Kamaru, Joseph: Heavy Combination 1966-2007 (CD)

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 Kołodziej using original archive material from the Kamaru family vaults.

Extensive liner notes include essays by Kenyan academic Maina wa Mũtonya, music journalist Megan Iacobini de Fazio, and KMRU himself.

1. Kenya Kũrũngara
2. Ke Wapendane
3. Kwandĩkwo Ti Gũciarwo
4. Gari La Trela
5. Wa Mwene Nĩ Ũmwe
6. Njohi Ndĩrĩ Mwarimũ
7. Karolina (1982)
8. Ngũnĩa Ngũrũ
9. Kĩmiiri
10. Ikĩhanda Mũnyũgĩ
11. Chunga Rũrĩmĩ
12. Rĩrĩa Mũgũtwenja
13. J.M. Kariũki
14. Ndari Y a Mwarimũ Pt. 2
15. Mũhiki Wa Mikosi
16. Andũ A Madaraka
17. Nĩ Kĩrume