On the day that he would have marked his 40th birthday, a section of Kenyan netizens has expressed their desire to have a street named after legendary hip hop artist Issah Mmari Wangui, better known by his stage name E-Sir.
This idea was sparked by a social media post by E-Sir’s childhood friend David Mathenge alias “Nameless” in which he paid tribute to the rapper who became famous for his deft lyrical ability and command of the Swahili language in the early 2000s.
He suggested that due to his immense influence in the Kenyan music industry, E-Sir fully deserves at least a street in his hood South C.
“With all the guys he inspired with his works I think he deserves a street in south C to be named after him. E-Sir Lane. Let’s push for this to happen,” Nameless wrote on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPFtpodgMiz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
In the comments section, many of E-Sir’s fans echoed Nameless’ remarks in agreeance that the legendary star ‘s achievements would be worth the recognition.
Street naming in Kenya
During the period of British rule toponymy was used as an exercise of power and it reflected British control.
Soon after Kenya gained independence, streets were renamed as a way to renounce the colonial regime and its ideology.
Flash forward to today, Kenyans are starting to question the naming of important public spaces after a few individuals, their families and political affiliates – the ‘political dynasties’.
Many feel that looking forward, the government should consider honouring other people who have contributed to the growth of Kenya as a country – for instance its athletes, academicians and artistes.
This Guy E-Sir
The legendary E-Sir was a Kenyan hip hop artist.
He was born Issah Mmari Wangui on May 20th, 1981 and died on the 16th of 2003 and was the elder brother to fellow Kenyan rapper Habib.
To date, E-Sir is remembered for changing the game in the Kenyan music scene.
Long after his death, he is still widely regarded as one of the best rappers to emerge on the Kenyan hip hop scene.
