Born
Issah Mmari, on
May 20 1981 in California Estate, and raised in
South c estate
Nairobi,
Kenya,
E-Sir was a
Kenyan hip hop artist signed to the
Ogopa DJs label who was famous for his deft lyrical ability and command of the
Swahili language. He is still widely regarded as one the best rappers to emerge on the Kenyan hip hop scene. He first came to be known in 2001 by his song "Jo", a song done in the same style as
Black Rob's "Whoa." The song proudly declared E-Sir's arrival on the Kenyan music scene and was featured on the
Ogopa DJs debut album . He went on to release his debut album "Nimefika" in 2003 which was a big hit with virtually all the songs on the album becoming radio singles. He won 4 categories in the 2003
Kisima Music Awards.
E-Sir died in a road accident on
March 16 2003, while in the company of fellow label mate
Nameless. He was on his way back from a concert in
Nakuru town that was to help promote the album. His fans were shocked and grieved for days on end after hearing the news of his untimely death. His death was considered coming at a time when his career was starting to take off. His other hits include "Mos Mos," "Boomba Train," "Hamunitishi" and "Leo ni Leo." His only posthumous song was the collaboration between him and
Nameless called "Maisha".
E-sir's younger brother
Habib is also an upcoming rapper in the Kenyan music industry. He has couple of singles to his name, some of them with his partner Manga.
Nimefika album
Track listing for E-Sir's Nimefika album, which was released under Ogopa DJ's- 1.Jobless corner 1 (Skit)
- 2.Kamata
- 3.Bamba
- 4.Moss Moss
- 5.Saree
- 6.Jobless Corner 2 (skit)
- 7.Lyrical tongue twister
- 8.Hamunitishi
- 9.Boomba Train
- 10.Leo ni Leo
- 11.Nimefika 'Jo'
- 12.Saree
- 13.Kamaiko (skit)
External links