Stella's 32nd Airport Anniversary

Stella's 32nd Airport Anniversary


May 17, is no new date for Rhumba and Zilizopendwa music lovers. It is a commemorable day especially for Kenyan lovers of zilizopendwa music as this is the day that the famous Stella heart-broke singer Freshly Mwamburi. It is 32 years and counting and the song strikes fresh every 17th day of May. 

The classic hit always strikes a fresh memory of what the singer Freshly Mwamburi went through in his 1992 classic hit.

Freshley Mwamburi, whose real name is Mwamburi Mwakachola was born on November 7, 1958, in Wundayi, Taita. The name freshly is not a new name in the Kenyan music scene especially with the mention of the national 17th May Stella Anthem.

Growing up in a musically rich environment, Freshley was musically inspired and his musical desire ignited at an early age.

His surroundings were filled with the sounds of Benga, Taarab, and Rhumba. Genres that later influenced and shaped his musical journey and style.

Legendary musicians such as Fadhili Williams, Daudi Kabaka, and Orchestra Super Mazembe inspired Freshley to develop a profound appreciation for local music, create music, and have his own style of playing music blending in the different traditional African Rhythms and sounds.

Although Freshley Mwamburi started singing in the 1980s, his breakthrough in the Kenyan music scene came in the early 1990s when he became an iconic musical figure.

Freshley credits his grandfather, a performer during public holidays attended by the late President Jomo Kenyatta, for passing down the musical torch.

After high school, Freshley was recruited to the Air Force as an artist. In 1983, he was signed by the Simba Wanyika band, led by the late Wilson Peter Kinyonga and his brother George Peter Kinyonga.

Four years later, in 1987, he joined Les Wanyika, a group led by the late John Ngereza and Prof Omar where he was a vocalist.

Formation of his band, Everest Kings
Seeking more creative freedom, Freshley left Les Wanyika to form his own band, Everest Kings.

This new venture allowed him to further develop his signature sound, which resonated with a wide audience. His fusion of different traditional African rhythms with contemporary influences made him cement his name in the Kenyan music industry.

Freshley Mwamburi's career skyrocketed in 1992 with the release of 'Stella Wangu.' The song, which narrates a personal heartbreak, became an instant hit, dominating airwaves and catapulting Freshley into stardom and creating a strong foundation of his name as an iconic musical figure. This a living evidence of a personal story that turned into a memorable masterpiece that he brought to life.

He recalls meeting Stella in 1991 at the Garden Hotel in Machakos while performing with his band, Everest Kings. Stella, a student at the University of Nairobi, stole Mwamburi's heart and he was willing to do anything for the love of his life including selling land to support her. Later, Stella left for Japan to advance her studies.

Despite Freshley's unwavering support, including financial aid for her studies, Stella eventually moved on and had an intimate relationship with someone else whom she even consented to sire a kid for and travel with him to the country.

Despite the legendary heartbreak, Freshley Mwamburi is happily married to Dorcas Nduku, and together they have five children.

The emotional depth of 'Stella Wangu' resonated with many, making it one of the most beloved songs in Kenyan music history.
He musically engages the audience in the chorus by asking, 'Kama ni wewe, Ungefanya nini?"
This makes every listener fill his shoes, and experience the feeling to give their perspective of what they would have done.

The song was also made possible by his longtime friend, Engineer Njau Njoka, who is a real engineer and he even mentions him frequently in his songs.

Njoka, has not only been a support system but has also played a major role in overseeing the production of 'Stella' remix and ensuring Freshly brings us more hits like "Wakesho".

Over the years, Freshley's music has explored various themes, including love, social issues, and the beauty of African culture.

His lyrics have served as a platform to educate the community, raise awareness about important topics, advocating for positive change and unity. He will surely remain a musical Legend for generations to come. We will always empathize with his narrative of the painful events he went through on the 17th of May 1992 and jam to the other musical masterpieces he has graced our ears with.


Compiled by TheRhumbaCommissioner 
Tiktok @Therhumbacommissioner
Twitter @Juma_Wanjala_

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