Being unique is not always appreciated or revered. Standing out like a sore thumb from your contemporaries can either kill one's spirit, or challenge them to rise above the stereotypes and make something of themselves. Today's feature is a little of a blast from the past, and spotlights an artist who has fought to go against the grain, and by and large, been quite successful at it. His name - Allan Aaron. (Article supplied by www.pewahewa.com).

Allan Aaron is renown for being arguably the first Mukurino artist to not only popularise the sect's music, but also break into mainstream music consciousness in the process. His unique brand of Akorino Gospel music, merged with various contemporary styles has made him something of an oddity within the local music landscape. Sporting a turban and sharing a stage with the likes of Daddy Owen and Dunco may not be naturally logical, but the way he has done it has helped dismantle stereotypes and break down the door of possibilities.

Just recently, Allan Aaron, real name Harun Mwangi, together with the aforementioned Daddy Owen and Kerah, walked away with five awards for their hit collabo 'Kiriro'. Blending contemporary genres with traditional African Gospel may have been the genius of Daddy Owen, but without the haunting vocals of Allan Aaron, the song would most definately have struggled to become the monster hit it turned out to be. And funny to think that Allan Aaron initially saw himself as a hip-hop artist, and later even attempted Bongo music. His emotional teary-eyed acceptance speech was one of the moments of teh whole awards show.

Today, with all the spotlight and accolades, it is difficult to envisage that before this 25 year old music prodigy caught his big break, he was selling boiled eggs in Nakuru just a few short months ago. He would even hawk his product at events as soon as he got off stage. Today, with two albums under his belt, a complete VCD product flying off the shelves, and an enviable catalog of Groove Awards under his belt. Today, he has become a household name, and many Gospel artists, including hip-hop to the core Astar, seek collaborations with him. Allan Aaron even admits to having the blessing of his church elders as he ventures outside the sect's traditional appeal - they now view him as their ambassador to the more "hip" world.

Wi Mutheru, today's featured song, was the one defining moment that began to alter his trajectory. The song, performed purely in Kikuyu, is transalated to mean "You Are Holy", and urges those in his generation to embrace right living. The single catapulted him to fame, as it enjoyed massive airplay throughout Gospel media houses. In particular, he credits the spotlight shy Njugush of the Kubamba Krew for helping get his music into local circulation and eventually into the media spotlight.

>> To sample Allan Aaron's Wi Mutheru album, and purchase his music, CLICK HERE.

>> To check out the video to Wi Mutheru, CLICK HERE.

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