Amani speaks on seeking Christ

Ceciliah Wairimu, popularly known as Amani was one of the household names in East Africa’s showbiz for the past decade but it seems that will have to take a break for now.

She is famed for songs such as ‘Missing My Baby’, ‘Tonight’ and ‘Kiboko Changu’ a song she worked on with Uganda’s dancehall duo Radio & Weasel and became a lead single off her last album in 2015.

After a successful journey as a secular artiste, she has bid goodbye the glamour that comes with celebrity lifestyle to seek salvation. She shares her new life and future plans with LILYS NJERU.

What called you to Christ?

I just got tired and it is something that I had been thinking about for a very long time. The whole thing – going for shows, getting home late – started taking its toll on me and I started questioning myself; if I was truly happy as a secular artiste.

When it comes to music, at what point of your life were you really happy?

It was when I was doing gospel. I decided to renew my relationship with my God but it became very tricky. Here you are, seeking a new path but still in the limelight. Interestingly, even as a secular artiste, I wouldn’t start my shows without saying a prayer. That was a routine I had mastered too well.

Who was the first person you told of your decision?

It was my mum. She was so happy for me …she was like “Don’t worry; we will walk the journey with you”. She has been a great support system for me.

Is that the reason you decided to go under?

Partly, yes. I started thinking about it in 2011 but still continued doing secular music. Three years ago, I decided to call it quits. I even enrolled in a Bible School because I really yearned for a deep relationship with God. Away from music, I have been enjoying my life as a business woman. I have a hair brand – Diva Luxury – which specialises in crotchet hair extensions. I am very passionate about the African woman’s hair.

Are you happy now?

Yes, much, much happier. For a long time, I felt like I had been put in a box but now I feel free. Since I got born again, I can’t even start explaining to you how peaceful and grounded my life has become.

What are your plans? Do you intend to start writing/singing gospel songs?

Yes! But I can’t really tell how long it will take. It is one of those things that I want to go about as led by the Holy Spirit.

As a pastor’s daughter, why do you think their children turn wayward?

I wouldn’t call it wayward. But when you are being forced to conform to something that you don’t really understand, you will try to exert yourself – your personality. And in my perspective, the solution to that - as much as one is under the umbrella of being a pastor’s child - is they need to be encouraged to pursue a personal relationship with God as opposed to it being a routine.

Is it true that you finally got married!

Yes, I did – last year. I am very secretive and that was intentional. After being in the limelight for too long, I felt that there are some things I needed to keep to myself especially those that are dear to me. When you make your marriage public, there are families involved – his family and my family, I don’t want to put them out there. That’s just me though!

What is your favourite song to belt in the shower or when driving?

Israel Houghton’s “It’s not over until God says it’s over”. I also love “Tambarare” by Kenyan artiste Eunice Njeri.

Which gospel artiste are you eyeing to ‘collabo’ with?

To be honest, I haven’t thought about it. However, Eunice Njeri is my favourite gospel artiste.

Are you going to change your stage name “Amani”?

No, that stays. It means peace