Rufftone opens up about ‘Mungu Baba’ hit, friendship with Uhuru

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Rufftone [Photo: Courtesy]

When the history of gospel music is written, one of the big names to feature prominently in terms of impact on the industry, it is that of one Roy Smith Mwatia, alias Rufftone. “I am blessed. I am taking one day at a time,” says Rufftone, the gospel musician, who has ruled the Kenyan contemporary entertainment scene for 21 years.

Indeed, Rufftone is blessed. From a shy but talented teen whose first record was a secular song, to an industry godfather who has inspired scores in the entertainment industry, including family members, his distinct gruff tone testifies a man who has seen it all. He was the trailblazer as ragamuffin exploded in the 90s, the pioneer of the cook contemporary music in East Africa and the urban Luhya singer behind Tsinyanga Tsiwere - a song that made him a household name in rural Kenya. But it was not until seven years ago that Lady Luck came knocking.