How we met: The love story of singer Kanjii and Mwendie Mbugua

 Kanjii and Mwendie during their wedding      Photo:Courtesy

This musical couple has been instrumental in changing the sight and sound of gospel music in Kenya. Kanjii is a musician and CEO of Kijiji Agency, a digital media agency while Mwendie is a communication consultant and an author with a passion for painting beautiful pictures with words. They talked to Wangeci Kanyeki on how they met.

Kanjii and Mwendie met in the United States in 2000 while Mwendie was on a Youth for Christ music tour and Kanji was studying music at a Biola University.

When Mwendie's music tour led them to California, a mutual friend introduced them to each other.

"We started off by growing our friendship – talking, being open, honest and getting to know one another. From there things just flowed naturally," says Kanjii.

"He was honestly the first guy I met who was so kind and very genuine. I had never encountered that before. It was honestly very refreshing! I was just starting out my Christian life and Kanjii was the first Christian guy I dated," Mwendie says.

What did Kanjii see in her? "I always knew that I wanted to marry better than myself. But God obviously hooked me up way beyond my expectations! I loved and still love her poise, tough but yet gentle spirit, and the fact that she liked listening and that she has a deep love and passion for God."

Kanjii and Mwendie had a long distance relationship for close to five years.

"Our first date was in the US. I believe it was a picnic. Being in a long distance relationship meant we didn't see each other much, so we didn't go out on dates a lot. We therefore had to work at our relationship that much harder.

"We would spend lots of money on expensive phone calls and write each other long emails. We found mentors from our church who kept us accountable and offered advice when we needed it," says Mwendie.

But how did they realise that they were meant for each other enough to tie the knot? "It was exactly one month into our dating when I realised Mwendie was 'the one'. I kept telling people that I had met the girl I would marry. The folks just laughed at the ridiculousness of that statement since I was had known her for only four weeks, but I was completely convinced."

For Mwendie it took an argument with Kanjii for her to discover that he was 'the one'.

"After our biggest argument, we were both very upset with each other. But it was at that point I realised he was meant for me.

"Even though I was angry, I only thought of how to make the relationship work and not walk out," Mwendie says. "When he proposed, it was very beautiful and special. It was near a pier in California. There was a perfect sunset and he went all out and even hired a cello player to set the scene."

They got married in May 2006. "We were starting out so we did not have much money to spare," Mwendie says. "We raised money through our various jobs and our parents and siblings provided tremendous support. We therefore agreed that we would work with the money we had and not go into debt."

Kanjii says their situation made them creative and they had to think on how to make the day beautiful and memorable.

"Of course music definitely played a major role in our wedding celebration. We were blessed to have great musicians like Aaron Rimbui play at our wedding.

"But yes! I actually sang for my bride even though I had said I wouldn't because everyone expected me to and I hate following the script! Mwendie wrote a beautiful poem."

The Mbuguas have two children. "Our nine-year old daughter is quite the budding performer like her father. Our son who is seven, in typical boy fashion, enjoys playing football," Mwendie says.

They have grown a business together and overcome challenges of running a business with a spouse.

"The business has done well and is supporting us. The launch of my first children's book, The Adventures of Subira and Jabali has also been an achievement we are proud of," says Mwendie.

The Mbuguas believe in giving back to society and that the church is the answer for society today. "We belong to Mavuno Church whose mission is to turn ordinary people into fearless influencers of society," says Kanjii. "We give back by serving in our church; serving the people there and participating in the various activities and programmes that are held there."

Their advice to other couples: Keep talking. Keep those communication lines open. Always try to be honest and vulnerable with each other. It goes a long way. Continuously pray together as this helps in keeping you close and focussed.