Waithaka wa Jane: The Rise of Karaiku Master in Kikuyu's Mugithi Industry

Waithaka wa Jane, popularly known as Karaiku Master, is a name that continues to resonate in Kenya’s entertainment industry. Born in 1998 into a family of eight, Waithaka’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated performing artist is a testament to resilience, raw talent, and relentless determination.

A form three dropout, he found his calling in music and performance after moving to Nairobi in 2016. His elder brother took him in, offering support as he began working closely with veteran musician Pato wa Gathoni. During this period, Waithaka honed his guitar and drumming skills, laying a solid foundation for his future career.

In 2020, Waithaka wa Jane stepped out as a solo artist. Like many artists worldwide, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to his career. However, his unwavering commitment to building his brand saw him persevere despite the economic hardships.

He accepted low-paying gigs and even performed live on air for little or no compensation, seizing every opportunity to showcase his talent. These live radio performances, particularly at Coro FM hosted by Joy wa Macharia and Inooro FM hosted by Nyoks wa Katta, significantly boosted his public profile and helped him gain a loyal fanbase.

Waithaka wa Jane’s dedication soon bore fruit with the release of several hit songs, including “Wangeci Mwana Ni Eee Kumosa,” “Niki Waheire,” “Wandigiire Mwana Ukihika,” and “Mwenda Ng’endo.” His creative versatility also shone through in his cover versions of popular tracks, such as “Karaiku.” This growing catalogue of work has firmly established him as a rising star in Kenya’s music industry.

His career has not been without controversy. Recently, he found himself at odds with veteran musician JB Maina for allegedly performing and recording Maina’s songs without prior permission.

The potential legal battle was, however, amicably resolved when Waithaka approached JB Maina, and the two settled the matter out of court.

When it comes to his personal life, Waithaka wa Jane has kept much of it away from the limelight. Details about his family remain largely private. However, he did share a personal moment with fans when he mourned the passing of his son through an emotional post on his Facebook page.

He also engages in online banter with Kameme Radio Presenter and Host Muthoni wa Kirumba with a section of Kenyans suspecting the two are in a romantic relationship.

Waithaka wa Jane’s story is a powerful example of how passion, perseverance, and talent can break barriers and turn dreams into reality, even in the face of adversity. His journey continues to inspire many young Kenyans aspiring to make their mark in the music world.