You might have heard some catchy vocals on the song Badili Mwendo but did not really know the artist behind it. We introduce you to Shiko (Leah Wanjiku), a budding new artist raising eyebrows in the gospel music scene. Check out our one on one interview as well as listen to the single and watch the video.
Listen to the single "Badili Mwendo" by Shiko above or watch the video below
Tell us about yourself and your family
Shiko: I am Leah Wanjiku aka Shiko and currently a third year student at Kenyatta University pursuing a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. I am the third born in a family of four siblings (2 boys and 2 girls)
How did you get into music? I got saved in 1999 when i was in class seven and my salvation grew stronger while in high school(Pangani Girls High School). My love and passion for music also grew and formed a singing group and later I became the school's choir mistress when I was in my final year.
What happened after school?
We formed a group with a couple of my friends called PHD meaning Proclaimers of His Dominion composed of five members(3 guys n 2 girls) This was a sub-group of a larger group known as Ghetto Raisers who reach out to slum dwellers especially in Mathare. Due to some unavoidable circumstances,the group split and so did PHD.
So what happened after that?
My hopes for ever recording music were shattered coz I never thought I could be a solo
artist.....this was until I joined the PHAT family that was lead by producers Nebert and Ntai (produced Praise Him by Kevoh Yout and Busy by Mr Vee) I grew musically and learnt alot about the music industry and my passion grew even further. I moved from PHAT late last year due to some professional reasons and to try out new ideas.
Tell us about your new song Badili Mwendo I worked with producer R-Kay n did the song which is simply a plea to turn to God for the last days are at hand. I'm currently working on my debut album but the hurddle has been trying to balance school and music.
Any last words
My goal in life is to be 'me' in a world that has preconceieved ideas of the 'perfect man'. I want to live according to my chosen destiny and to always let God be my path guider in all my endeavours and when I do achive this can I consider myself successful. My word to everyone is to check on how one is living lest you be found on the wrong footing. My heartfelt appreciattion go to those who have helped me reach this far (in different aspects) and they include but are not limited to DJ Jey of the Badilika DJs, Alvoh of the Chiefs, Phat Family, my family, friends, Kambua and Melmax Studios.
