ERIC MUTUKU MWINZI
| NAME | ERIC MUTUKU MWINZI |
| AGE | N/A |
| GENDER | MALE |
| OCCUPATION | MUSICIAN/ACTIVIST |
Kamba urban musician and activist Biez Kaviru, born Eric Mutuku Mwinzi, has captured national attention after completing a walk from Kitui to Nairobi County to raise Cancer awareness.
The songwriter’s goal was to deliver a petition to President William Ruto, urging the government to declare cancer a national disaster and provide free treatment.
Early Life and Educational Background
Eric Mutuku Mwinzi was born in Maiuni, Mbooni, which is in Makueni County. This is the origin of his signature phrase, “Banana Island,” and his early life was defined by academic excellence and a steady career in education before he transitioned to the artistic world.
He was a high-achieving student in his school days and eventually pursued a career in education, which has made him popularly recognised for his background as a qualified teacher.
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Before entering the music industry, he taught High School Kiswahili and often reflects on this period with pride, noting that he maintained a 100% pass rate in his subjects, demonstrating the discipline he later applied to his music.
Despite his immense and notable success in the classroom, his passion for the arts led him to leave the teaching profession in 1995.
After ditching the classroom, he didn’t transition to music immediately; instead, he left the country for Kampala, Uganda, where he hustled as a hairdresser and salon professional to fund his initial recording sessions and navigate the challenges of the East African music scene.
Biez Kaviru Career Background
Biez Kaviru’s career is a fascinating story of triple-threat transitions across unrelated fields, from the classroom to the salon and, finally, to the top of the Kamba music charts.
Kaviru started as a High School Kiswahili teacher, famously disciplined and boasting a 100% pass rate in his classes, before deciding the civil service life wasn’t his ultimate calling.
Seeking a fresh start, the artist moved to Kampala in Uganda, where he trained and worked as a hairdresser.
It was a crucial period, as it provided the budget he needed to fund his first studio recordings.
Known as the Badman Machine, Eric became a pillar of Kamba Urban music.
His tracks like “Budget”, “Mwanafunzi”, and “Nauma Vaasa” went viral across streaming platforms like TikTok and YouTube, infusing catchy rhythms with his uniquely compelling storytelling.
The talented artist blends life experiences with the everyday encounters people face; he sings reality!
At the height of his influence in early 2025, he stunned fans by announcing his retirement from the secular music industry to focus on his business interests and philanthropy.
In February 2026, Biez’s career took a humanitarian turn, leveraging his fame to launch a massive cancer awareness campaign, culminating in his famous 170km walk to the State House.
This walk was intended to deliver a message to President William Ruto, with the mission of submitting a petition and advocating for Cancer to be declared a national disaster and for its treatment to be offered for free in the country.
To support his dream of completing a 170km walk, he received high-profile backing from leaders in both Kitui and Makueni, including Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua and Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr., who offered a fully equipped ambulance to ensure his safety and well-being.
Family Background
While he rarely names his family in the media, he has shared emotional tributes on social media, including a poignant post honouring his late mother, crediting her for his resilience.
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Kaviru is a family man and often cites his wife as a pillar of his strength during his transition from teaching to music, and her support during the Cancer Awareness Walk.
The celebrated musician views his fan base as an extended family, often referring to his followers as his true kin, who supported his music career more than people he knew, even when he moved to Uganda to work as a hairdresser to provide for his household.
Achievements
National Cancer Petition– He successfully reached Nairobi from Kitui in four days to deliver a petition to President William Ruto, demanding that cancer be declared a national disaster, specifically advocating for decentralised cancer treatment to ensure patients in rural areas do not have to travel long distances for care.
East African Awards (E360)-In March 2023, he won two major categories: Kamba Urban Artist of the Year and Eastern Best Video of the Year.
He is a pioneer of the Kamba Urban genre on social media, and his hits “Budget,” “Ngenuka Nimukuu,” and “Nauma Vaasa” have all surpassed the 1.2 million views mark on YouTube.
Industry Recognition– He has been honoured by local media, including an award from the Sangu FM CEO for his contribution to quality music production.
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