One of the leading lights of production house Soulchild Records, Ben Gitau Ndatha was ‘discovered' by his aunt while still only 5 years old. Well, to be honest, what she did was notice his talent when he was banging on his toy piano. Born in 1982 as the 3 rd born (and only boy) in a family with four kids, music was a part of his upbringing. His mother was a big musical influence on him, she sang continually, often times with him, and encouraged him as he developed musically.

Gittx grew up in a home with a Christian mother, and even though he toyed with salvation for a number of years, he really got serious with it in 1995. He confesses that his decision came more out of a protracted process more than a one time decision.

And even though he admits his walk, like that of many others, has had its fair share of ups and downs, he now involves the Lord in every significant decision of his life. Prayer, Bible reading and fellowship are a big part of his walk. He attends Hope Baptist Church in Lavington, where he plays keys for the worship team.

Gittx grew up in a home with a Christian mother, and even though he toyed with salvation for a number of years, he really got serious with it in 1995. He confesses that his decision came more out of a protracted process more than a one time decision. And even though he admits his walk, like that of many others, has had its fair share of ups and downs, he now involves the Lord in every significant decision of his life. Prayer, Bible reading and fellowship are a big part of his walk. He attends Hope Baptist Church in Lavington, where he plays keys for the worship team.

His interest in music developed exponentially while he was in Upper Hill high school, where he met fellow members of now renowned group the Votaries. They were all part of a school choir known as Voices in the Light (not to be confused with Brothers in the Light). The large group of 14 developed a name for themselves as they ministered at schools, weddings and even funerals. After high school, as a smaller group, they decided to continue, and changed their name in the process. Meanwhile, Gittx had met up with artist / producer Richard Kasika, not only singing back-up vocals for him, but also learning the ins and outs of production.

2003 saw the Votaries complete two radio single, “Faithfulness” and “Using You”, both produced by Chris ‘Phatstix' Adwar at Soulchild Records. During the 3 months of production, Gittx got the opportunity to develop his own production skills, impressing enough to get himself a production contract. Phatstix had just moved from Soulchild, with producer Switch handling a lot of the production. Under Switch and freelance Born Twice Producer Julian Macharia, Gittx got the opportunity to hone his skills even further, moving from just production to sound engineering.

Since then he's gone on to produce a good number of artists, the first being the Afro-fusion project of KORA nominee Barbara Guantai; production duties shared with Mandugu Digital. The Votaries debut album “ Faithfulness” also saw him taking on significantly more production duties. The album, a hodgepodge of styles including rap and hip-hop, urban gospel and accapella, was just the challenge that Gittx required, stretching his production abilities. It featured the hit singles “Nimeokoka”, the 2005 Groove Award winning “M.O.G” featuring Rufftone, and “Anabamba”, the latter getting remix treatment three times – from Steve O, Julian Macharia and Gittx himself.

Other artists he's produced include DNG, Mr. Googz, KIPAWA winner Kamau Karongo, Jogg-C, Sheila, Worddeep, Holy Dave, and Webi, amongst others.

Today, Gittx has immense respect for local producers Ennovator, Richard “The Real R-Kay” Kasika, Chris Adwar, and Steve-O. Local acts Neema and VUC's vocal abilities also impress him.

Overseas, the works of the crazily-talented artist/producer Tonex resonate with him the most, as well as production from Darkchild, and Dr. Dre.

According to him, the local production industry is in a good place, considering how young it is. He credits producers Ennovator, Richard “The Real R-Kay” Kasika,
Chris Adwar, and Steve-O for their phenomenal work. However he bemoans the lack of originality locally, saying we are much more prone to borrow than to innovate a style of our own. He points at South Africa, and how “Kwaito” has become synonymous with their music.

With the raw talent, enthusiasm and vision of this very affable producer, we look forward to bigger and better things from him in the future.

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