Celebrated Kikuyu benga musician Joseph Kamaru died at the MP Shah Hospital in Nairobi where he had been admitted after he fell ill.
Joseph Kamaru was aged 79.
Kamaru, who hailed from Kangema in Murang’a County was born in 1939. He started his singing career in 1956.
For the better part of the 1980s, his vocals were a signature tune in most music stores.
He recorded nearly 2,000 songs addressing morality and offering life teachings.
The musician was famed for classic hits such as Gathoni and Charia Ungi.
The late Kamaru was close to President Jomo Kenyatta but the two fell out after he condemned JM Kariuki’s murder in 1975.
Kamaru was also close with President Daniel arap Moi.
In 1980, he toured Japan as part of Moi’s entourage and composed a song – Safari ya Japan in praise of the President.
His son Mr Maina said that the king of benga died after developing difficulties in breathing.
Mr Kamaru, who started singing in 1956, is popularly known for his hits like Tiga Kuhenia Igoti and Uthoni Wa Mbathini among others.
Saddened that Joseph Kamaru has passed on. He was one of Kenya’s greatest musical icons & also an ambassador of Kikuyu culture. I fondly remember listening to some of his greatest hits like-caria ûngî, nuu ûcio & ke ngwîtîkîrie-as a young girl. He will be dearly missed #RIPKamaru
— Anne Waiguru (@AnneWaiguru) October 4, 2018
Go well, Kamaru. You left us tune and lyrics, we will sing and dance to them.
Because you lived, sang, mentored and inspired. We will forever remember you.#RIPKamaru pic.twitter.com/Ji3FFE7eMU
— Dennis Itumbi, HSC (@OleItumbi) October 4, 2018
He had said that he intended to build a kikuyu cultural home in one of his many farms in Murang’a to safeguard and protect the Kikuyu culture, a dream he has not managed to achieve.
Kikuyu pop musician Epha Maina eulogised the late Kamaru terming him as the “father of all the artistes” and one whom they relied on for advice and ways to improve the music industry.
“It is a loss to the the Mt Kenya region and whole country at large. He was a strong pillar in the music industry but God had his plans for him,” Mr Maina told Nation.
Many from the mount Kenya region have described him as a man who advocated for peace and morality in the tribe and termed as a man of wisdom.
What a sad moment for the lovers of Benga! Waking up another day with a sad news that Kenya has lost a big icon in the music industry. He has enriched Kikuyu culture perfectly and in a big way. We’ll live to remember Mzee Joseph Kamaru. Deepest condolences to family.#RIPKamaru pic.twitter.com/7T3qC33Kaj
— DP William Ruto (@WilliamsMkenya) October 4, 2018
What many might not know is the fact that Kamarū was a very prayerful person.Those who met can reveal .He was a very spiritual man.
It is sad news indeed for the Agikuyu Community and the entire nation at large to lose the King of Benga Mzee Joseph Kamaru. His songs were full of wisdom, rich in culture and history. Among his famed songs include – 6. Gathoni (A love song)
Fare thee well Kamaru.
Your legacy lives on.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends. #RIPKamaru pic.twitter.com/Ww3zQQBsbg— Churchill (@MwalimChurchill) October 4, 2018
I am saddened by the death of legendary singer Joseph Kamaru. We grooved to his music in the 70’s & 80’s but most importantly we’ll remember the positive impact brought by the message in his music on political, social and cultural matters. Kenya has lost a music icon. #RIPKamaru pic.twitter.com/9s07Pf2Gvd
— Chris Kirubi (@CKirubi) October 4, 2018
Heart felt condolences to the family friends and fans of Joseph Kamaru. We celebrate his life as a legendary Kenyan musician. #RIPKamaru
— Hon. Jaguar (@RealJaguarKenya) October 3, 2018