Must Read: 17 Top Kenyan Urban Gospel Artistes Of The Last Decade

Piece by: Harun Momanyi
Entertainment

Kenya has produced some of the best gospel artistes in the world. They have inspired us, guided us on how to deal with daily problems and above all, they've stood the test of time to become role models we can identify with. Some of them have gone through life issues here and there - which is a human characteristic - but they've come out victors and even better.

In this list are the best Kenyan Urban Gospel artistes we've seen grow in the last decade. From Jemimah Thiong'o to Bahati, these are the Kenyan urban gospel artistes who have made an impact in the last decade.

1. Daddy Owen

Daddy Owen is one of the top Kenyan gospel artistes. He has done endless collaborations, traveled globally and mentored upcoming acts. His hits include "System Ya Kapungala," "Dakika Tatu," and "Mbona." Daddy Owen has previously confessed to having been a hooligan before he got saved. I first met him back in 2011 in Nakuru. He was promoting his album which featured Princess Faridah, Dunco, Kerah among others. The artiste's latest release, "Vanity" is a successful hit song.

2. Esther Wahome

Most of the 90's babies have grown up watching Esther Wahome's songs. She is one of the most respected Kenyan gospel artistes. Her greatest hits include "Yahwe," "Kuna Dawa" and "Tukutendereza." She is a mum, wife and an artiste mentor. She has a soulful voice, is beautiful and talented. Esther Wahome has been off the screen for quite sometime now, perhaps concentrating on parenting and other life stuff. She is truly one of the most memorable gospel stars from the past decade.

3. Jimmy Gait

Jimmy Gait has managed to stay on the Kenyan airwaves for the last 5 years. He shot to fame with his song "Wakati" slightly over 7 years ago. The dude has changed much! In the video, he was wearing a suit. He has since swagged up and now rides high-end machines and globe trots. He recently worked on the song "Dathima," a Kikuyu-Swahili song in which he calls on God to help those who need him. He has collaborated with new comer Papa Dennis on "Makekes" a controversial but highly successful single.

4. Kanjii Mbugua

He is a talented producer and musician. His songs are uniquely different. He evidently insists on quality and ingenuity and does not get inclined towards commercial success. His songs include "Push On" featuring Tapiwa Mugadza and "Mfalme Mkuu" featuring Enid Moraa. Kanji s the CEO of Kijiji Entertainment, a company that manages artistes and does event production. His most notable projects include Niko Na Safaricom Live 2013, Spread The Love Festival and Groove Theory. In a 2014 Capital FM interview, he said that YOU should make your talent your business.

Click next to see who is in the least alongside Rufftone >>

5. Rufftone

He is Daddy Ownen's elder brother. He has grown over the years to start his own record company, Lampstand Records, which is now a top gospel music recording stable. His hit songs include "Tsinyanga Tsiwere," and "Mwikulu." He.

6. Kambua

She is an accomplished TV host, event host and singer. The vocalist has released many songs, which have been a success. She is soulful, focused and outgoing. Kambua's greatest songs include "Nishikilie" and "Usiku Na Mchana." She recently appeared on Willy Paul's "Sijafika."

7. M.O.G

They are undoubtedly the most renowned Kenyan Gospel group. They've since split to two - from the original three due to ethical issues arising from scandals that faced them. Their biggest hit song is "Let Him Go," which took Kenya by storm.

8. Ben Githae

He is undoubtedly the most popular vernacular gospel singer. His hit songs "Mabataro" and "Timiza Maono" are the most memorable pieces he has done. He has collaborated with several mainstream artistes, including Rufftone. Ben has also performed at national events.

9. Eunice Njeri

She is known for her soulful voice, inspiring life story of rising from zero to stardom and her unrelenting spirit. She is known for the songs "Nani Kama Wewe," "Umeniweza" and "Umenikubali."

Emmy Kosgei and others are also part of the list...click next >>

10. Mbuvi

Mbuvi has been in the game for over a decade. He is known for his witty, catchy and entertaining music. His songs include "Kivevelo" and "Nisamehe." Mbuvi has for a long time collaborated with producer R-Kay. He is a University of Sunderland, UK alumni. He is also the CEO of Kivevelo Entertainment company.  When I met him on November 21st, 2011 at the Stanley hotel back, he came across as a humble guy.

11. Emmy Kosgei

Emmy blew into fame with her vernacular songs. She is one of the most loved Kenyan gospel artistes. She has performed at national events as well as abroad. Emmy is now mostly based in Nigeria after getting married to pastor Anselm Madubuko. Her biggest songs are - among others - "Taunet Nelel" and "O'lolo." Emmy was born in former Rift Valley Province on 22nd July 1980.

12. Gloria Muliro

Gloria Muliro is known as a highly resilient lady, loved for her songs and extra-melodious vocals. She came into the limelight after releasing "Sitolia" and "Matokeo." Gloria's recent separation from her former husband pastor Eric Omba.

13. Shiro Wa GP

She is the most popular female vernacular gospel artiste in Kenya. She is loved for her songs "Agiginyani" and "Nikuru Ngai." She has been featured on several national TV shows and magazines and mad headlines after president Uhuru Kenyatta donated 1million shillings towards her medical fund last year. She is definitely one of the most successful gospel musicians in the last decade.

14. Bahati

He rose rapidly to be one of Kenya's most beloved gospel acts. He is currently being played on MTV Base. He was primarily raised in Mathare, schooled with hardship and emerge victorious years later. His biggest inspiration is his late mother. His hit songs include "Mama" and "Barua." He is one of the youngest but most important gospel musicians in Kenya.

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15. Paul Mwai

Paul Mwai is the fourth child, one of the seven in his family. He hails from a very humble background. He always had the passion for music from a tender age. Paul used to compose his own songs and perform at church. He grew up in abject poverty in Kirinyaga. However, he has managed to succeed in life.

16. Jemimah Thiong'o

She is one artiste that local artistes have looked up to. She has been in the industry for over a decade. Jemimah is a refined farmer, wife and musician. She has three children by the names Ciku, Derrick and Daniel. She came into the limelight in 2003 with the song "Mwenya Baraka." She performed at President Uhuru's 2013 inauguration and other major events in the country.

17. Juliani

Juliani came into the limelight as an independent rapper, having been part of the group Mau Mau. He has since helped build Kenyan gospel music. Juliani collaborated with M.O.G. on the hit song "My Call," before the group split up. He is the father to actress Brenda Wairimu's child. His biggest songs include "Exponential Potential" and "Utawala. He has worked with several international organizations including the United Nations. He is an animal rights activist.