In the late 90s, Rafiki Pesa, a song by little-known Shari Martin gained popularity across the country due to its hard-hitting words.
It came at a time when HIV/AIDS cases were on the rise globally. Rafiki Pesa spoke of the myriad of options money would give someone; from women, clothing, alcohol, and houses to cars.
The singer, Shari Martin died at Kenyatta National Hospital on August 2, 2024, after a long battle with pneumonia.
His younger brother, Matthews Yefta Komora, told the Standard that Martin had been admitted to the hospital on July 27 after being diagnosed with pneumonia. He initially responded well to treatment, but four days later, his condition deteriorated.
“His death is still a shock to us because we believed he had fully recovered…he had been given a clean bill of health,” said Komora.
Martin has left behind a widow, three children, and several grandchildren. Family and friends are meeting daily in Chokaa, Kangundo Road-Nairobi, at Matthews Komora's residence to prepare for his funeral arrangements.
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“For now, we are meeting to prepare for the burial. We call upon all his fans and those who knew the artiste to join us so that we give him a befitting send-off,” Komora added.
His death comes five months after that of his daughter, Phoebe Shari, in March of this year.
“This is a double tragedy, but we just have to put up with it because all of us are headed there,” said Stanley Komora, a cousin of the deceased who is also an artist.
Stanley reminisced about their early days singing together in church choirs during their teenage years in Taita Taveta, where they honed their skills.
“Our singing skills were developed in the church where Martin was a guitarist and I was a singer, which led us to perform for our primary and secondary schools before we extended it to our careers,” said Stanley, who is also a hotelier.
Interestingly, both Martin and Stanley worked in the hospitality industry, with Martin as a cook and Stanley as a waiter at Amboseli Serena Lodges in Taita Taveta, where they balanced their professions with their passion for music.
“We used to perform while working at the lodges to make ends meet,” Stanley added.
As music became a central part of their lives, Martin selected some choir members from Tana Gospel Singers and moved with them to Nairobi in 1989, where they recorded their first song, "Tangazo La Ajabu." “It was a wise move, and I believe that’s the genesis of his rise to the top,” said Stanley.
Martin produced several hit songs that catapulted him to fame, including "Wadamu Ni Waongo," "Mambo Ya Dunia," and "Rafiki Pesa," among many others. "Rafiki Pesa" was released in 1998.
In a previous interview before his death, Martin expressed gratitude towards retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, who rescued him from homelessness in 2014.
“He (Uhuru Kenyatta) was good for me after he turned around my life,” he had said without elaborating.
Meanwhile, messages of condolences to the family of the fallen musician have been pouring in. Them Mushrooms Band Leader, John Katana Harrison, described Martin as a diligent worker in the entertainment industry.
“He was good in what he knew. And that’s why he lasted long in the industry. May the Almighty God keep his soul in eternal peace,” said Katana Harrison.
Gospel singer Anastacia Mukabwa also sent her condolences, describing Martin as a ‘Man of God.’
“His work was part of the preaching as he communicated through music. May the Almighty God rest him in peace,” said Mukabwa, who is well known for her collaborations with Tanzanian gospel singer Rose Muhando.