They are known to pull some of the most amazing stage performances during concerts with their well choreographed moves, matching outfits and tight vocals that leave most yearning for more. Their popular songs include Christballer's Anthem (see video below) and Ooh Aah (listen below). Meet Kelvin Bwamu, Mutua Matheka, Gibson Ndirangu and Alex Wacira, who make up the group Five-Oh-One (5:01). Why 5:01? They formed the group in 2002 while at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) where they were staying in Hall 5 Room 01. The group writes songs that have not only appealed to the young but to the old as well due to their diversity in style. They started as an acapella quartet with most if not all of its performances being at church services and small fellowships. They have explored various genres of music including rap (hip hop), reggae, R&B, accapella, swing and the local Kenyan flavor. Five oh one is a group focusing mainly on stage art, vocals and recording of music.

Five Oh One: L-R Kevo, Warle, Gibby and Muts

Since the inception of the group in 2002, quite a number of achievements have been made despite the various barriers the group has run into. That year the group enrolled in the Safaricom Star Search competition where they took the runner’s up position and this propelled them in their musical journey. "God has not only been the major mastermind of our journey but He has also been the core of 501’s existence. The songs we write are inspired by the many ups and downs of life and by the most high God," they add.

Five Oh One has had the privilege of performing at many functions including AMUAA (A Million United Against Aids) concert, Hope FM station launch, Speed Party 2004-2005, The SIMAMA concert 2007- concert for debt relief and poverty alleviation, The Extreme Weekend and The Totally Sold Out concert series among others. They currently minister, entertain and educate at concerts, churches and schools around the country.

Five Oh One

Their debut album titled ‘Premier’ is a double CD with a total 32 tracks. Among the artistes featuread are Dan ‘Chizi Aceda, Kiki Mutungi, Bupe Kangwa, Michelle ‘Mich-L’ Kwambo and Richard ‘Astar’ Njau among others. The debut music video Christballer's Anthem was sponsored by Good News Productions Intl.

Gibby

Gibson Ndirangu, popularly known as Gibby grew up living in the same neighbourhood as Kelvin Bwamu, refered to as Kevo. He has grown up as an army boy in barracks and went to Moi Forces Academy primary and secondary schools. While in high school, he developed his music skills as part of his studies and also part of an acapella singing group. It was also here that he and Mutua Matheka aka Muts met and started singing together. He then tried to get into the army, but they said he had flat feet so he landed in JKUAT and eventually in Five-oh-one. He now works at a civil engineering firm and still gets time to rock shows and not design falling buildings. He has this very good ear for good sound and catchy tunes and is very instrumental in music mastering and touching up.

Kevo

Warle

Muts

Email (will not be published)

Name

Comment
 remaining characters