Mukabwa clears the air on Kiatu Kivue

By Caroline Nyanga

Many mistake Kiatu Kivue, a popular gospel song, to be Rose Muhando’s while in essence the song is by Anastasia Obule Mukabwa.

Mukabwa, who hails from Western Province, says she composed the song that is currently taking East Africa by storm in 2008. Be it in clubs, radios, matatus, markets or buses plying upcountry routes, Kiatu Kivue features prominently.

But Mukabwa wonders why a local company credits her song to Muhando, a close friend of hers and who features in the album.

"It is sad that my second album, Kiatu Kivue, has always been mistaken to be Muhando’s. May be it is because she has a bigger name than mine and Kenyans don’t believe that a fellow Kenyan can sing the way I do," she says.

Fans of Anastasia Obule Mukabwa react during a live performance. [PICTURES: BONIFACE OKENDO]

Anastasia says despite her efforts to try and clear the air, nothing has been done.

Music piracy

She cites piracy as a major hindrance to her music career.

"My CD’s are everywhere labelled under Rose Muhando’s name."

The Mombasa-based musician says she recorded the song at Fabrice Studio in Tanzania in 2009 but could not market it due to its poor quality.

At some point she was forced to concentrate on prayers after her first album Umenitoa Shimoni, released in 2007, did not make an impact.

"Although Muhando paid for it I guess it wasn’t my time to shine."

Mukabwa recalls the moment Muhando heard Kiatu Kivue before its release. She was impressed and termed it an instant hit that would touch many people’s lives.

But the controversy surrounding Kiatu Kivue aside, Mukabwa has made strides in the gospel music scene.

"I’m happy that my music is well received by people from diverse communities and backgrounds. Mine is to change the face of the local gospel music industry, which for long has not been taken seriously.

"The fact that my music is well received is an indication that I am headed in the right direction. Mine is to minister and draw as many people as possible into the kingdom of God," she says.

Mukabwa is currently working on her third album in her yet to be completed Anastasia Studio in Nyali, Mombasa.

She declined to divulge more on it only saying, "I believe it is something different from what you have listened to in the past.".

She says her music is inspired by the word of God and aims at teaching people how to lead a righteous life.

The three-time Nzumari Coast Awards winner, Best Gospel Artiste category, says she is inspired by Muhando and the late Angela Chibalonza.

"My songs are usually given to me in form of a vision from God during my sleep," she says.

But why does she hardly get shows locally despite her popularity?

"I do not have a problem staging shows on a regular basis as long as I am invited to do so. It is therefore up to the local promoters to up their game.

Mukabwa grew up and went to school in Mombasa. However, while in Class Eight in 1989 she lost her father. Life was difficult for the family and immediately after completing Form Four, she opted to get married .

"Although my mother was against the idea, I had made up my mind to live with my boyfriend, a goldsmith and a Muslim. They were blessed with a baby boy.

After awhile they started having domestic problems but in 2001 her husband converted to Christianity and became born again. Today he is a preacher at Jesus Evangelical Baptist Church, Mombasa.