Nyota Ndogo opens up about her music career, her greatest fear and motherhood

Describe yourself in three words...

Emotional, confident and natural.

You have been in the music industry for long. How have you managed to stay assertive?

I learnt to accept who I am, my strengths and weaknesses. I don’t run away from myself and cannot conform to other people’s ideologies to fit in. You will never find me with make-up unless on few occasions when performing.

What is your best quality?

Persistence. When I want something, I go for it and get it no matter what comes my way.

What don’t people know about you?

I hate being accused of something I did not do. I am also an emotional being. I cry when I see people suffering, it affects me that much.

What is that thing that never fails to lighten up your mood?

If I had a bad day, being around children has a way of calming my nerves. I completely forget what irritated me.

What is your greatest phobia?

I fear life. Every day I think of how tomorrow will be and if I don’t, I fear that things will unfold in a manner I do not desire.

Who is your greatest inspiration?

My mother. She is a strong hardworking woman who inspires me to be a better person each day. She is also the reason why I do not apply make-up. Looking at her, she seems younger than her age mates.

If today was the last day on earth, what would you do?

I have no idea. I would love to live longer to educate my children and watch them reach adulthood and make a life for themselves. After I accomplish that, then I can think of end of the world.

What is your biggest addiction?

I can spend the whole day cooking. When people invite me to their homes, the first question I ask is if I can cook.

What can you not leave home without when travelling?

I cannot pick one thing. I always carry a lot of things in two suitcases because the trip could be extended. The list is long.

What do you for fun?

It is hard to find me in clubs unless I have a performance. I love spending time at home with my two children and also with the neighbours’ children. I also love taking the children and the neighbours’ out on holidays in Malindi for some days.

You are a mother of two. How is motherhood?

I enjoy every moment of it and I feel that if not for the economy, I would have had eight children. I also feel that I started this journey a bit late. I teach my children that in life there are times where we can feast and at times, I make them to take tea without sugar.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I have been in this industry for 14 years but I am not where I want to be yet, contrary to what people might think.