That’ so Wendy

Wendy Kimani, 25, is living her dream. She tells SHIRLEY GENGA how it all started and where she is headed

Tell us something about your childhood?

I was born and raised Buruburu, Nairobi and I attended Wanja and Kim Comprehensive School for my primary education. I am the last born in a family of four, two sisters and one brother. I was a mummy and daddy’s girl, being the lastborn I have to say they spoilt me quite a bit.

When did you discover your love for music?

I loved listening to my siblings’ stories when they came home from school and I guess their love of music influenced me. They had these videotapes with music videos that I watched over and over again. Then I would do little performances in front of the TV and for my siblings. They always made time to watch me and sometimes they would laugh at my performances because I would pull some funny moves but they always encouraged me.

When did you know that you wanted to do music as a career?

I knew I could sing pretty early but I did not know if I wanted to be a singer until I won a singing competition in school back in 2005.

Tell us about singing Celine Dion songs in French...

I took French studies in high school and some lessons were listening classes. The teacher would sometimes leave me alone to just practice. He had given me Celine Dion’s music tapes to practice my French. So sometimes when I would get bored because I was the only student studying French in my year, I would go to the French room and start singing the songs. I decided to sing one of the songs on prize giving day and people loved it.

Before joining Tusker project fame you won another singing contest tell us about that?

After high school I joined Alliance Francaise and coincidentally the Fete de la Musique, a French singing competition, was just about to start. My friends and I auditioned and we made it through to semi-finals then to finals. In the end I was named the winner. The prize was to Paris, France for two weeks. That was my first trip out of Africa.

What inspired you to audition for the Tusker Project Fame in 2008?

I auditioned for TPF1 but I was one year younger than the required age. They told me that if I came back the following year I would make the cut, and I did.

How was your experience in the Tusker house?

What were the biggest lessons you learnt in the house?

Discovering my voice, learning about what I could sing and what I could not. Also life lessons, just sort of growing up in there.

You were first runner up, after leaving the house. How did your life change?

The first thing was the fame and it was overwhelming. While walking in town people would recognise me and it was a bit intimidating but it also felt nice to know that guys appreciated my talent. It made me feel that I must be doing something right. My love for music just got stronger and stronger.

You won a recording contract with Pine Creek records which houses the likes of Tim Rumbui and Chris Adwar. What is it like working with search big names?

It was great learning and working with them. You definitely learn to challenge yourself when you hang out with them.

How would you describe your type of music?

My music comes from a lot of stuff that I have been listening to over the years. So I just called it ‘feel good Soul’. It has some neo-soul feel, some new-jack swing feel, some African and modern sounds.

Which artist have you worked with?

I have worked with Labalaa of Wakamba Wawili on song called Yuko Juu and Hunielewi. I also did Here I Come with Cannibal, The City is mine with Kamau na Njoroge band, yet-to-be-released Haiwi with SautiSol, Sitaki Kujua with Blackskills, and a song with K-Tisa that will be out soon.

Who are some of the people you have shared the stage with and who did you enjoy most?

The artistes include Sautisol, Kaz, Didge, Dela, Stan, The Villagers, Atemi, Cannibal, Dan ‘chizi’ Aceda and many others. I have to say each of them just has a different and amazing energy to them that I really enjoyed.

What has been the reception of your singles?

The reception of the songs has been fairly good, especially my latest song Rumour.

What do you think has been your greatest achievement so far?

The two nominations I got at Kisima Awards that was huge for me.

What were some of the challenges you have faced being a new artist?

Getting airplay is the biggest challenge; I am still trying to figure that out. Finishing my first album has also been my biggest challenge, but I am almost done with it.

You were a student at Nazarene University, what were you studying at and did you finally graduate?

I was studying computer science and yes I graduated last year in June.

So will you be working in the computer since industry anytime soon?

At the moment I am only doing music. I am giving my all to it.

How have your parents reacted to this?

They are very supportive. They knew that I love music but they advised me to finish school first. Now that I am done with school, they support my choice to do music.

Apart from music what other projects or career paths are you hoping to try?

After shooting my music videos, I was really interested in acting so I decided to try it. My first shot in acting was when I took on a role as a lawyer in Nairobi Law and then a detective in Tahidi High. I think I still have a lot to learn.

When can we expect a new album, next year maybe?

Yes I am very hopeful, it really has been my biggest challenge but I will be releasing songs before its release.

Are you dating and what qualities do you find attractive in a man?

Yes I am. I love to laugh so my guy has to be funny even a little bit silly sometimes, and not afraid to be adventurous and spontaneous.