Celebrated Kenyan musician and Guitarist Newton Kariuki popularly known as Karis marks his 40 years in the music industry.
Karis, also Muminji’s ward MCA in Embu, has embarked on nurturing upcoming talents in the music industry from Embu through a contest dubbed ‘Guitar ya Karish’, which has been taking place in Embu every weekend for one year.
The winner will take home a guitar donated by Karis and a recording deal to kick start their music career.20
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The Kikuyu Benga star aims to mentor young upcoming musicians by helping them find their way to the top in the music industry.
Despite being a celebrated artist, Karis shared that he never had it easy and had to work extra hard to earn his position at the top.
“When I started my career 40 years ago, nobody wanted to be associated with a hustler, and many said Embu community is small and I had no significance in the music industry,” Karis said in an interview with Standard.
“Since no one was willing to sponsor me, I took a Sh8000 loan with my Sh5,000 salary at an Indian company I was working for, and that is how I managed to record.” He said.
The finals will take place on December 9, 2023, at the Moi stadium in Embu where more than 20 celebrated Benga artists are expected to attend.
Muigai wa Njoroge, Wasumbu Kamande wa Kioi, Kuruga Wawanjiku, Mike Rua, Timona Mburu, and Wakambera among others will grace the Moi stadium grounds.
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Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire is also expected to lead dignitaries where a fan will be gifted a motorbike to ensure he/she can travel and follow Karis during his performance over the Christmas holiday.
