Joseph Kamaru – Heavy Combination [CD]

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 Koodziej using original archive material from the Kamaru family vaults. Extensive liner notes include essays by Kenyan academic Maina wa Mtonya, music journalist Megan Iacobini de Fazio, and KMRU himself.
1. Kenya Krngara 2. Ke Wapendane 3. Kwandkwo Ti Gciarwo 4. Gari La Trela 5. Wa Mwene N mwe 6. Njohi Ndir Mwarimu 7. Karolina 8. Ngunia Ngr 9. Kmr 10. khanda Mnyg 11. Chunga Rrm 12. Rra Mgtwenja 13. J.M. Kariuki 14. Ndar Ya Mwarimu Pt. 2 15. Mhiki Wa Mikosi 16. And A Madaraka 17. N Krume