JB rose from a humble background to become one of the most influential Gikuyu language musicians. Through associate acts including Salim Junior and Wyre, JB has remained relevant over the years and continues to appeal to fans of all generations. We trace back his life and music journey.

John Boniface (JB) Maina was born in Othaya, Nyeri. At an early age, his family relocated to Nakuru and later Nyahururu where JB spent most of his early life. Although interested in music from a very young age, he dipped in professionally after primary school aged 15.

It was an encounter with the then thriving Maranga wa Gatonye at a pub in Nyeri that opened the ways for JB. Wa Gatonye not only gave him inspiration, but he gave him a modest token to facilitate his travel to Nairobi to try his luck.

In Nairobi, JB would soon partner with Joe Mwangi (Of Mercury Records fame). Mwangi was running a music production company and would also manage artists under his label. The young JB was deployed as his studio hand and would stand in for live performances whenever big names such as John Ndichu and Wahome wa Maingi failed to show up. It is during this sting that JB would sharpen his vocals and live performance skills.

Now aged 16 and already a popular name at the corridors of River Road, JB would soon impress a retired KBC engineer who offered to pay for production of his first album. JB recorded his first songs, Kirindi and Maundu ma Ngai at Joseph Kamaru’s studio in Downtown, Nairobi. After an initial look warm reception, the record would later gain great success after being played by the then only national radio broadcaster, VoK.

The success of his first album gave JB a footing in a market that was then dominated by heavy weights including Kamaru, D.K. and Mwalimu Mbugua. He went on to release a string of successful hits including, Muthoni and Wahakire Murunugu na Kii.

Muiritu wa Kabete

Released in 1990 in Cassette format, Muiritu wa Kabete was perhaps JB’s most popular and successful album released to date. The 10-truck album included classics and chat toppers including the title song, Tiga Kumute, Cece, Tuhua twa Rose and Mundia Tawa. By this time JB was a household name with fame beyond Mt Kenya region. He ran a successful music shop in down town, Nairobi. His contemporaries included Sammy Muraya and John De’Mathew.

The emergence of radio cassettes format came with its challenges. It became easier to reproduce music and this saw the emergence of piracy. Sale of bootleg copies meant less revenue for JB and his contemporaries. Financial struggles soon began to be felt. Production also slowed down. Apart from a few political and social commentary recordings here and there, little was coming from JB as the decade progressed.

Enter Mugithi

Towards the late 90s and early 2000s, a group of young musicians were emerging with the then catchy and fresh ‘one man’ style. Music from the past would be performed over a slow-paced rhythm style guitar with leud lyrics infused. Such artists included Salim Junior and Mike Murimi. It is Salim’s rendition of JB songs in ‘one man’ style that gave life to the now faded star.

Soon, JB’s songs would top music charts again. Young revelers also came to know of his yester hits thanks to Salim’s rendition. JB took advantage of the emerging interest and would soon go on a recording a performing spree that endeared him to many.

Wyre’s Collabo

New age artists including Wyre could no longer ignore the kind of following across the country that JB’s music was attracting. Wyre would soon ride in this fame by redoing JB’s now nationally popular Tiga Kumute (Mwanake) in Dancehall style. The resulting collabo was mega hit that continues to enjoy huge airplay to date.

Legal Issues

JB was involved in a protracted legal battle with leading telecommunication firm, Safaricom, over the use of his songs as ringtones in the company’s ‘Skiza’ promotion. The case was settled after Safaricom agree to pay the singer Ksh15.5 million as compensation for the alleged infringement of copyright.

Legacy

JB continues to perform in popular entertainment joints to date. His songs have been covered over and over. Tiga Kumute (Mwanake) has been covered by among other, George Parseen (a leading saxophonist and Jazz artists, Makadem (redone with Swahili and dholuo words) and Ayrosh.

JB has won several local and international musical awards and is widely regarded as one the greatest Kikuyu musicians of his generation.