A few years ago, Mugithi, a popular Kikuyu music genre, was dominated by old men who stood in one spot on stage, guitars slung over their shoulders, godfather hats, barely moving as they performed. The rugged performers had a raw, earthy charm, their powerful voices drawing massive crowds. But they rarely earned over Sh200,000 from one performance or attracted thousands of fans outside the Kikuyu community.
Now, a younger generation of performers has introduced a fresher, trendier version of Mugithi. They are attracting more fans, especially on TikTok, including many who had never listened to the genre before. They are now charging higher fees for performances and earning additional income from social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube, unlike their older peers.
Their lyrics remain deeply rooted in Kikuyu culture, the storytelling still raw and emotional, but the energy is now electric and captivating.
Joyce Wanjiku Njoki, aka Joyce Wamamaa, delivers powerful Mugithi performances, blending heartfelt storytelling and cultural pride to connect deeply with audiences both locally and internationally.
Photo credit: Pool | Nation
Back then, household names included Salim Junior, Mike Rua, and Jose Gatutura. Today, the new wave is led by younger performers like 28-year-old Simon Wachira Mwangi, popularly known as 90K Ka Msoh, and 36-year-old Joyce Wanjiku Njoki, known as Joyce Wamamaa.
While many associate Mugithi with nostalgia, village gatherings, and the legendary voices of the past, 90K Ka Msoh, who was born and raised in Nyandarua County, offers a youthful, stylish, and emotionally charged take on the genre.
“I picked up my first guitar at 14, but it was not until I started performing that I felt a real connection, not just to the music, but to the people,” he says.
His big break came when Mugithi superstar Samuel Muchoki, popularly known as Samidoh, supported him during his first professional recording session.
He now performs in the US and the UK, has staged shows in South Africa, Germany, and Qatar, and says the reception abroad has been nothing short of overwhelming.
“They [international fans] sing along word-for-word. Even those who left home years ago feel like they are back in Kenya, even just for an hour,” he says.
90K does not shy away from innovation. He combines modern rhythm and daring fashion to appeal to both loyal fans and a newer, more diverse audience.
Simon Wachira Mwangi, known as 90K Ka Msoh, pictured on December 27, 2024 in Nairobi, brings bold energy, modern flair, and deep Kikuyu roots to the Mugithi genre.
Photo credit: Pool | Nation
One of his most personal tracks, “Maisha Ni Maku”, reflects on the harsh realities of life, choices, and consequences.
“That track speaks to the weight we carry every day. It reminds people to be cautious with decisions because, at the end of the day, we all face the results alone,” he says.
Even as he gives Mugithi a modern twist, 90K insists on keeping the Kikuyu language at the heart of his music. “Kikuyu carries the culture, humour, and wisdom that define Mugithi. Even when fans do not understand every word, they feel the emotion behind it,” he says. “There is pressure to modernise Mugithi. But I believe its power lies in its authenticity. I will mix in new sounds, sure, but I won’t lose the roots.”
He is fully aware that some critics still view the genre as old-fashioned or limited in appeal. “You can’t make everyone like Mugithi. But for those who feel it, it becomes part of their soul. Criticism just fuels my drive,” he says.
Social media apps.
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Social media has played a significant role in his rise. Platforms like TikTok and YouTube have allowed 90K to reach younger fans who may not have grown up with the genre. “Most of my fan base found me online,” he says.
He hopes for a future where Mugithi is no longer seen as a niche genre, but as a mainstream Kenyan export, global, relatable, yet proudly traditional.
Today, he is paid over Sh100,000 for a performance. Yet I ask him what success means, and money does not come up. “When someone tells me my song helped them through something. That is the real reward,” he says.
Joyce Wanjiku Njoki, aka Joyce Wamamaa, delivers powerful Mugithi performances, blending heartfelt storytelling and cultural pride to connect deeply with audiences both locally and internationally.
Photo credit: Pool | Nation
Joyce Wamamaa did not just grow up listening to Mugithi; she grew into it. She did her first recording in 2010.
Soon after, she joined John Njagi as a backup singer, an opportunity she credits as a major career launchpad.
“That experience taught me discipline, performance etiquette, and gave me the confidence to stand on my own,” she says.
Her real breakthrough came with the release of “Wanjogothaga Nikii”, a track that quickly went viral and resonated with many. That is when she knew that her music was more than a hobby.
Today, she is known for her emotionally raw Mugithi ballads, often centred on love, heartbreak, and personal struggles.
“Music is my therapy. Each song I write is a chapter of my life or someone else’s reality,” she says.
One of her songs, “Wendo Ni Uriru”, not only gave her recognition but also deeply connected her with her audience. It became her most-streamed and viewed song, and for many fans, it is the song that defines her brand.
Her style stands out in the male-dominated space. She is unafraid to modernise her image while staying true to the core traditions of the genre.
“A few years back, music videos were very simple and modest. Today, the aesthetics have changed — more makeup, more colour, bolder outfits , but I ensure it never takes away from the message or decency of the music.”
Though she occasionally works with songwriters, most of her music is self-written.
While the genre is deeply rooted in the Kikuyu language, she believes its emotional weight transcends language barriers.
“Even those who do not understand Kikuyu can feel the energy, the passion, the message. And hopefully, it makes them love and promote their own culture, too,” she says.
Internationally, she has performed in major cities such as Northampton, Swindon, and London in the UK; Dublin in Ireland; Frankfurt, Berlin, and Helsinki in Germany and Finland; and across the Middle East in Dubai and Qatar.
Her overseas debut, a performance with Samidoh in Northampton in August 2019, remains one of her most cherished memories.
“Everywhere I go, the love is the same. Kenyans abroad long for that connection to home, and Mugithi gives them that,” she says.
Mugithii stars Simon Wachira Mwangi, known as 90K Ka Msoh and Joyce Wanjiku Njoki, aka Joyce Wamamaa.
Photo credit: Pool | Nation
She too says platforms like TikTok and YouTube have revolutionised her career, given her a new income stream.
“Social media has made it possible to perform for the world without even leaving your house,” she adds.
Still, she has faced her share of challenges. As a female artist, she has had to deal with tough competition, fight for visibility, and confront those who dismiss Mugithi as outdated. Yet, she has learned to handle criticism with confidence.
“The new generation of artists is adding colour and energy to the space,” she says. “With Mugithi festivals growing and fans staying loyal, the next decade will be transformational.”
For every show, she charges between Sh100,000 and Sh200,000.
Having already collaborated with Samidoh and Bahati, her dream list now includes Bien of Sauti Sol and Prince Indah. She believes that genre-crossing collaborations could bring even more visibility to Mugithi.
