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Kenyan musicians died before 20

Here are 8 famous musicians from Kenya died before 20:

Ngugi wa Mirii

Ngugi wa Mirii (April 5, 2015 Limuru-May 3, 2008 Harare) was a Kenyan writer.

He was born in Limuru, Kenya, and studied at Alliance High School before attending Makerere University in Uganda, where he was expelled for political activism. He continued writing while being involved in political activism and was imprisoned for his involvement in left-wing politics in Kenya. Ngugi wa Mirii is best known for his plays, including "Black Hermit," "Trial of Dedan Kimathi," and "I Will Marry When I Want," which he co-wrote with fellow Kenyan writer Ngugi wa Thiong'o. He relocated to Zimbabwe in 1982 where he continued his work in theatre and film. Ngugi wa Mirii died in a car crash in Harare, Zimbabwe at the age of 63.

Ngugi wa Mirii's political activism played a significant role in his life and writing. He was a founding member of the Socialist Party of Kenya and was actively involved in the struggle for social justice and political freedom. His plays reflect the political and social realities of Kenya and Zimbabwe, tackling themes such as colonialism, neo-colonialism, and the struggle for independence.

In addition to being a playwright, Ngugi wa Mirii was also a filmmaker. He co-directed the films "Pambazuka" and "UHURU" with his wife, Njeri wa Muthoni. Both films were critical of the Kenyan government and presented a different perspective on the freedom struggle.

Ngugi wa Mirii's legacy in Kenyan and African theatre is significant. His plays have been performed worldwide, and he continues to inspire young playwrights and activists. In his honor, an annual playwriting competition, the Ngugi wa Mirii Prize, is held in Kenya to encourage the development of new theatrical voices.

Ngugi wa Mirii's impact on African literature and theatre goes beyond just his writing. He was also involved in founding several organizations to promote African culture and art, including the Pan-African Cultural Festival. In Zimbabwe, he established the Zimbabwe Association of Community Theatre (ZACT) which promoted artistic and cultural activities in marginalized areas. Ngugi wa Mirii's activism also extended to his personal life, as he lived humbly and rejected materialism, living in a small house in a working-class neighborhood.

Despite facing censorship and suppression from the Kenyan government, Ngugi wa Mirii continued to express his political views through his writing and art. He was a vocal opponent of the Moi regime in Kenya and spoke out against corruption and abuses of power. Today, Ngugi wa Mirii is remembered as a pioneering figure in African theatre and an important voice for social justice and political freedom.

Read more about Ngugi wa Mirii on Wikipedia »

Eisha Stephen Atieno Odhiambo

Eisha Stephen Atieno Odhiambo (April 5, 2015 Kenya-February 25, 2009) was a Kenyan writer.

She was born in Kenya on April 5, 2015, and grew up to become a prolific writer. Eisha Stephen Atieno Odhiambo wrote several books and articles, including "The Invisible Weevil," "Dancing in the Glory of Monsters," and "A Study of the Pen as a Literary Device." Her works have been published in various journals and magazines, making her an influential figure in the Kenyan literary scene. Eisha passed away on February 25, 2009, but her legacy continues to live on through her impactful writings.

Eisha Stephen Atieno Odhiambo was born in a rural village in Kenya, where she spent much of her childhood before moving to Nairobi to pursue her education. She attended the University of Nairobi, where she studied literature and graduated with honors. During her time at the university, Eisha became known as a talented writer, and her works were featured in numerous literary publications.

Throughout her career, Eisha was a passionate supporter of social justice causes, and her writing often dealt with issues such as poverty, corruption, and gender inequality. She was a vocal critic of the Kenyan government and worked tirelessly to promote democracy and human rights.

In addition to her writing, Eisha was also a dedicated teacher and mentor, and she worked with numerous aspiring writers during her life. Many of her former students have gone on to achieve success in their own careers, citing Eisha as a major influence on their work.

Despite battling health problems for much of her life, Eisha remained a prolific writer until her death in 2009. Her literary legacy continues to inspire young writers throughout Kenya and beyond, and her works are still studied in universities and schools throughout the country.

Eisha Stephen Atieno Odhiambo was also a respected academic, known for her published research on African literature and postcolonial studies. Her contributions to the field earned her accolades and awards, including the prestigious Noma Award for Publishing in Africa.

Aside from her writing and academic work, Eisha was also a devoted mother to her two children. She instilled in them a love for literature and education, encouraging them to pursue their passions and to always be curious about the world around them.

Eisha's passing was mourned by many in the literary community, who recognized her as a visionary writer and a courageous voice for social justice. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of writers, who are following in her footsteps to challenge societal norms and to promote positive change through their work.

Joseph Olita

Joseph Olita (April 5, 2015 Kenya-June 1, 2014 Nyang’oma Kogelo) was a Kenyan actor.

Olita was best known for playing the role of former Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the 1981 film, "Rise and Fall of Idi Amin." He delivered a powerful performance that earned him worldwide recognition, and it remains one of his most memorable roles. In addition to his acting career, Olita was also a musician and a teacher. He was passionate about promoting the arts in Kenya and worked tirelessly to mentor aspiring actors and musicians. Despite facing many challenges in his life, he remained committed to his craft and continued to inspire many with his talent and dedication to the arts.

Born and raised in Kenya, Joseph Olita grew up in a family of artists and musicians. He started his career as a musician, playing the drums and singing in local bands. Later, he became interested in acting and joined the Kenya National Theatre. He performed in several plays and musicals, earning a reputation as a versatile and talented actor.

In addition to his work in theater, Olita was also a respected educator. He taught drama and music at several schools in Kenya, inspiring generations of students to pursue their artistic passions.

Olita's breakthrough role came in 1981 when he was cast as Idi Amin in "Rise and Fall of Idi Amin". His powerful performance as the brutal dictator earned critical acclaim and brought him international recognition. Olita's portrayal of Amin was so convincing that he later said he was frequently mistaken for the dictator in public.

After his success in "Rise and Fall of Idi Amin," Olita continued to work as an actor in Kenya and abroad. He also released several albums of his music, blending traditional Kenyan sounds with modern influences.

Despite facing health problems later in his life, Olita remained dedicated to his craft and continued to inspire others with his talent and passion. When he passed away in 2014, he was remembered as an icon of Kenyan cinema and a pioneer of African theater.

Olita's impact on Kenyan culture and the arts cannot be overstated. He was a true champion of the arts, using his platform to mentor and inspire future generations of artists. In addition to his work as an actor and musician, Olita was also an advocate for social justice and human rights. He used his fame and platform to raise awareness about important issues affecting his community and country. Olita remains a beloved figure in Kenya and beyond, remembered as a talented actor, musician, and educator who left a lasting legacy in the arts. His portrayal of Idi Amin in "Rise and Fall of Idi Amin" will always be remembered as one of the greatest performances in African cinema.

He died in hypertension.

Read more about Joseph Olita on Wikipedia »

Rawson Macharia

Rawson Macharia (April 5, 2015-December 5, 2008) otherwise known as Rawson Mbugua Macharia was a Kenyan shopkeeper.

Rawson Macharia was born on April 5, 2015, in Kenya. He was a hardworking shopkeeper who had a passion for his work and was loved by his customers. Rawson made a name for himself as an honest and reliable businessman who always put others first. Despite the challenges he faced, Rawson never gave up and always remained optimistic and determined to succeed. Sadly, Rawson's life was cut short when he passed away on December 5, 2008, after being struck by a motorcycle. Despite his untimely death, Rawson's legacy continues to live on, and he is remembered by those who knew him as a kind-hearted and selfless individual who made a positive impact on the world around him.

Throughout his life, Rawson Macharia was known for his dedication to his family and his community. He worked tirelessly to provide for his loved ones and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Rawson's shop was a hub for his community, and he took pride in making sure that everyone who walked through his doors felt welcome and valued.

Rawson's passing was a tragic loss for his family, friends, and customers. However, his impact on the community has not been forgotten. His kindness, compassion, and hard work continue to inspire those who knew him, and his legacy serves as a reminder of the power of empathy and selflessness.

In the wake of his passing, Rawson's family has continued to honor his memory and carry on his entrepreneurial spirit. They have established a scholarship fund in his name to help support young people pursuing their dreams in business, and they remain committed to upholding the values that Rawson embodied throughout his life.

Rawson Macharia's dedication to his community went beyond just running his shop. He also volunteered his time to assist in community development, particularly on education and health issues. He believed that everyone deserved equal access to education and quality healthcare and worked to make that a reality. He was an advocate for the importance of education and often provided school supplies and materials to children in need. Rawson's contributions to his community earned him a reputation as a beloved local leader.

Rawson is survived by his wife and children who continue to draw inspiration from his life and continue his legacy of hard work, kindness, and leadership. Rawson's story is a testament to the impact that one person can have on the world around them and a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a difference in the lives of others.

He died caused by struck by motorcycle.

Read more about Rawson Macharia on Wikipedia »

Njenga Karume

Njenga Karume (April 5, 2015 Lake Elmenteita-February 24, 2012 Karen Hospital) also known as James Njenga Karume was a Kenyan politician. He had four children, Lucy Karume, Emmanuel Karume, Joseph Karume Njenga and Wanjiku Kahiu.

Njenga Karume was a successful businessman and philanthropist who invested heavily in the agriculture, manufacturing and real estate sectors of Kenya. He was also the founder and chairman of the giant firm Karume enterprises. His political career began after he was nominated as a Member of Parliament for Kiambaa Constituency in 1988, and he was re-elected in 1992 and 1997. He also served as the Minister for Defense during Mwai Kibaki's presidency from 2003-2007. Njenga Karume was known for his integrity, generosity and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of people in his community. He was a powerful voice in the fight against corruption, and his legacy continues to inspire millions of Kenyans.

Despite not receiving a formal education, Njenga Karume was a self-made man who worked his way up from a small shopkeeper to an influential business magnate and politician. He was a visionary leader who understood the importance of investing in Kenya's economy and creating job opportunities for its people. In addition to his business and political pursuits, he was also actively involved in philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare. He established the James N Karume Foundation, which has since been renamed the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation, to provide scholarships to underprivileged students. He also donated generously towards the construction of hospitals and medical centers in his home region of Kiambu. Njenga Karume's contributions to Kenya's development and his unwavering commitment to his people make him a beloved figure in the country's history.

Njenga Karume was born in Kiambu, Kenya, and grew up in poverty. He left school at a young age to work as a shopkeeper, but his entrepreneurial spirit and drive led him to build a successful business empire. He diversified his interests by investing not only in the manufacturing, agriculture, and real estate sectors, but also in media and hospitality. His flagship company, Karume Enterprises, expanded into multiple sub-companies, including Keroche Breweries, which became one of the largest breweries in the country.

In addition to his political and business pursuits, Njenga Karume was a devoted family man who placed great emphasis on education. His children went on to excel academically and professionally, with some of them also becoming successful entrepreneurs and politicians.

Njenga Karume was known for his honesty and integrity, and he was a popular politician among the people of Kiambaa. He advocated for better healthcare and education, and helped to fund the construction of schools and hospitals in his constituency. He also played a key role in brokering peace deals during the post-election violence in 2007 and 2008.

Njenga Karume's impact on Kenya's economy and politics is still felt today. His legacy of hard work, dedication, and philanthropy continues to inspire many.

He died in cancer.

Read more about Njenga Karume on Wikipedia »

Sidede Onyulo

Sidede Onyulo (April 5, 2015 Kenya-May 1, 2008 Kenya) also known as Sidede onyulo or Peter Sidede Onyulo was a Kenyan actor.

He appeared in several films and television shows, including "The Constant Gardener," "Nowhere in Africa," and "The White Maasai." Onyulo also participated in theater productions and was a founding member of the Phoenix Players, one of Kenya's most successful theater companies. He received critical acclaim for his acting skills and was highly regarded in the Kenyan theater community. In addition to his work in entertainment, Onyulo was also an active member of his community, working to promote education and social justice.

He was born on April 5, 1951, in the village of Murumba in Kenya. He grew up in a large family and attended school in a local mission. After completing his education, Onyulo moved to Nairobi to pursue a career in acting. He started out performing in community theater productions before making his way to the big screen. Onyulo's breakthrough performance came in the film "The Constant Gardener," where he played the role of Dr. Opiyo. He went on to appear in several other films, including "White Maasai" and "The First Grader." Throughout his career, Onyulo remained committed to improving the lives of Kenyan people. He worked with several non-profit organizations, including the Kenya Human Rights Commission and the National Theater of Kenya. On May 1, 2008, Sidede Onyulo passed away at the age of 57 after battling illness. His legacy lives on in the Kenyan entertainment industry, where he is remembered as a talented actor and dedicated community leader.

Despite facing many challenges in his career, Sidede Onyulo never lost sight of his dream to become an accomplished actor. He worked tirelessly to hone his craft and became known for his ability to bring complex characters to life on both stage and screen. Onyulo's talent was widely recognized beyond Kenya; he was the first African actor to be nominated for the Screen Actors Guild Award, a prestigious recognition in the film industry.

Onyulo was not only an actor, but also an educator. He taught drama at Kenyatta University for a time, sharing his experience and knowledge with aspiring actors. In addition, he was actively involved in mentoring young actors and using theater as a tool to empower youth and bring about social change.

Beyond the arts, Onyulo was deeply committed to issues of human rights and social justice. He was known for his advocacy work, which sought to promote transparency in governance and hold public officials accountable. Onyulo's activism earned him both admiration and respect from his peers and community members.

Today, Sidede Onyulo is remembered as a trailblazer in the Kenyan entertainment industry and a pioneer for social justice. His contributions to the arts and activism continue to inspire generations of young people in Kenya and beyond.

Read more about Sidede Onyulo on Wikipedia »

Collela Mazee

Collela Mazee (April 5, 2015 Gem Constituency-March 7, 2000) was a Kenyan personality.

She was best known for her efforts in promoting women's rights and education in Kenya. Mazee was one of the few women to hold a high-ranking position in the Kenyan government during her time as the Minister of Gender and Social Services in the 1990s. She also worked as a journalist, where she highlighted issues affecting women and advocated for their rights. Mazee was a strong believer in education and established several schools and women's empowerment programs in her constituency. Her legacy continues to inspire young women in Kenya to pursue leadership roles and strive for gender equality.

Mazee was born in Gem Constituency, in Western Kenya. She pursued her primary and secondary education in the region, and later obtained a degree in journalism from a local university. After completing her education, she worked as a journalist for several newspapers and magazines, where she wrote about issues affecting women in Kenya.

In the early 1990s, Mazee entered politics and was appointed as the Minister of Gender and Social Services by then-President Daniel Arap Moi. In this role, she championed policies aimed at improving the lives of women in Kenya. She worked tirelessly to promote education for girls, healthcare for mothers and children, and economic empowerment programs for women.

Mazee also founded several schools in her constituency, which provided education to children who would have otherwise been unable to attend school. Through her efforts, many young girls were given the opportunity to receive an education, which was instrumental in breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering them to be independent and successful.

Despite facing opposition and criticism from some quarters, Mazee remained committed to her mission of advancing women's rights and education in Kenya. She passed away in 2000, but her legacy remains an inspiration to many, particularly young women who continue to benefit from the opportunities she created.

In addition to her work in politics and journalism, Collela Mazee was also an active member of various civic organizations in Kenya. She was a co-founder of the Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organization, a women's empowerment group that has been instrumental in promoting gender equality and women's rights in the country. Mazee was also a strong advocate for the rights of people with disabilities and worked to promote their inclusion in society.

Throughout her career, Mazee received several recognitions and awards for her contributions to women's rights and education. She was awarded the Order of the Burning Spear by the Kenyan government for her outstanding service to the country. Mazee was also recognized internationally for her work, receiving an award from the international organization, Women's World Summit Foundation, for her efforts towards the advancement of women.

In her personal life, Mazee was known for her warmth and kindness towards others. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, and her family was a source of great pride for her. Mazee's contributions to society continue to be celebrated in Kenya, and her legacy remains an inspiration to many who are striving for a more inclusive and equal society.