Speak the name Astar and ears perk up in attention. He is easily one of Kenya's best known young stars, and with good reason. For Kisima Award winner Richard Njau has put in a lot of hard work to get where he is, developing a style quite his own along the way. His name, Astar (“A” as in ABC, not “A” as in About) as he describes it, means “the light that leads to the light".  This just about sums up his purpose.  He says:

Astar's music career started way back in 1996 when he joined up with friends to form XtraPhat Records, a secular based entertainment company. He would go on to wrap productions for the likes of Emmanuel Jal (producing his first hit, All You Need), Prezzo, Vinnie Banton, (now Hip Hope member) Michelle and Googz to name a few.

Although born in a Christian home, Astar’s lifestyle took a decidedly opposite direction, leading him to alcohol, women and partying. He recalls, of this time:

After completing his Braeburn "A-Levels", he went to the University of Port Elizabeth (SA), where this lifestyle continued unabated. It was at this point, feeling empty, alone and unfulfilled that God decided to take away all the things that he had blessed Astar with.

In June of 2005, Astar realized that, with his back against the wall, he had little option but to reconsider his lifestyle. It was then he made the important decision to give his life to Christ.

It wasn’t long before he returned to the studio and laid down his first Gospel jam – Nimechoka. Teaming up with BMac, he recorded it at Backstage Studios. The next couple of months proved to be especially difficult, as he tried to get his footing in the new lifestyle. He constantly felt torn between a past that was ever so eager to pull him into a dark abyss, and a future that seemed to promise fulfillment and real joy only if he remained disciplined and focused.

He says he initially found it very challenging to live as a Christian and kept backsliding. His next song, Nishike Mkono, also featuring BMac, expressed what he went through as he battled on.

But on 31st December 2005 he made the decision that God was ultimately going to be the controller and guiding force in his life. He’s not looked back since. God has now become the answer to all his questions and the guide of his life. He readily admits, “God’s been so good”.

Later in the year, he aggressively sought out a recording deal – a journey that took him through a number of production houses, including Tedd Josiah’s Blu Zebra Studios. On the verge of signing his contract, he took a moment to pause and reflect. After a quiet chat with his pastor, he got introduced to Gospel powerhouse Kijiji Records – where he eventually signed as an artist.

Astar went on to release his 18-track debut album The Light in April 2007, to rave reviews. Bringing a fresh sound to local hip-hop, the album featured several vocal heavyweights, such as Kanjii Mbugua, KORA winner Neema, Chizi and Aaron Rimbui among others. In The Light, Astar picked an entire spectrum to introduce himself to the world. He says:

“My album... is about my life - the past, the present and the future. It speaks about my ups, my downs, my ins and outs! It aims to teach people of all classes, but especially those who have lived the "rich" life... yaani the “barbies”! It also speaks to everyday teens, young adults and adults. It speaks to both believers and non-believers…”

This album would set the stage for the success that Astar continues to enjoy as an artist, success that has included a Kisima Award, besides sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in the region. Astar is also part of the Hip Hope family that was pioneered together with Kijiji associates Rigga, Michelle and Juliani.

Astar continues to shine his light to young people all over the nation.

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