Jaguar Reflects on Raila’s Endorsement that Catapulted Him to Stardom

By Jack Joshua

Posted on 8 December 2023

-Veteran artiste Jaguar has revealed how Raila Odinga’s decision to endorse his music catapulted him to fame and fortune

-Interestingly, Raila’s endorsement of his (Jaguar’s) brand followed days after a painful rejection in Mombasa

Veteran artiste Jaguar, aka Charles Njagua, has opened up about how being endorsed by Raila Odinga catapulted him to international fame.

Speaking recently on Kameme FM, the Kigeugeu hitmaker said Raila’s endorsement on the Churchill Show came shortly after he had suffered an unforgettable humiliation in Mombasa.

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He said he was performing in Mombasa when fans rejected him as he sought to perform the hit song Kigeugeu.

“I was curtain-raising for Nonini, and towards the end, the DJ did an introduction of Nonini’s hit songs, Keroro and We Kamu. In the aftermath, the fans demanded that I leave the stage to pave the way for Nonini,” said Jaguar.

Unbeknownst to him, the very song the fans rejected would later catapult him to national fame.

“One day KJ (Dagoretti North MP John Kiarie) called and told me that Raila wanted to see me,” said Jaguar.

The artiste said he agreed to meet the opposition leader after consulting with his producer.

“I sought counsel from my producer (also a Luo like Raila), and he was very delighted at the news. He patted me, saying the meeting with Raila would open doors for me,” he said.

Jaguar remembers his meeting with Raila at his Karen home as if it were yesterday.

“He asked me how I was doing and whether I was the composer and singer of the song Kigeugeu. I answered in the affirmative, and he proceeded to inquire about my age.”

“He was delighted when I told him I was 27. He jokingly wondered where I had gotten the inspiration to sing such a song at a rather younger age.”

The former Starehe MP remembers how days later Raila appeared on the Churchill Show and mentioned him (Jaguar) as his most favourite local artiste.

Gotta News has obtained and transcribed the clip of the former prime minister on the Churchill Show in 2010.

Asked about his favourite kind of music, the former PM replied:

“When I was growing up, there were other stars. I loved Harry Belafonte’s Jamaican Farewell. Then there was also Franco (Luambo Makiadi). But then I bring you back home today, Jaguar, Kigeugeu.”

Asked why he loved the song (Kigeugeu), he replied:

“I like the melody and the way he (Jaguar) sings it. And the message,” said Raila.

Raila Odinga and musician Jaguar in past photo. Source: courtesy

Jaguar said Raila’s endorsement opened a floodgate of opportunities he had never experienced before.

“After Raila’s endorsement, Kigeugeu’s popularity ratings went through the roof. Radio stations played the song from morning to evening.”

“I started receiving phone calls across the country with requests to perform in nightclubs and at corporate events.”

“I’d quote a performance fee, and they’d accept it without any bargaining,” said Jaguar.

He said his fame rose to international levels, and he started getting shows across East Africa and beyond.

“I started getting shows out of the country in Rwanda and Burundi. I also performed in Tanzania, where Ali Kiba and Diamond Platnumz begged to curtain-raise for me,” he said.

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