No matter what generation you’re from, Nameless remains a Kenyan favorite. His hits, such as “Inspire” and “Salari,” carry a sound that forever reminds us of home. How fitting then that one of his best-known songs is a call back home?
Born by the hills of Ngong’ in the late 70s, David Mathenge only came to be known as Nameless in his later years. He was your typical Kenyan kid, going through Nairobi Primary School, and then, Strathmore High School before enrolling at UoN to pursue Architecture. It was here that music became a place of solace. He discovered that he could sing – and really well. Eventually, in a strange turn of events, David became the entertainer among his group of friends. With his gravelly voice, he wooed many.
But singing for fun wasn’t going to earn him a living – at least, not just yet. To make ends meet, he got a job as a data-entry clerk at a bank, which would be his first and last employment because 98.4 Capital FM held a talent search. With his original song, Megarider, David won the competition. Soon, event organizers were seeking him out asking him to perform. A star was born.
The singer’s influence cannot be understated. His name must always appear alongside the names of Kenyan music greats like E-Sir, Nyashinski, and Nameless’ own wife, Wahu Kagwi. His passion for his family is what keeps him rooted; it flows into his art and his care for the people around him. His sense of humor and creativity keep every track he drops fresh and relatable.
With the 2010 FIFA World Cup taking place in South Africa, Sony Music was on a hunt for great African music. ‘Coming Home’ was Kenya’s contribution. It was featured on Hello Afrika album by the same music label. Melding high energy disco beats with fast-paced African drums and the Nameless’ signature Kenyan style, the song takes us on the journey of sportspeople from Kenya. Every Kenyan can relate to the hard work and determination of our athletes. The price for success seems almost too much to bear. But the joy of triumph, that return to home as a champion, make it all worth it. Coming Home keeps us motivated and we can’t help but sing along.