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Artists have a myriad of reasons why they sing. Some do it for the fame, some for the money, and others dabble in it because it to fulfil childhood dreams, and still others sing simply because of their gifting. However, a group of three young men seem to have other reasons. Meet God Cydaz.  God Cydaz
From Machakos and Narok, to the interiors of Nyeri and Murang’a, these budding artists display an unadulterated love for ministry - the thing that binds them together. They make no secret of the fact that that their prime motivation for singing is to accomplish the purposes of God in their lives.
Formed in 2000 by Kennedy Mwangi and Hillary Omondi, the group now consisting of Kennedy Mwangi, Steve Waweru, and Steve Kamau has overcome a lot to get to where they are. When the group kickied off their music career way back in the year 2000, even though they kept performing, they did not have a single performance track to their name. Undaunted by the setbacks, they kept at it, taking every opportunity they could find to perform.
The very first single they ever recorded, came a full three years into their existance. Small wonder it was called Ametenda. Produced by Roba of Scratch Records, this was the song that thrust them into the public domain. With it's widespread airplay, it not only gave them them the exposure that so many of their contemporaries crave for, it also opened the door for them to do what they love most - ministering. All the recognition it received made it possible for them to record two more songs.
Contrary to most artists’ musical direction, the group was advised by their youth pastor at the Nairobi Lighthouse Church to attend ministry classes. Dubbed School of Leaders, this year-long program, as beneficial as it was, came with its own set of challenges. Initially, only two members attended the Sunday classes, meaning that a good number of performances had to be forfeited. Even though the third member kept performing, talk was rife that the group had broken up.
More challenges were to come following this one-year hiatus. They were looked down upon because of their “poor” dressing, and also had no money to record more than one song. The 2004 Groove Awards were for the group a bittersweet moment that left a sour taste in their mouths. Unbeknownst to them, they had been nominated in the “Best New Group” category. Interestingly, they were only made aware of their nomination on the day of the awards, and had to scramble to even make it to the venue on the said day. They were not fancied to do well, as they were nominated in a category that included (now Kora winner) DNG and Holy Batallion. You can imagine the shock and suprise that engulfed them when their name was read out as eventual winners. On their way back from receiveing the award, the shock level was upped, as their very own contemporaries sitting in the artists' VIP dias booed them. The hurt and pain this caused them would be difficult to express; thoughts of self-doubt crept in, making them even wonder whether they were worthy of the award.
Nonetheless, they did what any purposeful and determined young men ought - they composed themselves, held their heads up high and kept at it. Later on, an opportunity arose for them to perform alongside Chevelle Franklin and Forty Day Fast at the 2005 Xtreme Weekend. As a result of their pay-out, they were able to afford the required studio time, culminating in the release of their full-length debut album, very aptly titled Ametenda.
Containing twelve tracks, the album was released in August 2005. Stand-out tracks include the title track Ametenda (meaning “God has done it for us”), Tujiandae, which speaks about their hard knock Dandora upbringing, as well as Nashangaa and Rapture, two mellow tracks voiced by Dandora Gospel Revival Center’s worship leader Joan. The song Twende is an up-tempo Bhangra-laced song that received a lot of airplay, especially at various Coastal FM stations.
 Kennedy Mwangi
Interestingly Ken, the group’s leader, though quiet, bubbles over with energy each time he takes to stage to perform. He plans to study Theology and is heavily involved in ministry. He is a Word of Life counselor and loves handling sound equipment.
 Steve Waweru
Steve Waweru, the youngest member of the group, is the second born in a family of four. He is currently studying journalism at the East Africa School of Media Studies and looks forward to being a news anchor in future. He currently runs an events company known as Wapi Entertainment.
 Steve Kamau
The very poetic Steve Kamau studied software maintenance and repair. Hailing from a single-parent family and being the eldest sibling, the passing of his father has seen him become the breadwinner of his family. He also pens the hooks for most of God Cydaz’ songs.
Their name, God Cydaz, literally means “on God’s side”. Their motto is “representing Christ to the fullest”, not only through their music but more so through their actions. As they endeavour to take their music ministry to the remotest parts of this nation, they have adopted 1:8 to be their theme verse.
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Their future plans include opening a music studio, as well as supporting upcoming artists through financing and mentorship. This passion came about as a result of the lack of assistance they faced whilst still at the threshold of their music ministry.
Being a group of young men preoccupied with neither fame, materialism nor a desire for awards, it is apparent why they speak with a profound desire to please God, and why they acknowledge God as the wind beneath God Cydaz’ wings. Look out for their repackaged debut album Ametenda hitting stores soon.
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