Remembering E-sir: One of Kenya’s greatest rappers who perished 15 years ago today

Issah Mmari Wangui, popularly known as E-sir, was born on May 20, 1981. He was born to Kenyan mother Damaris Wangui and Tanzanian father Amin Mmari.

He was born in California, Eastlands and raised in South B, Nairobi.

E-sir schooled at St. Anne’s Junior Academy and Brookhouse Senior School. He discovered his music career while at Brookhouse.

He was discovered and signed by Ogopa DJs label in 1999. E-sir declared his arrival in 2001 with the hit ‘Jo’.

In 2003, he released ‘Nimefika’, arguably his finest album that won him several awards. Each song in the album became a radio single and earned E-sir massive following in East Africa.

Other hits that made him everyone’s darling included ‘Mos Mos, Boomba Train, Hamunitishi and Leo ni Leo’.

Unfortunately, E-sir’s fast-rising music career was cut short when he died in a road accident while on his way from Nakuru. E-sir died on March 16, 2003.

He was with singer Nameless when the accident occurred. His death shocked fans across East Africa who mourned him for days.

Today, Kenyans mark his 15th anniversary. They consider him one of the greatest rappers Kenya has ever produced.