Unknown facts about 'Fundamendos' Ken Wa Maria
10 December 2013
Ken Wa Maria is the most sought-after benga Kamba artist in Kenya currently and ‘fundamentally’ speaking, pun intended, he’s the ‘King of Kamba music’ thanks to his unique style of entertainment hosting 40 albums and more than 400 songs under his name.
They say ‘mwanaume ni effort’ and his humble beginnings from being a Casual labourer in Athi River to a second hand clothes dealer in Gikomba Market didn’t deter his passion to one day venture into the music industry.
Ken released his debut album back in 2004 and from then he has cut a niche for himself attracting thousands of fans across the country.
Being privileged to understand the language he sings in, I can first hand tell you how huge he is in Kamba land and truly a force to reckon with in the Kenyan music industry.
Simplicity is his style and he sings about anything, literally, for example; sing along “These are the things, these are my things, these are your things. These are the ‘fundamendoz’.” For 5 minutes repeat that in Swahili, Kamba and Kikuyu and there you have it, a hit with more 150,000 views on YouTube.
Now you know why he has more 400 songs and still going strong, some of his hit songs include; Syindu sya Mutongoi, Mkasa Sinai, Mikorogo, Miss Musembi, Kalonzo, Wakatimba Pumbafu among many others.
Though he may have been one of the most underrated artists in Kenya, it’s amazing to see what the power of social media and online platforms have had in anchoring him to the levels he currently is in now.
Don’t even argue about the language because music is universal.
They say ‘mwanaume ni effort’ and his humble beginnings from being a Casual labourer in Athi River to a second hand clothes dealer in Gikomba Market didn’t deter his passion to one day venture into the music industry.
Ken released his debut album back in 2004 and from then he has cut a niche for himself attracting thousands of fans across the country.
Being privileged to understand the language he sings in, I can first hand tell you how huge he is in Kamba land and truly a force to reckon with in the Kenyan music industry.
Simplicity is his style and he sings about anything, literally, for example; sing along “These are the things, these are my things, these are your things. These are the ‘fundamendoz’.” For 5 minutes repeat that in Swahili, Kamba and Kikuyu and there you have it, a hit with more 150,000 views on YouTube.
Now you know why he has more 400 songs and still going strong, some of his hit songs include; Syindu sya Mutongoi, Mkasa Sinai, Mikorogo, Miss Musembi, Kalonzo, Wakatimba Pumbafu among many others.
Though he may have been one of the most underrated artists in Kenya, it’s amazing to see what the power of social media and online platforms have had in anchoring him to the levels he currently is in now.
Don’t even argue about the language because music is universal.
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