'Guitar ya Karish': Musician MCA Karish marks 40 years with youth project

Muminji Ward MCA and Veteran Benga Musician Newton Karish unveil a guitar that he seeks to award to an upcoming artist who wins in a talent search dubbed 'Guitar ya Karis' at Billionaire Club Embu on October 27, 2023. [Murithi Mugo, Standard]

Veteran musician Newton Kariuki, popularly known as Karish, celebrated 40 years in the industry by donating a guitar and offering a recording deal to upcoming artistes.

With a wealth of experience, the successful artiste intends to mentor talented youthful musicians, who are faced with challenges on where to start their musical careers.

In an event dubbed 'Guitar ya Karish' in Embu on Sunday, the artiste, now the MCA for Muminji Ward, kicked off a music celebration with several youthful musicians turning up for auditions to win the deal.

Unveiling the guitar imported from the US, Karis noted there is a need to mentor the youths in the music industry, adding that he is not retiring soon.

"When I started my career 40 years ago, nobody wanted to be associated with a hustler, and many said Embu Community is small and I had no significance in the music industry," Karis said.

He noted that he wrote his first composition while in Class Six and the second one in Class Seven, adding that it took him four years to record a song.

"Since no one was willing to sponsor me, I took a Sh8,000 loan with my Sh5,000 salary at an Indian company I was working for, and that is how I managed to record," he said.

Karish urged upcoming artists to press on without giving in to fear of the unknown.

"Many feel that they will be called names for trying, but I urge them to show their talents," he said.

Out of 59 contestants, the winner is expected to become the flag bearer in the secular music industry in Embu County, taking after the celebrated musician.

The finals of the competition are expected to be held in December at the Moi Stadium in Embu, where scores of veteran and celebrated benga artists are expected to grace the occasion.

Serving his third term as an MCA, Karish is famous for his songs Muthoni Kifagio, Rose Wanjiku, Murivwa ni Muka, and Kanjura Mavute among others.