Daniel Kamau Mwai, simply known as DK was born in Gatanga in 1949 and started playing the guitar when he was 12 years old. His longing to hear his own voice on the airwaves is what drove him to music. Together with Voice of Kenya radio producer, David Amunga, DK recorded his first song in 1967.

DK who is easily recognized because of his characteristic side-burns mostly sings about love and also social issues. He rose into limelight in 1975 after he composed a song in honour of JM Kariuki, after his brutal assassination.