The late E-Sir and Jua Cali are among 180 Kenyans proposed to be honoured as national heroes in 2025, recognising their profound contributions to the country’s music industry.
The National Heroes Council highlighted these musicians for transforming Kenya’s soundscape, nurturing talent, and preserving cultural heritage, ensuring that their influence resonates across generations.
Through their artistry, mentorship, and innovation, these nominees have elevated Kenyan music both locally and internationally, leaving legacies that continue to inspire young artists and shape national identity.
E-Sir, popularly known as Issah Mmari Wangui, is celebrated as a trailblazing rapper who revolutionised urban music with his lyrical mastery, blending Swahili, Sheng, and English.
His hits, including Boomba Train, Leo ni Leo, and Moss Moss, captured Nairobi’s youth culture and proved that Kenyan music could rival international pop. He won multiple awards such as Best Male Artist, Best Hip-Hop Artist, and Song of the Year at the Kisima Awards 2003.
“His artistry not only redefined Kenya’s music industry but also inspired a generation of young people to believe in their creative potential,” the council said.
Ted Josiah is recognised as a pioneering music producer who shaped the modern Kenyan urban sound. He mentored and produced iconic artists like Kalamashaka, Necessary Noize, Suzzana Owiyo, and Poxi Presha, helping establish Kenya’s musical identity and bringing local music to global standards.
Veteran Kamba gospel musician Faith Nziva Kithele, whose career spans over 30 years, is celebrated for producing timeless compositions such as Msiwe Kama Kinyonga, Kithembeo, and Ngeekia Kyau, preserving cultural heritage while inspiring audiences regionally and internationally.
Justus Ngemu is being honoured for his spiritual music compositions like Kilio Kwa Mungu and for advocating artists’ rights against exploitation, empowering a new generation of Kenyan musicians. John Okumu, popularly known as Wuod Fibi, is recognised for his contribution to Ohangla and Rhumba fusion music, producing hits for top Luo artists and mentoring emerging talent through his Barikiwa Studios.
Daniel Owino Misiani, also known as D.O. Misiani, is celebrated as the founding father of Benga music, leading the Shirati Jazz Band and creating a unique sound blending traditional rhythms with electric guitar. William Wasike Osundwa is honoured for his commitment to choral music, inspiring generations of singers and worshippers through performances with the Muungano National Choir.
The council also highlighted pioneers in indigenous knowledge and urban music.
Fundi Konde, widely credited as East Africa’s first electric guitarist, revolutionised regional music during World War II and recorded timeless hits like Mama Sowera and Majengo Siendi Tena. Bosco Mulwa and Paul Julius Nunda, popularly known as Jua Cali, are recognised for shaping Kenya’s urban music and co-founding Calif Records, while Clement Rapudo, or Clemo, promoted the Genge genre and created platforms to distribute Kenyan music globally.
Prof. John Geoffrey Mugubi is being honoured for his contributions to arts education, film, theatre, and creative writing, institutionalising formal training for future generations of Kenyan creatives.
The National Heroes Council opened public nominations in July 2025, inviting individuals, groups, and institutions to submit candidates for recognition.
“Pursuant to provisions of Section 22 of the Act, the public is hereby notified that the Council is calling for submission of proposals for nomination of suitable persons to be recommended for declaration as national heroes. Nominations may be made by a member of the public, an organisation, a group of persons or an institution,” read the notice issued on July 1.
Nominations were to be submitted within 21 days, by July 21, 2025, for consideration for Mashujaa Day on October 20.
To qualify, nominees must have selflessly contributed to the nation in one of 14 areas, including liberation struggle, spiritual leadership, indigenous knowledge, cultural values, arts, sports, scholarship, peace-making, statesmanship, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, human rights, national cohesion, and environmental conservation.
They must also demonstrate values in line with Article 10 of the Constitution, including courage, perseverance, commitment, innovativeness, and discipline.
