Joseph Kamaru Heavy Combination 1966-2007 (Remastered) Vinyl LP 2025

1. Kenya Kurungara (1977)
2. Ke Wapendane (1977)
3. Kwandikwo Ti Guciarwo (1976)
4. Gari La Trela (1982) With City Sound Band
5. Wa Mwene Ni Umwe (1976)
6. Njohi Ndiri Mwarimu (1966)
7. Karolina (1982) With Kamaru Super Stars
8. Ngunia Nguru (1985) With Kamaru Mixed Grill and Kamaru Super Stars
9. Kimiiri (2007)
10. Ikihanda Munyugi (1988)
11. Chunga Rurimi (1989) With City Sound Band
12. Riria Mugutwenja (1975) With City Sound Band
13. J.M. Kariuki (1975) With Kamaru Celina Band
14. Ndari Ya Mwarimu Pt. 2 (1969)
15. Muhiki Wa Mikosi (1988)
16. Andu a Madaraka (1969)
17. Ni Kirume (2007)

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 Ko?odziej using original archive material from the Kamaru family vaults. Extensive liner notes include essays by Kenyan academic Maina wa M?tonya, music journalist Megan Iacobini de Fazio, and KMRU himself.