Top 3 Mashujaa Songs For Your Playlist This Week

By: Keya Frankline

In celebration of the Mashujaa spirit, let’s take a nostalgic trip down memory lane with some classic Kenyan tunes. Here are the top three songs to listen to this Mashujaa Day:

1. Amka Kumekucha - Maroon Commandos
   Amka Kumekucha is a well-loved anthem that was frequently played on the national broadcaster VoK (now KBC) for many years. The song urges Kenyans to rise early and contribute to nation-building. It was composed by the late Habel Kifoto, who served as the leader of the Maroon Commandos during his prime.

   Maroon Commandos, a band founded in 1970 at the 7th Kenya Rifles Gilgil Barracks, helped transform the image of the military into a musical sensation across the country. Amka Kumekucha remains a timeless classic and is one of the most successful songs by the band, resonating with generations.

2. Lunchtime - Gabriel Omollo
   Veteran Kenyan musician, singer, and songwriter Gabriel Omollo released Lunchtime in 1974. The song became a Benga hit, featuring the memorable lyrics, "Sasa ni lunchtime, Tufunge makazi, Twende kwa chakula, Tuje tena saa nane." It reflects the struggles of Nairobi’s casual laborers, who worked tirelessly but still struggled to meet their basic needs.

   Gabriel Omollo was inspired by what he observed in Nairobi's Industrial Area, where thousands of laborers sought to make ends meet. Lunchtime has remained a relatable and poignant track over the years. Omollo passed away in January 2018 after a short illness, but his legacy lives on through his music.

3. Msichana Wa Elimu - Daudi Kabaka
   Msichana Wa Elimu is a timeless song by Daudi Kabaka that speaks about marriage and education. In the song, Kabaka questions why a beautiful, educated girl remains unmarried, with lyrics like, "Msichana mrembo kama wewe, ni kitu gani kinakufanya usiolewe..."

   First released in 1967, Msichana Wa Elimu was performed with Equator Sound Boyz, a renowned band that played a major role in the rise of Benga music. The song challenges traditional views that prioritize marriage over education, highlighting the importance of education for women.

   Daudi Kabaka, born in 1939, gained widespread fame in Kenya with his Benga music. His other classics include Harambee Harambee, Pole Musa, Bachelor Boy, and Shilingi Yauwa. Kabaka also earned the title "King of Twist" for his hit track African Twist, which united the nation in dance. Despite his passing in 2001, Msichana Wa Elimu continues to receive media airplay, cementing Kabaka’s place in Kenya’s music history.