The Maunda Five ride on wave of success

By NANJINIA WAMUSWA

Like the Jackson Five, Mzuka Blackburn Boys Band comprises five siblings, Abel, Gabriel, Samson, Stephen and Peter Maunda.

Brought together by fate, they are all sons of veteran musician and broadcaster Jacob William Maunda.

Initially, each sibling had launched solo music careers. However, the demise of their Tanzanian mother, Karen Maunda, last year, saw them unite.

After the funeral, the five recorded, Inaniuma Sana, a mournful song dedicated to their mother. The success of the song made them realise they could achieve more if they worked together.

The Maunda brothers. [PICTURES: NANJINIA WAMUSWA]

Abel, the eldest and leader of the band, said, "We compared the songs we recorded individually and the single we did together. The success of the latter told us that we could go places if we work jointly."

Since then they have recorded five songs, including Inaniuma Sana, which are doing well. Their songs recorded as a group include Nuru, Nakupenda and Toy to Boy. Nuru is a gospel and inspirational track that encourages the youth to forget their desperate situations and think positively. Toy to Boy is about their lives, from childhood to adults. Nakupenda is a love song dedicate to a girlfriend.

"All the songs we recorded jointly are all success stories. So we are sticking together as long as we are still in music," said Abel.

The group will soon release a nine-track album, which they declined to discuss in detail.

Besides singing, the Maundas sometimes work as DJs and MCs at various functions such as live performances, weddings and gala nights. They either go together or separately in case they receive more than one invitation.

The brothers have held several joint shows courtesy of their late mother.

Music runs in their blood as their father, who is their mentor, is a veteran musician known for songs like Nahangaika Mombasa, Dada Rehema, Mkimbizi wa Mapenzi, Dada Sofia and Baba Yenu Mlevi.

The brothers started singing in church when they were young. They attribute their success to the discipline their mother instilled in them as youngsters.

"She made sure we remained disciplined in our music and upheld Christian values," said Samson.

The group plans to redo their father’s golden hits to fit in the current market and audience using several styles like reggae and afro-fusion.

"Our father has already given us the go-ahead and it’s up to us to start the work," said Abel.

Abel started playing music instruments at an early age. He later joined and played bass guitar in his father’s band. He was then in Class Eight at Heshima Primary School in Nairobi

He launched his solo career in 2003 and recorded songs like Nipe Love, Wacha Niseme, Kuwa Mpole and Naimba Kenya. Naimba Kenya is a patriotic song meant to promote tourism. Abel studied Mass Communication. In 2007, he tried his hands in politics. He vied for Doonholm civic seat but lost.

Gabriel studied at Heshima and later Kalawa Secondary School. He is studying accounts at a private college in town. His solo tracks include Lazima Nione and Rescue.

Samson went to Heshima and Kitunguni primary schools before joining Darajani Secondary School. Samson and Stephen recorded together songs like Brighter Lighter and Jesus Love. Stephen, who was born in 1989, studied at Heshima and Darajani Secondary School. Both hold diplomas in Mass Communication.

Peter attended Kitunguni Primary School and Darajani Secondary School. He is currently pursuing a diploma in Mass Communication at Kenya Institute of Mass Communication. He recorded a single, Nengwasya, in 2009 while in Form Three.

In the band, each plays different roles. Abel plays the lead guitar, Stephen rhythm guitar, Gabriel bass guitar, Samson drums and Peter keyboard and other percussion equipment.

Their song, Nuru, currently enjoys massive airplay on fm radio stations.

All the five are still single.