Why Shari Martin's songs stood out

The late Shari Martin

The late Kenyan gospel singer Shari Martin goes down in history as an artiste who switched careers with great success.

Martin died at the Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi on August 2. He was ailing from pneumonia.

He is best known for hits like 'Rafiki Pesa' and 'Wanadamu ni Waongo'.

Martins joined was initially a chef, and worked at Amboseli Serena Lodge in Tana River County. While there, he worked alongside his cousin Stanley Komora who was also a musician.

“He (shifted to gospel music) as a way of seeking greener pastures," says Komora.

He says Martin only later discovered his talent in singing despite having been an accomplished guitarist at our church choir days with Tana Gospel Singers,” Komoras told Sunday Standard Magazine.

His work left an indelible mark in that industry with his popular songs that rivalled even those of renowned and accomplished Tanzanian gospel singers.

“We started singing together while in a Tana River church at a time we also worked together at the Amboseli Serena Lodge before we at a time we switched roles in the chase for top honours,” says Komora.

Martin is celebrated for his timeless gospel hits such as ‘Yesu Ndio Commando’ and ‘Rafiki Pesa’ which catapulted him to fame in 1998.

'Rafiki Pesa' featured poignant lyrics that quickly became a hallmark of his musical journey.

The song resonated deeply during a time of global health crises, including HIV/AIDS. It explored the impact of material wealth on personal choices and relationships, capturing the complexities of how money influenced human interactions and life decisions.

Then came ‘Wadamu Ni Waongo’ in 2000. 

"Wanadamu ni Waongo, wanajifanya wema lakini ndani yao, wana mambo machafu," (People are liars, pretending to be good but are dirty on the inside), the song's lyrics went.

The song offered a critical look at the theme of dishonesty while urging listeners to confront and reflect on issues of integrity and truthfulness.

In 2002, Martin released ‘Mambo Ya Dunia’ (Worldly Matters) providing spiritual guidance on dealing with life's challenges and temptations.

“Mambo ya dunia, yanatuchanganya. Tujue njia ya Mungu, ili tuishi kwa amani,” (Worldly matters confuse us. Let us know God’s way, so we live in peace).

His ability to blend powerful messages with compelling melodies ensured that his songs continued to inspire and resonate with his audiences for long after their release.

When Martin set his eyes on moving from Tana River to the city of opportunities, Nairobi, he poached selected singers from Tana Gospel Singers.

In Nairobi, they recorded their first song ‘Tangazo La Ajabu’ in 1989, a song that catapulted him to prominence.

Martin's music had earlier won the admiration of the second President of the Republic of Kenya Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi when he (Martin) was a young student. Moi reportedly even paid his school fees.

Later, Martin also touched the heart of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

In 2014, Kenyatta (Uhuru) played a crucial role in supporting Martin through a difficult period when he rescued him from homelessness.

Komora says most of his (Martin) tours were concentrated in Kenya and Tanzania through invitations and evangelical crusades.

“Despite having joined the gospel music industry, he still had a passion in his profession as a chef in the hospitality,” said Komora.

Early life

Born in Ngao Village in Garsen South in Tana River County 58 years back, Martin was the seventh born child in a family of five boys and four girls. 

His father worked for Kaluworks Limited in Kampala, Uganda in the 1970s.

“Our father worked in Kampala as our mother took care of our rural home in Tana River,” said Mathews Kefta Komora, the firstborn of the family.

He said his late brother was an inspirational member of the wider Komora family even after the death of their father in 1998. 

As his family plans for his burial on August 17 in the village where he was born, they are appealing for financial assistance to enable them to give Shari Martin a befitting send-off.