Background
Issah "East-Sir" Mmari was born in California Estate, and raised in South C estate Nairobi, Kenya).
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Issah Mmari Wangui
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Career
He was the elder brother to pioneer Kenyan rapper Habib. 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 popular.
Even long after his death, he is still widely regarded as one of the best rappers to emerge on the Kenyan hip hop scene.
Hip hop is a hugely popular style of music in Kenya. Artists rap in English, Swahili, the local Sheng slang or even in vernacular language 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 East-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.
Hits included "Mos Mos", "Boomba Train", "" and "".
He also recorded "bamba" featuring Big Pin & The late K-rupt. The latter also died in tragic carjacking incident the same year.E-Sir is widely regarded as the best music talent to emerge out of Kenya. He is still loved even after his death.
East-sir"s younger brother Habib is also an established rapper in the Kenyan music industry.
Their hit single "Fever" topped charts in many local Kenyan radio stations. East-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 Afraha stadium Nakuru town to help promote his album. His death created shock and grief particularly as it came when his career was taking official
His collaboration with Nameless titled "Maisha" was released posthumously and was also a hit.
Achievements
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Born
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Died
March 16, 2003 (aged 21) -
Nationality
Kenya