Born Issah Mmari, on May 20th 1981 in California Estate, Nairobi, Kenya, E-Sir was a Kenyan hip hop artist signed to the Ogopa DJs label who was famous for his deft lyrical ability and command of the Swahili language. He is still widely regarded as the best rapper to emerge on the Kenyan hip hop scene. He first came to be known in 2001 by his song 'Jo', a song done in the same style as Black Rob's 'Whoa'. The song proudly declared E-Sir's arrival on the Kenyan music scene and was featured on the Ogopa DJs debut album.