Wendy Kimani

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", "Chali" 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 (1986-05-18) 18 May 1986
Nairobi, Kenya
NationalityKenyan
Occupation
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • actress
Years active2008–present
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
Associated actsBien Aimé

Early life

Kimani was born in 1986 and raised in Nairobi, in Kenya.[5] She developed her singing talent by listening to other musicians.

Career

2008: Tusker Project Fame

In 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 ksh 5 million among others, to Esther Nasaaba, a Ugandan. Among the finalists were the latter, David as the second runners-up and Victor took the fourth position.[6]

2012–13

In 13 August 2013, Kimani released her debut album, My Essence, stylized as ME.[7]

2014

In 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 a much elder man (Charles Kiarie), that she falls in love with a younger man (Lenana Kariba).[8] In 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

In 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

Kimani married her long term Dutch fiancé Marvin Onderwater in 9 August 2014 in Nairobi.[14][15]

Discography
YearSingle(s)Producer/directorAlbumRef(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
YearTitleRoleNotes
2008 Tusker Project Fame Herself Finalist; 1st runners-up
2014 Die Husband Die Lynette Lead role; television film
2014– Rush Ruby Lead role

Notes
  1. This single was recorded by Israeli singer Gilad Milo along with Kimani
gollark: Try not jumping?
gollark: Did they *ever* work?
gollark: TTS boxes or chatboxes?
gollark: So you made an overly small category, and are surprised your shop is the only thing in it?
gollark: "chatshop"?

References
  1. Irura, Eddie (19 June 2012). "Wendy Kimani". Film Kenya. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
  2. "Wendy Kimani's biography". MAC PC Zone. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
  3. Mark Allan Karanja. "THE ESSENCE OF WENDY KIMANI". Spielswork Media. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  4. "HOT: Wendy Kimani". Kenya Buzz. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  5. "Wendy Kimani at Frica". .Frica Media. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  6. "Tusker Project Fame season 2". World of Big Brother. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  7. "Songtress Wendy Kimani's album my essence finally out". Mashada. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  8. "Wendy Kimani and Lenana Kariba Star in New Africa Magic Blockbuster". Nairobi Wire. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  9. Capital Lifestyle (27 May 2014). "Wendy Kimani and Bien Aime (Sauti Sol) collabo in "Haiwi Haiwi"". Capital FM. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  10. "Wendy Kimani Drops 'Chali' VIDEO". Nairobi Wire. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  11. Misiki, Cynthia (28 November 2014). "New Video Alert: Wendy Kimani Releases 'Chali':Kiss FM". Kiss 100. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  12. Kingsley, David (23 July 2015). "Gilad & Wendy Kimani Finally Drop 'Unajua' Video". Niaje. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  13. "'Unajua' by Gilad Feat Wendy Kimani". Nation. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  14. "All PHOTOS From Wendy Kimani's Wedding". Nairobi Wire. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  15. "August wedding for Wendy Kimani". The Nairobian. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  16. "Wendy Kimami's Hush Up". All Africa. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  17. "Wendy Kimani Releases 'Haiwi Haiwi' Featuring Sauti Sol's Bien Aime". Nairobi Wire. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  18. "Video: CHALI – Wendy Kimani". African Music Magazine. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
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