Mike Rua, the celebrated Kikuyu Mugithi maestro, has been a source of joy for many Kenyans, infusing them with positive vibes through his musical talent. Born and raised in Mang’u, Kiambu county, Rua’s musical journey began at a young age when he discovered his passion for music. At the age of 13, while still in primary school, he acquired his first guitar skills, inspired by the proficient guitarists in his church. Fortuitously, the church instruments were temporarily stored at his home during church construction, granting him ample time to practice.
In an interview, Rua shared that he was fortunate to have the instruments at his disposal, even though his parents initially restricted him to focus on his studies. Eventually, he took a daring step, borrowing the Catholic guitar and his grandmother’s shoe to run away to Githurai, where he stayed with a relative. Despite facing challenges, such as damaging the first guitar, Rua is determined to repair it and seek forgiveness from the church.
Rua’s musical journey continued after completing primary school, joining Gakindu Secondary School before later dropping out. Despite a performance for the late President Daniel Moi in his formative years not gaining recognition, Rua’s dedication to music persisted. After the completion of the church, he went into exile, meeting the late Queen Jane in Githurai, Nairobi. Recognizing his talent, Queen Jane recruited him into her band, where he played the bass guitar alongside artists like Mike Murimi and the late Salim Junior. Notably, Rua has played a pivotal role in mentoring emerging musicians such as Jose Gatutura, Tony Young, and Shalkidoh.
In 2002, Rua took his musical prowess international, performing in London and the USA, catapulting his name to prominence. Subsequently, he left Queen Jane’s band to focus on his solo career. Rua is renowned for his exceptional one-man guitar playing skills, contributing significantly to the evolution of Mugithi music.
Known for composing and producing music with explicit lyrics that resonate with his fans, some of Rua’s popular songs include “Kamûrukî karia” (That Smell), “Nî Kîarie,” and “Irima.”
In his personal life, Mike Rua is a family man, married with three children. He has deliberately kept his private life away from social media scrutiny, mentioning that his father supports the music he creates.
Financially, Rua has prospered through his successful music career, earning between Ksh 80,000 and 120,000 per show. With consistent bookings for high-end clubs, hotels, weddings, TV appearances, and corporate events, Rua’s monthly income is estimated to be around Ksh 500,000. He owns a luxurious car and a bungalow in a residential suburb, accumulating a net worth estimated at Ksh 35 million.
