November 16, 2024

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Why mugithi Star Kariuki Kiarutara Could Not Afford to Buy Own Car After Working for 35 Years

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One of mugithi legendary singer has been living in financial predicament even though he has entertained people for over three decades.

Joseph Kariuki (Kiarutara) who did the popular songs like Uturo Muritu, Reke Turimwo, No Ngai Wo Ma and Nairobi Kiawara has revealed how he has been suffering quietly.

He bought his first car this month after being in the industry for 35 years.

He was assisted by fans to foot the entire amount of the already locally used car sourced from his friend.

His songs are played back-to-back on radio stations, clubs, events and even performed by one-man-guitarists and other notable musicians day after day.

Last weekend a fundraiser was organised by friends and fellow singers to celebrate his 35 years in music industry and also raise some money to bring him back to feet.

The singer has been in the industry for 35 years.

The father of five decried how people who pirate music have impoverished him despite toiling to churn out the best songs.

Kariuki is among the few Kikuyu artists whose artistically composed songs full of wisdom, morality and some entertainments have remained in playlist for decades, treasured by the old and young.

“There is a lot of swindling in Kenya. All my earnings ended up in other people’s pockets. Whenever I produced a song, I lost control of it. They were pirated” Kariuki disclosed.

It also emerged that some people have been taking advantage of his situation, paying him peanuts to perform at events and clubs while his younger colleagues shaped by his work get hefty pay.

“We are aware some people fail to pay Kariuki even after he performs at their clubs while others give him Sh5, 000 or Sh10, 000 per event” Wangeci wa Kariuki of Kameme TV disclosed.

where a fundraiser to help him was held.

Mugithi artists take home from Sh40, 000 to Sh100, 000 for a single performance.

Asked why he decided to keep silence while he suffered, Kariuki said he did not know how or where to start.

He expressed optimism his songs will bring fruits one day as he prepares to record more he has composed.

The artist who hails from Kiarutara in Gatanga, Murang’a county was a church guitarist before he ventured into music industry.

He desires to own a plot and build a decent home to relish his sunset years.

Kariuki with Kameme TV presenter Wangeci wa Kariuki.