Njogu Ndung’u
Gikuyu benga songstress Lady Wanja is passionate about the welfare of fellow musicians and artistes in general.
Her latest release is a VCD highlighting the trying times the local music industry has been through in recent years because of the death of renowned musicians.
Titled Kiriro kia Aini (Musicians’ woes), the VCD is a prayer to God not to call any more singers home after many passed on.
They include George wa Njaro, Sammy Muraya, Makibi James, Angela Chibalonza and Emmanuel Emachichi.
The gaps left by the late John Ndichu, Kakai Kilonzo and Kasyoki who passed away earlier on may never be filled, she says.
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But it has not been all mourning and gloom for Lady Wanja. She has had an illustrious career as a singer and has 12 VCDs to her name.
"In total, I have composed about 140 songs and I have more coming up soon. I have a future in the music industry," she says.
The titles of some of her albums include Mutino wa Ndege (plane crash), Wihikahike (Hurry up), Ithe wa Twana Twakwa (The father of my children) and Niwathire Ukindiga (You left me).
Wanja says her music is mostly based on human and social relationships and historical accounts — both factual and fictional.
"Mutino wa Ndege is for instance based on fictitious account of a wife who lost her spouse in the 2000 Abidjan plane crash that left so many mourning. I think I try to act as a social mirror."
Wanja describes her talent as a "natural affinity for things musical"; adding that she feels moved to sing on and on. "I would still sing even if it does not pay," she declares.
Her lifeline
Music has been her lifeline since she released her first album in 1992, providing her with a day job and money to meet her daily needs, she says.
She says she will not join the ‘one-woman guitar’ craze. "I am comfortable with multiple instruments as they build on each other to enrich music".
Music runs deep in Wanja’s family and social life. Her two sisters Queen Jane and Princess
Aggy are celebrities in their own right as is their brother Michuki. Moreover, Wanja is married to a musician. Her husband, Robert Mweka (Mandingo), has released two albums.
Wanja perceives herself as an all-round entertainer saying it is necessary for artistes to fit into the changing market.
"I entertain people at weddings, birthday parties, company promotions, hotels and clubs."
She is also into video shooting and editing, which she says has not disappointed. She also rents out musical instruments as part of her growing music business.