E-Sir….
It’s a short cryptic name. It’s like a fig. A fig is a tiny seed, but grows to gigantic proportions. From humble, feeble beginnings to a towering, overshadowing stature in total indifference to numerous challenges and pitfalls along the journey.
Perhaps, in nature a fig seed would best animate the life of Kenya’s most celebrated fallen Hip Hop artist, Issah Mmari Wangui, fondly known as E-Sir.
Today, in better circumstances, E-Sir would be marking 19 years in the Hip Hop industry. However, that bubbly candle was snuffed out in a grisly road accident on a chilly Sunday morning – 16th March, 2003 aged just 21.
Just why E-Sir fondly remains in the hearts and minds of Hip Hop fans? His was a soul born before his time – a dynamic fusion of unique talent, entrepreneurial mindset and a burning desire to be the best in the industry.
A casual online search of the republic’s most iconic musicians has E-Sir cheekily tacked in between regional musical entities – Daudi Kabaka, Les Wanyika, Them Mushrooms, et al – all with eventful careers spanning decades. E-Sir’s case is different.
In two short years, 2001 – 2003, E-sir had grown from ‘South C’s Finest’ – winning freestyle rap sessions on street corners – to a star with a huge national following.
E-Sir had an easy-flowing lyrical flow, often in flawless Swahili and became one of the pioneers of Kapuka. Signed to the label Ogopa DJs, E-Sir’s peers on the Kapuka Beat includes Nameless, Redsan, Mr. Lenny, Vinnie Banton, amongst others.
In 2003, local Hip Hop faced a daunting task to penetrate the market, as Western Hip hop had a fanatical following. Remember The East vs. West beef? Yeah, that’s what E-Sir and fellow stars had to over shadow…..
And, Oh Boy! They did it in style!
E-Sir’s ageless hits include Bamba ft. Big Pin and K-Rupt (Deceased), Mos Mos ft. Brenda, Saree, and the soulful Hamnitishi ft. Talia – which, loved ones believe has a deeper message that foresaw his imminent demise. Up to date, E-sir’s greatest hit, Bumba Train alongside close friend nameless still enjoys massive airplay on radio.
E-Sir’s musical dream still lives on with his younger brother, Habib still in the industry.
Long Live E-Sir.