E-Sir
| E-Sir | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Issah Mmari |
| Born |
May 20, 1981 Nairobi, Kenya |
| Origin | South C, Nairobi, Kenya |
| Died |
March 16, 2003 (aged 21) Rift Valley, Kenya |
| Genres | Kenyan Hip Hop Kapuka, Rap, Lyricist, Hip hop |
| Occupations | Rapper |
| Years active | 2001–2003 |
| Labels | Ogopa Deejays |
Issah Mmari (May 20, 1981 - March 16, 2003) better known by his stage name E-Sir was a Kenyan hip hop artist signed to the Ogopa Deejays label. He was famous for his deft lyrical ability and command of the Swahili language. The phenomenal popularity of his music disproved the myth that Kenyan music could never compete with imported pop. Even long after his death, he is still widely regarded as one of the best rappers to emerge on the Kenyan hip hop scene.
Career
Issah "E-Sir" Mmari was born in California Estate, and raised in South C estate Nairobi, Kenya). He first came to be known in 2001 with his song "Jo", done in the same style as Black Rob's "Whoa". The song was E-Sir's major hit in 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 album tracks becoming radio singles in their own right. E-Sir won in four categories in the 2003 Kisima Music Awards. Hits included "Mos Mos", "Boomba Train", "Hamunitishi" and "Leo ni Leo". He also recorded "bamba" featuring Big Pin & K-rupt. The latter also died in tragic carjacking incident the same year.
E-sir's younger brother Habib is also an established rapper in the Kenyan music industry. He has couple of singles to his name, some of them with his partner Manga. Their hit single "Fever" topped charts in many local Kenyan radio stations.
Death
E-Sir died in a road accident on March 16, 2003, while in the company of fellow label mate Nameless (real name David Mathenge). He was on his way back from a concert in Nakuru town to help promote his album. His death created shock and grief particularly as it came when his career was taking off. His collaboration with Nameless titled "Maisha" was released posthumously and was also a hit.
Discography
Albums
2003: Nimefika Track listing of album released under Ogopa DJs:
- Jobless corner 1 (Skit)
- Kamata(Ft. Mr. Lenny)
- Bamba
- Moss Moss(Ft. Brenda)
- Saree
- Jobless Corner 2 (skit)
- Lyrical tongue twister
- Hamunitishi
- Boomba Train(Ft. Nameless)
- Leo ni Leo
- Nimefika 'Jo'
- Saree
- Kamaiko (skit)
Awards
Won
- 2003 Kisima Music Awards:
- Song of the Year for "Boomba Train"
- Best Male & Hip hop Artist of the Year
- Best Album of the Year for Nimefika
Nominations
- 2003 Kora Awards - Best East African Artist[1]
- 2004 Tanzania Music Awards - Best East African Album for Nimefika[2]
References
- ↑ Kora Awards Nominees 2003 at the Wayback Machine (archived March 2, 2004)
- ↑ Tanzania Music Awards - Nominees 2004 at the Wayback Machine (archived December 4, 2004)