The Bus Ride From Narazene
About a decade ago, on an innocent bus ride from African Nazarene University, I got into a conversation with a friend. She mentioned she was going to be joining the 2nd edition of Tusker Project Fame. This conversation took me by surprise, as I had only recently met her and didn’t know she had a hidden talent in her.
I was really excited to hear this news from her. Tusker Project Fame (TPF) had been a huge hit in its maiden edition, giving rise to the likes of Valerie Kimani who ended up winning the maiden season. The TV ratings behind it had been through the roof, as families would tune in to be serenaded by the competitors. Rightfully so, this was the first show of its kind to grace the airwaves in Kenyan and the Eastern African region at large.
Here I was on the bus ride to town sitting next to none other than Wendy Kimani. On her way to grace the largest musical stage in East Africa at the time.
If you have met Wendy, you realize her infectious warm personality. She is one who always affords a smile on her face. She is the true personification of our famously coined phrase — hakuna matata. I remember how a number of us would organize to go to the Tusker dome to watch her performances.
Wendy's performances week in, week out were stellar. She grew in confidence and her charming personality only augmented her musical prowess. It was clear from the start that she was going to go far in the show. She had a genuine love for music and didn’t join the show for stardom, but to pursue her inner musical dream.
This would catapult her all the way to the finals; where she would, unfortunately, finish as the runners up. This didn’t deter her from pursuing her passion. She took advantage of the exposure and launched her musical career, releasing her debut album My Essence, featuring hit songs like Haiwi Haiwi with Bienaime from SautiSol, Rumour, Chali among others. She has also notably worked on other hit songs like Unajua and Usiende with Gilad.
I recently caught up with Wendy after seeing her campaign on raising awareness on PCOS. Boy, she is still as energetic, passionate, and genuine as ever. So I wanted to figure out what she has been up to…here is her story:
1. So, where do we start? It’s been 6 years since you left Kenya. What has Wendy been up to?
Wow 6 years already, time flies! As soon as I moved to the Netherlands settling in was the first thing to do. Language, driving on the opposite side of the road lol. Mostly I focused on a new passion which is video production, I‘ve worked for multiple international companies in Amsterdam creating mini-documentaries and just the usual internal company video. Not gonna lie I MISSED singing and creating my own original stuff. I’m about to release a new single after a while :)
2. You are now a mother, a wife, and pursuing your career. How has that been and how do you juggle it all?
Oh, man. It can get overwhelming. but scheduling and prioritizing is super important. I must prioritize me first to make sure I recharge when I need it and then I can be the best version of myself for my family. That's the secret to juggling lol.
3. Most of us know you from TPF/music industry. What got you into music?
Wow, I wouldn’t say I got into music, I’ve always been into music. My earliest memory was when I was 5 years old singing along to Whitney and Mariah. It was one thing that I did that felt so natural.
4. It’s been a while since we heard a new song from you. What can we expect from Wendy?
When…Great timing haha… I have a new song about to be released before the end of the year. I’m so excited about it. It’s called PAGAWISHA. Keep an eye/ear out for the actual release date. It will be available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all other streaming platforms.
5. The collaboration with Gilad was on all sorts of levels. How was it working on the song?
It’s always been amazing working with Gilad. We started singing together in the Calabash band in Nairobi and that was where we noticed we had great chemistry when it comes to music. So we did UNAJUA and then later USIENDE and then we both featured in ULISEMA by Fineboy and it’s always been so amazing and great vibes.
6. The industry has challenged a great deal. What’s your take on the new wave of music especially sounds like Gengetone?
I think people can be too critical. We are entertainers and as long as what you do entertains your audience and connects with them, that’s it!
7. Any advice you would share with boys and girls out there who are thinking of getting into music?
Get into music because of your passion for it! Passion first and the rest will follow! It is not an easy industry AT ALL, but it is also so fulfilling. I forgot about the passion that drove me to sing and that made music so hard. I’ve found it again and I’m loving it.
8. After 6 years away, what are some of the things you miss about Nairobi/Kenya?
I miss the guaranteed sunshine everyday…I cant believe I took that for granted Winter is the worst!!!!! Of course, I miss my family and friends and just the warm nature of Kenyans, their humor haha.
9. Besides parenthood, marriage, music. What else has Wendy been up to? What keeps you sane/inspired during this COVID period?
I started a Youtube channel inspired by loads of questions I received from my followers on IG about my natural hair journey. The channel is called Wendy’s New Normal (Go and subscribe hehe). I talk about my hair journey, moving abroad, friendships, and everything new that came after the move.
10. A few weeks back you had an IG session raising awareness on Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). That was very brave and commendable. Since its October and we are in Breast Cancer Awareness month. Any words of encouragement/advice you would like to share with our readers?
I will have a few stories to share about this. I had a scare when I was 13. I had a breast lump removed the size of a man’s fist in my left breast but luckily it turned out to be just a lump. Women must take the time to listen to their bodies, I learned the hard way with PCOS. Listen to your body and do regular check-ups.
Glad to see Wendy has been keeping busy on different fronts. We are looking forward to hearing what she has been cooking for us before the turn of the year. Follow her on her YouTube channel and her IG page to see what she’s been up to.
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