Ben Githae reveals artistes who helped him achieve ‘Mlianza na Roho’ hit success
By Luke Oluoch, February 27, 2026Gospel artiste Ben Githae has shared fond memories of his first Swahili gospel song, ‘Mlianza na Roho’, which he says introduced him to a wider market beyond his Kikuyu showbiz audience.
Speaking to a local radio station on Friday, February 27, 2026, the Kikuyu gospel musician confessed that the song, released in 2006 when he was 30 years old, brought him his musical breakthrough by introducing him to a more diverse audience after he had previously sung only in his Kikuyu dialect.
He recounted how the song achieved success thanks to the invaluable contributions of fellow artists such as Sarah K, Esther Wahome, and Mary Githinji, who had already made their mark in the local scene with popular songs like Kuna Dawa.
Help from fellow artists
“In the song, I had Sarah K, Esther Wahome, and Mary Githinji, who also had a hand in it. At that time, their songs were renting the airwaves, while I was having difficulty transitioning from my local Kikuyu dialect.
“I faced challenges, and they really did a lot in directing and guiding my vocals. They helped with this new venture, and it all went well,” he explained.
Successes
In terms of widening his listenership, Githae discloses that the hit song, besides winning him the Kisima Award then, also boosted his market in Kenya.
“I remember it was my first song to be nominated and win an award at the Kisima Awards. It opened my eyes to other areas, like in Gusii land and Bungoma, where I visited. In effect, it made me open up. I later won awards with other songs, but this one made the breakthrough,” he added.
His revelation comes after he also explained that he will no longer be composing politically themed songs for politicians.
Hits such as “Baba Tosha” for the late Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga in 2022 and the viral “Tano Tena” that trended on the airwaves in 2017 rank among his famous politically themed songs.
He later followed up with his “Kindiki ni Witu’ composed in 2025 after the DP ascension to the Deputy President position.