Freshley Mwamburi, whose real name is Mwamburi Mwakachola, is a Kenyan musician known for his rhumba style and for his hit song, "Stella Wangu." He was born in Wundayi, Taita.
His musical journey began at an early age, inspired by genres like Benga, Taarab, and Rhumba, and by legendary musicians such as Fadhili Williams, Daudi Kabaka, and Orchestra Super Mazembe. He credits his paternal grandfather, who was a performer during public holidays, for passing down the musical torch.
After finishing his secondary education, Mwamburi was recruited to the Air Force as an artist in 1982. The following year, after being discharged from the armed forces, he was signed by the Simba Wanyika band. In 1987, he joined Les Wanyika as a vocalist, where he co-created hits like "Mama Watoto" and "Lipi la Ajabu."
Seeking more creative control, Mwamburi left Les Wanyika and formed his own band, Everest Kings. His career skyrocketed in 1992 with the release of "Stella Wangu," a song that narrates a personal story of heartbreak. The song tells of how he met a woman named Stella, a student at the University of Nairobi, in 1991. He supported her studies, including her trip to Japan for further education. The heartbreak came on May 17, 1992, the day she returned, accompanied by a new partner and a child from that relationship, a moment he describes in the song. Despite the heartbreak, Mwamburi is married to Dorcas Nduku, and they have five children.
Mwamburi has continued to record music, with other songs including "Safari ya Mombasa," "Panga Mipango," and the recently released "Wakesho." In 2021, he released a remix of "Stella Wangu." He remains an iconic figure in the Kenyan music industry.