By Law, George wa Njaro and Irungu wa Kario.
Wanganangu
Wanganangu reigned in an era where there was little competition. Together with his contemporaries, Mwalimu Mbugua, H. M, Rugwiti and Nduru, he enjoyed complete dominance of the airwaves. This category of artists played a great role in shaping the Kikuyu music as it exists today.
Other notable great artist include the following in no particular order