Stella Wangu by Freshley Mwamburi : Music News Review

[Image Source: Nairobi News]
Written by Brian Sikulu

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Legendary Kenyan musician Mwamburi Mwakachola, popularly known as Freshley Mwamburi, is a true epitome of traditional Kenyan music at its best. The singer and songwriter, who was born on 7th November in the coastal region of the country, is best known for his viral hit song 'Stella Wangu'. The classic song not only warmed the hearts of many, but also created a landmark on the Kenyan music scene.


Stella Wangu' presents the story of Freshley Mwamburi in his youthful days and how he was heartbroken by a lady called Stella. Freshley Mwamburi in a soulful voice and infectious melody narrates to his audience how he he sacrificed everything to ensure his girlfriend Stella went to further her studies in Japan. For the love that he had for her, Freshley sold his property to finance her transportation and expenses. 


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After three years in Japan, it was finally time for Stella to come back home; the date was 17th May, 1992. Anxious and happy to see his long-term lover again, Freshley went to the airport together with his relatives and friends to give Stella a grand welcoming. What was to be one of his happiest days, quickly turned into the most painful heartbreak. Stella descended from the airplane while in the company of her Japanese husband and her child. Despite the sacrifice and love that Freshley harboured for Stella, he was ditched and left nursing heartbreak.

The narration, the rich vocals, the classic African-based instrumentals and the presentation cement the song together to make it a classic. Every year on May 17th, Kenyans come together to celebrate and revisit Freshley Mwamburi's love/heartbreak story. 17th, May, 2023 will mark 31 years since the event took place at the Jomo Kenyatta airport.