Kijana Musyoki Kikumbi of Kimangu: Why was he so successful?

I think there are three primary reasons as to why Kijana Musyoki Kikumbi of Kimangu boys band was so successful.

First is the fact that Kijana was a truly talented musician. This is important to note, because not all people who venture into music are truly talented. Some venture into music because they want the fame and fortune that comes with being a musician. But listening to Kijana Musyoki’s compositions, and watching his performances right from the time when he was playing one man guitar in Gikomba to the time of his demise when he had become a household name in Ukambani, you are left in doubt that this was a truly talented musician. Some of his compositions like Mwendwa Maria, Kadogo, Kyalo Kya Mbuani and Christopher Monyoncho/Safari ya Kisii are still performed as matter of standard practice in Kamba Live music shows by almost all bands.

Second is the fact that Kijana was aggressive. He came from a humble background (as his parents revealed later during interviews with Sir Mwenge of Musyi), and he was hungry for success, and he seemed to have been ready to do whatever it took for him to be successful. For you to know how aggressive Kijana Musyoki was, you just have to look at his discography, including the fact that he was able to produce an album or two every year, and he always had something refreshing for his fans each season.

Third is the fact that Kijana Musyoki wa Kikumbi was a good manager. There were very few, if any fallouts from Kimangu boys band. He was able to keep musicians, some very high talented in their own right, within his stable and that is something remarkable given the dramas we have seen with latter-day Kamba music bands.