Japanese ambassador to Kenya, Ryoichi Horie, on September 6, excited the nation after he performed Kenyan hit song Daima Mimi ni Mkenya by Eric Wainaina during a live broadcast on KBC TV.
The diplomat, who was appearing on the Good Morning Kenya show, requested to sing towards the end of the morning show.
Horie played the guitar and was joined by his wife, Yuko Horie, in singing the patriotic song.
The Japanese ambassador went further to reveal that he uses local music to create a connection with Kenyans.
“Music is a very good gateway to people’s hearts. We try to practice Kiswahili songs. My friends told me that Daima by Erick Wainaina is a very beautiful song," the diplomat revealed.
Horie, who has served as an ambassador for 42 years, also revealed that he seeks permission from music authors before he performs them in public.
“I had to ask Erick if I should sing his song in public, and he gave me permission. That is why I sing it,” Horie stated.
Daima Mimi ni Mkenya is a patriotic composition by celebrated Kenyan artist Erick Wainaina.
In the interview, the diplomat also stated that his singing has earned him a nickname among the Maasai community.
“I was given the name Memusi by a group of Maasai, which means lucky guy,” Horie stated.
The ambassador and his wife have previously surprised Kenyans with their mastery of the Swahili language by performing in public functions.
The two performed an American song, edelweiss, before President Uhuru Kenyatta during the groundbreaking of Dongo Kundu bridge in 2019.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, Peter Munya, who was the event's Master of Ceremony applauded the two for their singing abilities.
"I don't want to spoil the high note that has been set by the Japanese ambassador," Munya stated at the time.
{"preview_thumbnail":"/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/6LdpnI5rrbw.jpg?itok=IbVTpohO","video_url":"","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}
