Children of late Kikuyu benga whiz step up to keep dad’s music alive

Gatanga-born Kikuyu benga musician Makibi James who passed away in 2008 was a darling to many and his songs continue to receive massive airplay. His daughter, Hellen Makibi shares on struggles they faced after they were orphaned and following in his musical footsteps.

While some musicians shy away from producing music in vernacular, some decide to pursue it no matter what. Because of the efforts of the many benga musical whizs, both dead and alive, who began singing in the 60s and 70s, vernacular music is now recognised and is not just limited to ethnic followers.

One such artist is the late Makibi James, a Kikuyu benga music maestro. He is considered to be of the second generation of Kikuyu benga music.

When he was still alive, he used his talent to entertain and inform the public on many social and political issues. It is because of his music that his legacy continues to flourish long after his sunset.

His first-born daughter Hellen Makibi, confirms that her father is one of the few Kikuyu secular artists who continue to entertain people through his always-evergreen hit songs that have stood the test of time.

“Our father’s legacy continues to shine on 14 years later. This is evident because his songs continue to receive massive airplay on radio, TV, and on several entertainment joints.

His lyrics that had life experiences and social-political messages infused in them, will undoubtedly continue to inspire the current generation and many more to come,” says Hellen.

Hellen shares how the Gatanga-born icon had a heart of gold and he changed many lives and spread his wisdom to all through his music and words of advice. 

Born in 1959, Makibi’s musical journey started when he joined John Ndichu’s band as a bass vocalist. In 1986 he released his first song and until his demise he had uncountable songs. Some of his songs include Nguhe Kirira, Susi Koki, Gikuyu Nitunyitane, Hau Niho Turi, among others. 

During his musical journey, he gave a helping hand to various artistes such as Kamande wa Kioi, Mike Rua, the late John Dematthew, Timo wa Esther, and many others through training.

Hellen says Makibi’s selfless nature was seen through his dedication to making lives better for everyone he came across. He always spread happiness wherever he went.

That is why in 1996 when he ailed and the doctors gave him a few months to live, but later survived, he gave children of Allamano Special School, Nyeri, a goat as a token of appreciation for their prayers.

Additionally, together with his friends, they raised over Sh1.2 million to support the school as well as formed the Association of Friends of Allamano Special School, an association that supports mentally challenged children.

“During the 2007 post-election violence, he was in the front-line helping victims of violence. He travelled to regions marred by violence and rescued people,” she recalls.

Hellen says her father was a pillar of strength, a role model, and an amazing leader in his community. The entire Mt Kenya region knew they had someone they could count on. His death was a loss that was felt nationwide. 

Fond memories

Hellen enjoyed a great relationship with her father. Though, because of his demanding career, the father of three didn’t get to spend much time with his family, but whenever he got a chance, he maximised it to not only spend quality time, but also bond with them. 

“The fond memories I hold dear to are his storytelling moments. One of my favourite stories is about how they would hunt wild pigs in the bushes in the nearby river with the boys. It used to take them months to spot one.

He would narrate how one day, an abnormally huge one ran towards him and instead of killing it, he took off and went hiding. Haha… His childhood was a hilarious one,” she reminisces

Despite having caring and loving parents, Hellen says that their life story is a sad one. They lost their mother on May 5, 2004, when they barely knew what death was — Hellen was eight years old, her sister, Sylvia was six, and their brother Leon was barely three years old.  

“After we lost our mum, dad felt the need to have someone to care for us. He had also lost his parents (our grandparents) the same year, and this loss made him make one of his biggest mistake, he remarried, hoping the woman would love us and raise us as her own.

Unfortunately, it became a living hell for us. But I adore my father because when he found out that we were tortured, he broke down, went on his knees and made a promise that as far as he was alive, no one would hurt us again. I cherish that moment.

Only a few can recognise and own up their mistakes. My dad said he failed to protect us and he was sorry. I felt his pain and this made our relationship even stronger,” she shares.  

However, they were orphaned four years later on June 6, 2008. She was aged 12, her sister 10, and her brother, seven. Life after their father’s death has not been easy.

They could not live the life they were accustomed to when their parents were alive. They started lacking even the basic needs.

They struggled to study, something that made her take about six years and some months to complete her Bachelor of Economics and Finance degree since she was always on and off school due to financial constraints.

Her sister had to drop out of school when she was in the university, where she was pursuing clinical medicine and surgery.

Their brother also halted his studies because he got into depression while in secondary school and had to drop out of school for a while when he was in Form Three.

Hellen claims they have not received their father’s music loyalties for the last five years. They also never received a cent from those who managed  his music on various platforms. It is only until recently that they took over.

“Despite all this, all I can say is that God has been faithful, my brother is doing much better and currently completing his Form Four studies.

God sent a Good Samaritan who sponsored him, we are so grateful. I work as a consultant and our sister is fairing on well,” she reveals.

Makibi’s children wish to follow in his footsteps. She reveals that, since each one of them is greatly talented musically, they would wish to continue with their father’s legacy and ensure that they keep that star shining.

They hope to join the entertainment industry soon, with their first song set to be released during his 14th anniversary.

“We are looking forward to launching our music during the event. We want to follow in our dad’s amazing footsteps.

Our dad prepared us well to take over and his prophecy of his children following his footsteps shall come to be,” she says in conclusion.