Astar "The Light" Richard Njau, more affectionately known as Astar (“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 it means “The Light That Leads To The Light".

He says, “Basically I aim to lead non believers to Christ. My purpose is to teach guys about what Christ did... from the smallest miracles, to the biggest sacrifice there has even 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. I've produced for a bunch of artist which include Emmanuel Jal (I 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 headed for disaster. Blessed by the Father, he was born in a rich and Christian home. However he feels like he was “the full 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.You see the Christ that was preached was a Christ who assists those who were financially in need. I came from a rich family..what could Christ do for me?? 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... Yaani MAISHA "life" got THICK!! 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 only if 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 (now Jibu Kilio)", also feat. Bmac, expressed what he went through as battled on. But on 31st December 2005 he made the decision that God was ultimately going to be the controller and guiding force in his life. He’s 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 soooooooooo great!!”.

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 16 Track debut album "The Light" was released in April 2007. Records. click on the link below for more info http://mwafrika.com/2006/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=503&Itemid=516

Of his record, he adds, ”My album "The Light" 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 features, amongst others, Kora winner Neema, Chizi, and Krucial Keys, Pete Odera, Hip Hope, Kanjii to name a few. Listen to his latest release "I Don't Anymore" feat. Kanjii as well as listen and input your thoughts in his upcoming single "2 Fish 5 Loaves" feat. Kera (Gospel Fathaz)

MWAPI Entertain/Meant Music With A Positive Influence http://www.Kmadness.com/Mwapi/

Info from Astar's Myspace