Mukurara Nake

Joseph Kamaru, the grandfather of successful ambient musician KMRU, is virtually unknown abroad, but his role in shaping Kenyan music can’t be overstated. After moving to Nairobi in the optimistic post-independence years, he quickly worked his way up from living as a street hawker to becoming one of the country’s biggest musicians thanks to his unique sound, which merged traditional Kikuyu melodies with the bass riffs typical of Benga. Kamaru would shroud political messages in Kikuyu proverbs, and had such an influence on that politicians tried to both get him on their side and censor him. Mukarara Nake mostly steers clear of politics — even though the super funky opener “Why Do You” does offer some advice on how to act morally and justly — and the title track is a straight up heartbreak song. Kamaru has passed, but he is still a legend in Kenya. Thanks to his grandson KMRU, who has been uploading his records to Bandcamp, the rest of the world finally gets to hear his music too. 

The record is split between Side A and B