I was weaned on music

Esther Wangui Wahome, 37, has defied all odds to become one of the most sought after gospel artists not only in the country, but also globally. She spoke to EVELYNE OGUTU about her musical career spanning two decades now

After I completed high school at Pangani Girls’ High School in 1992, I joined the praise and worship team at Gospel Outreach Church in Nyeri town. Unknowingly, this how my talent was spotted.

One of the faithful, who used to attend service at the Nyeri church, was a producer with KBC and

Esther Wangui Wahome Photo:Maxwel Agwanda/Standard

during one of the praise and worship sessions, which I was leading, he loved my voice. He organised for me to sing in the station’s programme ‘Joy Bringers’, which used to be aired on Sunday.

I was invited to sing at KBC in 1992 when I was only 18 years old. Unlike the rest of the artists who used to have their music recorded first then played on Sunday, I did it differently. I had a live performance with the band. Before venturing into music, I did some training in modelling and e-ticketing.

Turning point

This was the turning point of my career in music. People loved my music and I shifted from a performing artist to a recording artist. I produced my maiden album Roho Yake Bwana when I was only 19.

However, were it not for veteran artists, the Kasangas, who spotted me while performing during the ‘Joy Bringers’ show, I would not be where I am today. They mentored me. From then on, I released an album yearly and all of them became instant hits.

Besides the 12 albums that I have since released, the Kasangas also propelled me and connected me with the larger Kenyan audience. I must thank them for being my mentors when I was still a greenhorn. Producing a quality album was and still is very expensive and I am what I am today because of their support and mentorship.

As I celebrated 20 years since I got off the ground in my music career in August, this year; I cannot say it has been a smooth sailing.

Many times, it has been rough and were it not for God’s favour, I would have quit the entertainment scene ages ago.

For instance, after being chosen as an ambassador for a non-alcoholic brand manufactured by EABL, some of the pastors with whom I used to work closely accused me of promoting alcohol and yet I was saved.

It was sad that some even discouraged their faithful from watching and listening to my music. Most said that I am not saved and that is why I was promoting the non-alcoholic brand.

My money

However, the smear campaign did not deter me from doing what I know best: singing for my Lord. However, what shocked me is that the same pastors would call me and ask for tithes. This kept me wondering why they would want my money, which they believed was cursed.

All the same, I chose not to fight back and concentrated in my ambassadorial work and promoting my music globally.

Besides, I even took a break from singing for three years and I know my fans have been wondering what happened to Esther.

After producing the Kuna Dawa album, I decided to sit back, relax and take stock of my career. I will be back with a bang.

In August, I launched my 13th album, Mambo Yanabadilika, as I celebrated two decades of praising God through music. Several recording studios have produced the album.

Besides the ups and downs which everyone experiences once in a while, I must say that my career, family and other spheres of my life have changed for the better. To start with, through my singing career, I have received nine awards.

The highest award was last year when President Kibaki awarded me one of the coveted titles in the country — the Head of State Commendation (HSC). Besides the HSC, I have also won in various categories in Kisima Awards, Groove Awards, Chaguo La Teeniez, and Eve Woman of the year award, among others.

I have toured Europe, Africa and Asia to promote my music and also preach the gospel.

Unilever recently appointed me as the hand-washing ambassador for a period of one year. I am happy to be the face of the Lifebuoy. Unilever selected me on grounds that I resonated well with children, due to my popular songs that everyone, including parents and children, listen to.

Health campaigns

I have spearheaded Lifebuoy School of 5 Programme. This was an educational health campaign that enrolled hand washing ambassadors in Nairobi by advocating for the Lifebuoy way of life: washing hands during the five critical times a day before meals (three times a day), after using the toilet and when taking a principal bath a day. The five occasions represent the School of 5.

In this campaign, I visited 80 primary schools in Nairobi from May to July this year with a simple hand washing message: ‘Be Clean, Be Cool, Always use Soap’.

In the same line, I have also released a hand washing song titled Osha Mikono that supported the campaign that seek to emphasise the importance of hand washing with soap.

According to research, washing hands with soap is the most cost-effective and inexpensive way of reducing common illness like respiratory infections and diarrhoea by up to 50 per cent.

As the hand-washing ambassador, I thought it would be a good idea to have a simple song that will resonate well with children.

I am also the goodwill ambassador of the Kenyatta National Hospital, paediatric cancer ward. Children issues are very close to my heart; it bleeds when I see children suffering.