Unravelling the mother, musician wife

Although she studied Mathematics at university, WAHU KAGWI’S musical career has earned her more success than she ever imagined, writes  GARDY CHACHA

Like a chirping bird, Wahu Kagwi, she of the musical fame, has been heard in low tones as well as in high decibels. The young, sassy and melodious mother of one and wife to David Mathenge (Nameless) has graced the spotlight for as long as her voice has been travelling through a microphone’s wire.

Wahu

The woman who releases hits, the one who gyrates in a music video — sometimes ‘running low’ under the thin surface of water only to reemerge — yes, and the one who sashays in a TV ad, exuding oomph and the spirit of a modern independent woman, is the one many know.

Underneath the beautiful voice and her supple skin is a woman who parents a daughter, is married, co-runs a business and shakes people’s hands along the streets or in public places.

“I’m just a human being; humble, social, respectful, arduous, striving to survive, eating the same food and living like any other Kenyan. When I’m performing, I’m ‘Wahu’, but off the stage I’m just human, with insecurities and prone to life’s hassles,” she says.

Maths student

Wahu began singing professionally in the late 1990s. In 2000, she released her first three singles Niangalie, Esha and Liar.

Niangalie caught the attention of CBN presenter Victor Oladokun, for the show Turning Point International.

“It wasn’t exactly gospel, but a song with positive information that also appealed to God,” says Wahu.

Her career in music began as a professional model while she was still at the University of Nairobi, where she was a Maths student.

“I wasn’t sure what career path I wanted to pursue and many interests mingled in my mind,” she remembers.

What she was certain about at this time was that she loved numbers — tools of critical analysis.