Deputy President William Ruto has led the country in mourning the demise of legendary Kikuyu Musician Joseph Kamaru.
The celebrated Kenyan Benga musician died on Wednesday evening at the MP Shah Hospital where he had been admitted since Monday after he fell ill, his son, Stephen Maina, confirmed.
Ruto said that his passing on has left the music industry poorer.
“The vibrant performer wowed audiences with his lyrics that spoke to morality and life lessons. He generated great vibe, which informed, entertained and celebrated the Kikuyu culture.” The Deputy President posted on his official Twitter Handle.
The Kenyan music industry is poorer following the passing on of legendary musician Joseph Kamaru. The vibrant performer wowed audiences with his lyrics that spoke to morality and life lessons. He generated great vibe, which informed, entertained and celebrated the Kikuyu culture.
— William Samoei Ruto (@WilliamsRuto) October 4, 2018
According to Ruto, Kamaru was a father figure to many musicians, whom he took under his wing, helped them record and publish their songs.
Kamaru was a father figure to many musicians, whom he took under his wing, helped them record and publish their songs. His place in Kenya’s folklore is assured. We mourn a great musician. Condolences to his family, friends and the music fraternity. Rest In Peace.
— William Samoei Ruto (@WilliamsRuto) October 4, 2018
Kamaru, who hailed from Kangema in Murang’a County was born in 1939. He started his singing career in 1956.
He made his first breakthrough in 1967 with Monica. The height of his career was between 1975-1985. In the late 1980s he was the first Kenyan to play at the Carnivore Restaurant then only hosting foreign artists.
In !980, Kamaru toured Japan as part of President Moi’s entourage. His songs include muhiki wa mikosi and muti uyu mukuona.
According to his son, Kamaru was suffering from Parkinson’s disease and a nerve illness which are believed to be the main causes of his demise.
Mr Maina said the musician started developing health problems at the beginning of 2018. On April 27 this year, the benga musician trashed news about his death which was circulating on social media.
It is with a heavy heart that I regret to announce the demise of Veteran Musician Joseph Kamaru who’s passed on this evening after a long illness bravely borne .My family and @moscakenya passes its sincerest condolences to his family .May the Lord rest his soul in eternal peace . pic.twitter.com/kt7OsbpjHD
— Rashid Echesa (@CSRashidEchesa) October 3, 2018
Sports CS Hillary Echesa, was the first government senior government official to break the sad news to the public.