| Release Date: | 31/10/2025 |
| Format: | 2LP Black/ CD |
| Label: | Disciples |
| Catalogue Number: | DISC32/ DISC32CD |
A crucial introduction to the ‘King of Kikuyu Benga’.
17 tracks that run the gamut from vibrant dancefloor chants with high life-esque guitars, to afro funk, drum machine and keyboard-driven disco grooves and folk style laments.
The music is raw, immediate, danceable, and packed full of memorable hooks. The incisive lyrics range from protest songs to relationship advice.
Joseph Kamaru was an incredibly popular figure in his native Kenya, connecting with everyone from high-powered politicians to the rural and urban working class, and his music deserves a much wider international audience.
Compiled by his grandson, the sound artist KMRU, in partnership with Disciples, the tracks have been carefully remastered from original tape transfers by Dubplates & Mastering in Berlin.
Sleeve designed by Karolina Kołodziej using original archive material from the Kamaru family vaults.
Extensive liner notes include essays by Kenyan academic Maina wa Mũtonya, music journalist Megan Iacobini de Fazio and KMRU himself.
CD in four-panel card wallet with 20-page booklet. 2LP with printed inners.
Tracklist:
Tracklisting Kenya Kũrũngara (1977)
Ke Wapendane (1977)
Kwandĩkwo Ti Gũciarwo (1976)
Gari La Trela (1982) with City Sound Band
Wa Mwene Nĩ Ũmwe (1976)
Njohi Ndĩrĩ Mwarimũ (1966)
Karolina (1982) with Kamaru Super Stars
Ngũnĩa Ngũrũ (1985) with Kamaru Mixed Grill and Kamaru Super Stars
Kĩmiiri (2007)
Ikĩhanda Mũnyũgĩ (1988)
Chunga Rũrĩmĩ (1989) with City Sound Band
Rĩrĩa Mũgũtwenja (1975) with City Sound Band
J.M. Kariũki (1975) with Kamaru Celina Band