Mugithi performance in Kenya is becoming a serious career upon which those who can manage to play the guitar can rely on, to put a plate of food on the table.
Gone are the days when mugithi musicians were taken as mere jokers who had nothing else to do with their ‘miserable lives’.
Jose Gatutura, real name Joseph Kanyi Kigio, is a Kenyan musician who sings in his vernacular language Agikuyu. The artist who is also popularly known as Mashette the King has released hit after hit over the years making him one of the best Kikuyu artist.
Most details about his private life are unavailable as he is a very private man. In a number of interviews, he has not stated whether he has a wife or children and also hasn’t said much about other personal details until recently. He mostly talks about his music which is going to be the major focus of the article.
Music Career
Gatutura was born and brought up in Nyandarua and hails from a musically inclined family. While his father is a music composer, his uncle is a vocalist. He started out in the music business by doing performances in nightclubs in Nairobi. He was performing covers of Kikuyu songs at the time.
He found a mentor in 2007 who was prepared to help him out. He was also able to write and produce his own songs while learning how to play the guitar. As the songs gained popularity, he gathered a sizable following of listeners. The secular performer thereafter traveled to a few African nations and even Dubai. He put out a lot of music, notably Machete, which gave him the nickname “Mashette the King.”
He released four songs in 2018 that featured the country singer and former Tahidi High actress Kareh B. Fans were captivated by the two’s chemistry, and some began to speculate about whether or not they were dating as a result.
He stated in a YouTube interview that despite not being saved, he thought he had what it takes to become a pastor.
“ I am not saved but I know Christ is the Lord and I always see that I will one time become a pastor. But at the right time,” said the singer.
He believes in his ability to preach as he also does it through his music.
“I preach through my music, only that most people dont understand the message. There is time for everything and I will be a gospel artiste,” he added.
Amount Of Money Jose Gatutura Charges For A Single Event
Multiple sources say Jose Gatutura charges anything between Sh150,000 and Sh250,000 for a one-night club performance and appearances, the rates tend to drop a little or rise depending on the type of client according to most agency representatives and promoters we spoke to.
“I always perform with my band throughout the week. My set is always a live with a band of about 4 people. Towards the weekend, I tend to raise the rates because the demand for my services is always high,”
