Wendy Kimani (born 18 May 1986)[1][2] is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, actress and entertainer. She came into prominence after being the first runners-up in the second season of Tusker Project Fame. As a singer she is known for her songs; "Haiwi Haiwi" featuring Bien of Sauti Sol, "Chali", "Unajua" featured by Gilad among others. She released her debut album dubbed as My Essence launched in August 2013. As an actress she is known for starring in the television series, Rush.[3][4]
Wendy Kimani | |
|---|---|
| Born | 18 May 1986 Nairobi, Kenya |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Spouse | Marvin Onderwater |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instrument |
|
Early life
editKimani was born in 1986 and raised in Nairobi, in Kenya.[5] She developed her singing talent by listening to other musicians.
Career
edit2008: Tusker Project Fame
editIn March 2008, Wendy and other participants battled out at the TPF 2 auditions where she was chosen both at the audition and at the eviction gala. After 71 days of working in the academy, she was only put on probation twice (the second time every single remaining contestant was put on probation for the semi-finals by the then judges). On 22 June 2008, Kimani lost out the coveted price of ksh5 million among others, to Esther Nabaasa, a Ugandan. Among the finalists were the latter, David as the second runners-up and Victor took the fourth position.[6]
2012–13
editOn 13 August 2013, Kimani released her debut album, My Essence, stylized as ME.[7]
2014
editIn February 2014, she, Lenana Kariba and Charles Kiarie starred in television film, Die Husband Die!, a story about Lynette (Kimani) living a loveless marriage with an older man (Charles Kiarie), but she falls in love with a younger man (Lenana Kariba).[8] On 20 May 2014, Kimani featured Sauti Sol's Bien Aime in her new single "Haiwi Haiwi".[9] The song was shot and directed by Mushking.[9] In November that year, she released her second single for 2014, "Chali", shot and directed by Enos Olik.[10] The song is a bit old school and has some jazz chords.[11]
2015–present
editIn early April 2015, Gilad Millo an Israeli former deputy ambassador based in Kenya, featured Kimani his hit single "Unajua", a Swahili word for "Do You Know".[12] A song that talked about two former lovers contemplating about their current love life gone sour. The song was critically acclaimed, a massive hit and receiving much air play in both radio and television stations making it one of Kenya's best 2015 songs.[13]
Personal life
editKimani married her long term Dutch fiancé Marvin Onderwater on 9 August 2014 in Nairobi.[14][15]
Discography
edit| Year | Single(s) | Producer/director | Album | Ref(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | "Hunielewi" (Wendy Kimani feat. Labalaa) | –
|
My Essence | |
| 2011 | "Rumour" | –
|
||
| 2013 | "Hush Up" | –
|
[16] | |
| 2014 | "Haiwi Haiwi" (Wendy Kimani feat. Bien Aime | Mushking | TBA | [17] |
| "Well Seasoned 2 - Go Tell It On the mountain" (Victor Saii feat. Wendy Kimani) | –
|
|||
| "Chali" | Enos Olik | [18] | ||
| 2015 | "Unajua" (Gilad feat. Wendy Kimani) | Mushking FX | [note 1] |
Filmography
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Tusker Project Fame | Herself | Finalist; 1st runners-up |
| 2014 | Die Husband Die | Lynette | Lead role; television film |
| 2014– | Rush | Ruby | Lead role |
Notes
edit- ^ This single was recorded by Israeli singer Gilad Milo along with Kimani
References
edit- ^ Irura, Eddie (19 June 2012). "Wendy Kimani". Film Kenya. Retrieved 6 February 2016.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Wendy Kimani's biography". MAC PC Zone. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
- ^ Mark Allan Karanja. "THE ESSENCE OF WENDY KIMANI". Spielswork Media. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ "HOT: Wendy Kimani". Kenya Buzz. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ "Wendy Kimani at Frica". .Frica Media. Retrieved 7 February 2016.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Tusker Project Fame season 2". World of Big Brother. Archived from the original on 3 April 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ "Songtress Wendy Kimani's album my essence finally out". Mashada. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ "Wendy Kimani and Lenana Kariba Star in New Africa Magic Blockbuster". Nairobi Wire. 28 February 2014. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ a b Capital Lifestyle (27 May 2014). "Wendy Kimani and Bien Aime (Sauti Sol) collabo in "Haiwi Haiwi"". Capital FM. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ "Wendy Kimani Drops 'Chali' VIDEO". Nairobi Wire. Archived from the original on 9 August 2017. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ Misiki, Cynthia (28 November 2014). "New Video Alert: Wendy Kimani Releases 'Chali':Kiss FM". Kiss 100. Retrieved 7 February 2016.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Kingsley, David (23 July 2015). "Gilad & Wendy Kimani Finally Drop 'Unajua' Video". Niaje. Archived from the original on 14 May 2018. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ "'Unajua' by Gilad Feat Wendy Kimani". Nation. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ "All PHOTOS From Wendy Kimani's Wedding". Nairobi Wire. Archived from the original on 17 October 2020. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ "August wedding for Wendy Kimani". The Nairobian. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ "Wendy Kimami's Hush Up". All Africa. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ "Wendy Kimani Releases 'Haiwi Haiwi' Featuring Sauti Sol's Bien Aime". Nairobi Wire. Archived from the original on 14 March 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ "Video: CHALI – Wendy Kimani". African Music Magazine. Archived from the original on 14 March 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2016.