Shiru wa GP Biography: Husband, Real Name, Education, Career, Family, Age & Net Worth

Shiru wa GP — born Mary Wanjiru — is one of Kenya’s most celebrated gospel musicians, known for powerful Kikuyu-language worship songs like Irema, Mwaki and Agiginyani.

Over the years she’s grown from modest roots into an award-winning artist, mentor to young musicians and the CEO of Finetune Music School.

This biography explores her early life, breakthrough moments, music career, personal life, community work and lasting legacy.

Early life and background

Mary Wanjiru (Shiru wa GP) was born in 1983 in Ngegu, Kiambu County, Kenya. She is reportedly the second born in a family of three children. Her early life was not without hardship — her mother made ends meet selling chang’aa, and young Mary helped in small ways while discovering a deep early love for singing. She began performing publicly as early as primary school and joined local dance and performance groups as a teenager, which helped shape her stage presence and performance instincts.

Education and musical beginnings

Shiru attended Loreto Primary School in Turitu before moving to Githurai in Nairobi to live with an uncle. While still young she performed at school and church events; her talent was noticed and nurtured by mentors in church music ministries. She later joined the A.P dancing group and formed the Kiambu Chosen Generation Dancers — experiences that fed directly into her approach to gospel performance and audience engagement.

Conversion and spiritual life

A key turn in Shiru’s life was her full dedication to the Christian faith at Home Care Fellowship in Kahawa under Rev. Ann Kamau. That spiritual commitment became the foundation of her musical message: songs rooted in testimony, hope and devotion. Throughout her career she has been publicly identified with praise-and-worship ministry as much as with commercial success.

Breakthrough: first recordings and early hits

Shiru’s journey into recorded music began with fundraising and community support to finance studio time. Her first recorded song was Muoroto (recorded at Big Heart Studios), which she then marketed herself. A couple of years later she released Agiginyani, the song that began opening doors more widely for her. She later released songs that amassed hundreds of thousands — and in some cases millions — of views online, including Mwaki and Irema, which solidified her status as a mainstream Kikuyu gospel star.

Musical style and themes

• Kikuyu language roots: Most of her songs are performed in Kikuyu (Agikuyu), anchoring her in local cultural expression.
• Testimony-driven lyrics: Many songs are autobiographical or testimonial — speaking to struggles, breakthrough, healing and devotion.
• Blend of traditional and modern gospel: Her arrangements fuse Kigoco/gospel rhythms with modern production, making her music accessible to both church audiences and secular listeners.

Career highlights & awards

Shiru wa GP is often described as a multi-award-winning gospel artist. She has received industry recognition (including Groove Awards mentions and wider recognition on national ‘most influential’ lists) and has maintained a strong online presence through YouTube and social media where her songs reach large audiences. Her successes also include touring, high-profile performances and collaborations within Kenya’s gospel community.

Entrepreneurial work: Finetune Music School

Beyond performing, Shiru is the founder and CEO of Finetune Music School based in Kiambu. The school focuses on mentoring young and upcoming artists, providing musical training and practical industry guidance — a role that extends her impact from performer to teacher and mentor. This work underscores her commitment to building the next generation of Kenyan gospel musicians.

Personal life

Shiru married Anthony Thuo, a keyboardist who was closely involved from her early days — supporting her rehearsals and programming. Their partnership is often described as both personal and musical; Anthony played an active role in the early production of her music. Reports also note that Shiru is a mother and that family life has been a central part of her public story.

Challenges and testimony

Like many artists, Shiru’s narrative includes times of struggle — financial constraints in the early days, personal losses and the hard work of self-funding her first recordings. Those struggles became material for songs of testimony and helped shape an authentic brand that many fans relate to: an artist who sings what she has lived.

Impact and legacy

Shiru wa GP’s contribution to Kenyan gospel music includes revitalizing Kikuyu-language gospel music for younger audiences; providing visible mentorship through Finetune Music School; and demonstrating how grassroots effort, faith and community support can build a lasting music career. Her online footprint — official social media pages and an active YouTube channel — keeps her connected to a broad fan base across East Africa and the diaspora.

Selected notable songs (recommended listening)

1. Irema — a major hit with millions of views online.
2. Mwaki — another fan favorite that performed strongly on video platforms.
3. Agiginyani — one of the early breakthrough singles

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Shiru wa GP’s real name?

A: Her real name is Mary Wanjiru.

Q: When and where was she born?

A: She was born in 1983 in Ngegu, Kiambu County, Kenya.

Q: What does “GP” stand for in her stage name?

A: “GP” is commonly explained as standing for “God’s Prophet” in the context of her stage name.

Q: Does she run any music school?

A: Yes — Shiru is the CEO of Finetune Music School, which trains and mentors upcoming artists.

Q: Where can I follow her music and updates?

A: She maintains official social media accounts, including Instagram, YouTube and X/Twitter, and has an active presence for bookings and news.

Conclusion

Shiru wa GP (Mary Wanjiru) is more than a singer — she is a storyteller, mentor, entrepreneur and a testimony-writer whose songs speak to real-life struggle and divine breakthrough. From early performances in school and church to producing hits that resonate across Kenya, her journey highlights persistence, faith and the power of community support. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering her music for the first time, Shiru’s blend of Kikuyu tradition and modern gospel offers a moving portrait of faith in song