Kenya’s 2025 Mashujaa Day celebrations shone a spotlight on the nation’s vibrant creative industry, as a host of distinguished artists, filmmakers, musicians, and broadcasters were feted for their outstanding contributions to the country’s arts, culture, and entertainment.
Among those honoured were filmmaker Martin Ndirui Munyua, music producer Clement Rapudo “Clemo”, and rapper Paul Nunda “Jua Cali” , alongside several other creatives whose work has shaped Kenya’s cultural identity and inspired generations.
Martin Ndirui Munyua, from Nairobi County, was celebrated for his immense contribution to the growth of Kenya’s film sector and creative economy.
Munyua, whose original productions such as Ms President have redefined storytelling in Kenya, was recognised for “advancing both form and function in Kenyan media.”
His work has used television to elevate national conversations on women in leadership and peacebuilding. The award citation noted that “through this initiative, he has elevated Kenyan filmmaking to global standards and used his platform to create jobs, build institutions, promote national values and uplift future generations.”
From Kiambu County, Hellen Wambura Mwangi, a rising filmmaker, was recognised for her creativity and commitment to documenting Kenya’s cultural heritage. Her documentary Matumia: Tracing the Roots explored the traditions of the Kauma sub-tribe of the Mijikenda community and featured in the 2024 Kenya National Drama and Film Festival.
As a trainee at the Kenya Film School, she also directed Lights Out, a feature film on crime that earned her a Kalasha International Film Festival nomination.
The honours committee described her as a young filmmaker who “has inspired a new generation of storytellers and positioned film as a powerful tool for education, social change and national pride.”
In music, Clement Rapudo “Clemo” of Nairobi County was feted for his pioneering role in promoting Kenyan music through Calif Records, which birthed the Genge genre.
As the creative force behind hits by artists such as Jua Cali, Nonini, Pilipili, Jimwat, and Mejja, Clemo helped define the sound of Nairobi’s Eastlands and “gave voice to a generation.”
His later venture, Ngomma VAS, a digital platform that distributes Kenyan music globally, has positioned him as a pioneer in both analogue and digital revolutions.
Rap artist Paul Nunda “Jua Cali” , also honoured, was celebrated as a cultural icon whose music continues to shape Kenya’s urban identity.
Described as “a pioneering Kenyan rapper and co-founder of Calif Records,” Jua Cali’s breakout hits like Ruka, Nipe Asali, and Kwaheri earned him national fame and cemented his place among Kenya’s most influential creatives.
Also feted was John Eric Ochieng Okumu, better known as Wuod Fibi, from Kisumu County, recognised for his outstanding role in transforming the Ohangla and Rhumba fusion music scene.
Through his Barikiwa Studios, Wuod Fibi has produced hits for leading Luo artists such as Prince Indah, Emma Jalamo, Johnny Junior and Musa Jakadalla.
He was celebrated for “democratising music production, mentoring upcoming artists and elevating Luo music to national and international platforms.”
Other honorees included veteran broadcaster Elizabeth Obege Awor, choreographer Matthew Onyango Ondiege, and scholar Prof. John Geofrey Mugubi, all recognised for their lifelong dedication to nurturing Kenya’s artistic and cultural excellence.
The 2025 Mashujaa Day celebrations also paid tribute to several creative legends honoured posthumously for their lasting impact on Kenya’s literary and musical heritage.
Henry Miyinzi Chakava was recognised for redefining Africa’s literary landscape through publishing, promoting “language equity, democratic debate and regional literary prominence.”
The late Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o was honoured as Kenya’s foremost author and one of Africa’s most influential writers, celebrated for “elevating Kenyan literature on the global stage” and his “persistent advocacy for indigenous language and cultural sovereignty.”
Music legends Daniel Owino Misiani and Fundi Konde were also celebrated for shaping Kenya’s sonic identity. Misiani, known as the father of Benga music, was hailed for his bold artistry that “left a lasting imprint on Kenya’s cultural identity,” while Fundi Konde was remembered as East Africa’s first electric guitarist, whose pioneering sound “laid the foundation of Kenya’s recording industry.”
The late rapper Issah Mmari Wangui “E-Sir” was recognised as a trailblazing artist who “revolutionised urban music” with hits like Boomba Train and Leo ni Leo, inspiring a generation of young Kenyans to believe in their creative potential. His artistry “cemented his place as a national hero whose music united, energised and uplifted the nation.”
Also honoured posthumously was William Osundwa Wasike of Bungoma County, whose deep faith and melodic voice in choral music “touched hearts and lifted souls closer to God” through his performances with the Muungano National Choir.
