Review of Jose Gatuturas ''Thi kmaga'' song

Wathi wakra wangagrro ngi. Life goes on. As one of the most distinctive and
hardworking voices in the one man guitar genre, Salim Junior, takes a bow, in
comes Joseph Kanyi whose vocals share chords with those of Salim. Since the
genre started after break up of the Queen Ja Les Les Band in 90s, it has colonised
all other forms of Gky secular and gospel music in a bigger way than the Mau
Mau songs influence did in the 40s. The genre has become a launching pad for up
coming artists as well as being a key kitega uchumi even for established artists.
Apart from cheap musical instruments from Shaina, the genre has been pivotal in
the resurrection of live bands across the country.
Jose Gatutura is such one young artist who has used this genre as a launching pad
for his arts and unlike majority of artists who are comfortable with staying in the
shadow of other artists he has gone ahead and produced two albums where he
tackles some taboo social topics as is in the case of this 'Thi kmaga'!! His
ability to smoothly weave a narrative on break up of young families, flesh
peddling (he calls it sex hawking), casual unprotected sex (thi kmaga),
resurgent AIDS (at mkingo watukire fashion ura tar n mhtuke n ihinda)
among others is just amazing. Despite Kikuyus assertions that krra n ra thoni
- no shame in discourse on taboo topics - his use of coded language is on another
level.
This and other of his low end budget videos take a break from the preferred ass
shaking dancing tradition and are palatable at family set ups. The actress playing
'Irene wa tata' has gracefully taken well on her role. It is interesting to note that
the scenes where the videos have been shot show investments in natural aesthetics
by hospitality industry investors. With such legendary vocal chords, creativity and
ability to break from petty traditions we can only expect wonders from the young
artist.
The song is available on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=hyZZyIGEexk