Astar

Richard Njau, more affectionately known as A-Star ('A' as in ABC, not 'A' as in Apple) is a born-again gospel artist who spreads the word of Christ through rap music and spoken word. 'Astar', as he describes means "The Light That Leads To The Light". He says, 'Basically I aim to lead none believers to Christ. My purpose is to teach guys about what Christ did... from the smallest miracles, to the biggest sacrifice there has ever been - Jesus on the cross."

His music career started way back in 1996 when, together with a number of pals started XtraPhat Records - a secular based entertainment company that was going to take Kenyan entertainment by storm. They would produce jams at their crib using a Yamaha PSR520. "Back then I was a producer. He has produced for a bunch of artists including Emmanuel Jal (he produced his first hit - All You Need), Jackso aka Prezzo, Vinnie Banton, Shanky Radics, Michelle, Googz to name a few."

However, he is quick to admit that his life was headed for disaster.

Blessed by the Father, he was born in a well-of Christian home. However he feels like he was "full of the devil". When it comes to a shameless and self-indulgent lifestyle - you name it and he had done it. The partying, the alcohol, the women- that was all part of his repertoire. He quips, "I didn't feel the need for Christ in my life...yet at the same time I felt completely empty inside."

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 The 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 pill him into a dark abyss, and a future that seemed to promise fulfillment and real joy if only 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 feat. Bmac, expressed what he went through.

But on 31st December 2005 he made the decision that God was ultimately going to be the controller and guiding force in his life. Hes 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. After a quiet chat with his pastor, he got introduced to gospel powerhouse Kijiji Records where he eventually signed as an artist. His 18-track debut album is now set for a December release. His first single, "Close Your Eyes" is doing well on the local scene, and he is looking forward to its new video from Soul Child Records.

Of his up-coming record, he adds, "My album...yet to be named 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. It will feature, amongst others, Kora winneer Neema, Chizi, Kanjii (Milele) and Krucial Keys, to name a few."

Contact info:
Richard "Astar" Njau
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www.kmadness.com/mwapi