It was on July 10, 2000, when the country lost one of its most celebrated Kamba Benga artists, Charles Musyoki Kikumbi, popularly known as ‘Kijana’ of Kimangu Boys Band. The musician died in a tragic road accident at Katheka Kai, just a few kilometers from Kyumbi, while reportedly returning from a visit to his in-laws in Machinery, following a domestic disagreement with his wife Marietta Musyoki.
Born in 1970 in Ithekethini village, Kimangu, Yatta, Kijana was the son of Maria and Kikumbu Kituu. He began his education at Kaumoni Primary School and later proceeded to Kaumoni Secondary School. After completing his studies, he ventured into music, initially joining the Kyanganga Boys Band led by Peter Muambi, before later joining his brother’s band — the now-famous Kimangu Boys Band.
Kijana’s musical journey officially began in 1991 with his debut release “Leo ni Leo” (Volume 1). Over the years, he produced a remarkable catalogue of hits, releasing a total of 20 albums during his lifetime. His popular songs included:
- “Mpenzi Anna” (Vol. 2),
- “Wendo Usu” (Vol. 3, 1992),
- “Mwaka wa Mikatiko” (Vol. 4, 1993),
- “Kadogo”, “Sweet Mulalu”, and “Kunua Kiangi” in subsequent volumes.
In 1995, he released memorable tracks like “Elimu ni Kitu Kizuri”, “Safari ya Kisii”, and “Show ya Kitui”. Interestingly, he skipped Volume 13 for reasons he never disclosed, proceeding instead to Vol. 14: “Majibu ya Monyoncho”, and others including “Shida ya Kinyambu” and “Original Kuluta”.
His 1998 releases featured the hit “Bomb Blast”, and in 1999 he recorded “Katheka Kambu” and “Songs of the New Millennium” (Vol. 20). Before his untimely demise, Kijana had completed work on Volume 21, which remained unreleased.
Following his death, his younger brother Kyalo Junior Diambo took over leadership of the Kimangu Boys Band. Under Kyalo’s stewardship, the band released:
- Vol. 22 – “Tumkumbuke Kijana”,
- Vol. 23 – “Mukasa wa Kyanguli”, and
- Vol. 24 – “Muoi Musyi”.
Sadly, Kyalo Junior also passed away on March 23, 2002.
Beyond music, Kijana was a shrewd businessman, with investments in the Matatu industry. He worked closely with Simon Munywoki of the Original Line Sacco and owned five vehicles under his fleet. He was also active in politics as a member of the KANU youth wing.
Kijana’s personal life was as eventful as his career. He married Amina Ishmael in 1994, but the two later separated. He then married Marietta Musyoki, whom he had supported through her education at Darajani Secondary School in Kibwezi, paying her school fees from Form 2. The couple had one son, Festus Kikuu Kikumbi Junior, born in 1998.
In 2016, Festus — following in his father’s musical footsteps — released his debut track titled “Pole Mashabiki”, honoring his father’s legacy.
Today, 25 years after his passing, Charles Musyoki ‘Kijana’ remains an iconic figure in Kamba music. His songs still enjoy airplay and continue to inspire both seasoned and upcoming Benga musicians. His story is not just one of musical greatness, but also one of deep community roots, entrepreneurial spirit, and enduring cultural influence.
