Born in 1962 in the land of a thousand hills of Mugoiri, Murang’a District, Jane Nyambura better known to the world as Queen Jane was destined for greatness. Born as the firstborn of Chief Sospeter Ciira Githambo and Teresia Wangeci, her roots were firmly planted in a region that have produced a constellation of Kikuyu music stars, including Kamau Wa Nathan, Eddy Sofa, Nephat Nduati, Dennis Mutara, Princess Aggie, Lady Wanja, Dr. Michuki, Jorum Kiiru, and Kihara wa Zipporah, among others.

Jane’s early education saw her pass through Murarandia and Elburgon Primary Schools, later proceeding to Lioki Secondary School, laying a normal society approved foundation for a young girl before fate pulled her towards music amid chagrin of village folks but with her family’s approval.

After high school, she briefly worked in Nairobi. But 1982 proved to be a turning point. Together with her sister, Princess Aggie, Jane joined the campaign entourage as music composers and performers of their uncle, John Michuki, who was contesting the Kangema parliamentary seat. Also, in the entourage was rising star Simon Kihara, better known as Musaimo, who had already composed captivating campaign songs for Michuki.

Musaimo, recognizing the sisters’ raw talent, invited them to Nairobi and into the professional music arena. Upon returning to Nairobi, Musaimo brought the two sisters under his wing and into his band. He composed their first-ever song, “Mwana wa Ndigwa”, recorded in 1984, now featuring Queen Jane, Princess Aggie, and Lady Wanja. The song became a hit, receiving massive airplay and launching both Musaimo and Jane into stardom.

Riding on this success, the trio formed the Kihara Sisters, a sub-unit of the renowned Mbiri Young Stars. Though in high demand and invited to appear in other groups such as Karura Sisters, Chania Sisters, and Rwengo Sisters, their collaborations remained selective; Jane voiced in the sequel track “Mama Ciru”, which became another huge success. It earned her popular sobriquet “Mama Ciru”, later evolving into “Queen ya Musaimo” a second moniker she earned after recording her first self-written song of the same title.

“Queen ya Musaimo”, became so popular that Jane felt empowered to chart her own course as a solo artist, her confidence grew, and with it, her desire to blaze her own trail in the male dominated industry and thats why in 1991, Queen Jane made an audacious decision to part ways with Mbiri Young Stars and launched a solo career alongside her siblings; Princess Aggie (vocals and songwriting), Dr. Michuki (guitar), Michael Nyaga (management)and later joined by Lady Wanja, she founded Queenja Les Les, a band that would redefine Kikuyu music.

The ensemble debuted with “Ndorogonye”, produced and arranged by Them Mushrooms, which did so well though rebranding was a challenge, fans still remembered her as “Mama Ciru” or “Queen ya Musaimo.”In 1992, she was awarded Most Promising Artist of the year, a nod that validated her transformation into Queen Jane in the following year, she released “Mwendwa KK”, a runaway success that sold in the thousands, eventually winning Song of the Year (1993).

Operating mainly from Githurai suburbs, Queenja Les Les, under Jane’s guidance, attracted and nurtured an impressive array of musical talent. Her team Dr. Michuki and M. Nyaga played a key role in discovering and recruiting talents the likes of Mike Murimi (rhythm guitarist), Salim Junior (multi-instrumentalist), Mike Rua (bass guitarist), Kamau Mapengo (drums), Kaka, and vocalists Ciru, JJ Gitahi, and Evans Demethew.

It is particularly noteworthy that under Queen Jane’s disciplined leadership, Queenja Les Les was admired for its tight-knit structure and professionalism. The band dominated the 1990s, securing lucrative marketing deals and leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Crucially, it was within the creative grounds of Queenja Les Les that the Mugithi genre was born and nurtured. Band members Mike Murimi, Mike Rua, and Salim Junior developed their one-man guitar skills while performing as curtain-raisers for Queen Jane, planting seeds for a movement that would blossom into a cultural hallmark.

As time progressed and the advent of a new anniversary, Jane continued with a successful career, creating and promoting her music, even producing official music videos for some of her popular hits.

In 2010, she released what would be her final album, “Gikuyu Giitu”. Tragically, not long after, on June 29, 2010 fifteen years ago today, the music world mourned the loss of a true legend.

Rest well, Queen of our hearts, your throne remains untouched, your music eternal, and your place in our hearts forever secure. Rest sweetly, our beloved Queen Jane