Victoria Kimani: Nigeria Made Me Fall In Love With Music

[Victoria Kimani/Mpasho]

Victoria Kimani's journey to becoming a global music sensation is a remarkable tale of identity, cultural fusion, and the relentless pursuit of her passion. As a first-generation Kenyan-American, her music transcends borders and resonates with audiences worldwide. It's a journey that began in the heart of California, shaped by the influences of gospel music and the diverse sounds of Africa, and culminated in Kenya, where she found her true calling.

Growing up, Victoria’s musical landscape was predominantly gospel, a genre that echoed through the halls of her home thanks to her pastor parents. Secular music was a rarity, but she found solace in African melodies and legendary artists like Miriam Makeba and Brenda Fassie, who connected her to her African roots. It was during these formative years that she began honing her vocal skills, teaching herself to sing by emulating the gospel artists she admired.

""My Kenyan fans are amazing,"" Victoria Kimani exclaimed after her first concert in Kenya, a sell-out event that marked the beginning of her love affair with the country. She was astounded by the boundless energy and enthusiasm of her Kenyan audience, declaring them the best fans she had ever performed for. Their unbridled support and passionate embrace of her music created a bond that remains unbreakable.

Her musical journey led her from California to Oklahoma and eventually to Kenya, where her parents pursued further studies. It was during her first mission trip to Nigeria at the age of 14 that she had her first taste of African rhythms. Although not of Nigerian descent, her family lived in Benin City for two years, exposing her to the rich tapestry of world music and broadening her horizons.

Upon returning to Kenya, she found herself in a musical renaissance. Her deep appreciation for African rhythms and melodies resonated with the vibrant music scene in Nairobi. It was here, at the tender age of 16, that she recorded her first songs, embarking on a path that would redefine her life.

Her journey, however, took a turn when her parents decided to relocate permanently to Kenya, leaving behind their American life. For Victoria, it was a bittersweet transition, one that required saying goodbye to her friends and adapting to a new home. Yet, it was in Kenya that she truly discovered her passion for music, recording her first songs and embracing her Kenyan heritage.

As an artist, her Kenyan-American status set her apart in the industry. She saw herself as a bridge between cultures, a musician who could transcend geographical boundaries and collaborate with artists from various African countries. It was a vision that propelled her to fully embrace her Kenyan roots and make her mark in the burgeoning African music scene.

Opportunities beckoned, and Victoria seized them with both hands. A record label based in Nigeria, Chocolate City offered her a chance to return to the continent, where the global appeal of Nigerian music was on the rise. She made the move, not as an outsider, but as someone deeply connected to Africa, having lived in Nigeria during her childhood.

Her music is not limited by borders. She sees herself as a true African artist, someone who can seamlessly traverse the continent, collaborating with artists from East to West, North to South. Her journey has been instrumental in breaking down the barriers that often separate African musicians by geography.

Her decision to relocate to Kenya and fully embrace her African heritage was driven by a desire to reconnect with her roots and establish herself as an artist. Over the years, she has not only accomplished that but has also become a musical ambassador, transcending national identities and uniting audiences with her soulful tunes.

Her Kenyan-American status has not hindered her but has, in fact, empowered her to create music that bridges continents, cultures, and hearts. She stands as an embodiment of the universal language of music and a symbol of the harmonious fusion of identities and influences.