Heavy Combination 1966-2007 - 2025 UK Disciples label 17-track 2LP set

A crucial introduction to the 'King of Kikuyu Benga' and the first career-spanning retrospective of the incredible catalogue of the late, great Joseph Kamaru.

17 tracks that run the gamut from vibrant dancefloor chants with high life-esque guitars, to afro funk, drum machine and keyboard driven disco grooves, and folk style laments. The music is raw, immediate, danceable, and packed full of memorable hooks. The incisive lyrics range from protest songs to relationship advice. Joseph Kamaru was an incredibly popular figure in his native Kenya, connecting with everyone from high-powered politicians to the rural and urban working class, and his music deserves a much wider international audience.

Compiled in partnership with Joseph Kamaru's grandson, the sound artist KMRU.

The tracks have been carefully remastered from original tape transfers by Dubplates & Mastering in Berlin.

Sleeve designed by Karolina Kołodziej using original archive material from the Kamaru family vaults.

Extensive liner notes include essays by Kenyan academic Maina wa Mũtonya, music journalist Megan Iacobini de Fazio, and KMRU himself.

Tracklisting:

Side 1:
1. Joseph Kamaru – Kenya Kũrũngara
2. Joseph Kamaru – Ke Wapendane
3. Joseph Kamaru – Kwandĩkwo Ti Gũciarwo
4. Joseph Kamaru & City Sound Band – Gari La Trela
5. Joseph Kamaru – Wa Mwene Nĩ Ũmwe

Side 2:
1. Joseph Kamaru – Njohi Ndirĩ Mwarimu
2. Joseph Kamaru & Kamaru Super Stars – Karolina
3. Joseph Kamaru, Kamaru Mixed Grill & Kamaru Super Stars – Ngunia Ngũrũ
4. Joseph Kamaru – Kĩmĩĩrĩ 6:38 10

Side 3:
1. Joseph Kamaru – Ĩkĩhanda Mũnyũgĩ 3:16 11
2. Joseph Kamaru & City Sound Band – Chunga Rũrĩmĩ
3. Joseph Kamaru & City Sound Band – Rĩrĩa Mũgũtwenja
4. Joseph Kamaru & Kamaru Celina Band – J.M. Kariuki
5. Joseph Kamaru – Ndarĩ Ya Mwarimu Pt. 2

Side 4:
1. Joseph Kamaru – Mũhiki Wa Mikosi
2. Joseph Kamaru – Andũ A Madaraka
3. Joseph Kamaru – Nĩ Kĩrume