Wahu
Wahu | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Rosemary Wahu Kagwi |
| Born | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Genres | |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter
|
| Years active | 1998 to present |
| Labels | Ogopa Deejays (former) |
| Spouse | |
Rosemary Wahu Kagwi,[1] professionally known by her mononym Wahu, is a Kenyan singer-songwriter, former fashion model, actress, and entrepreneur.
Early life and education
[edit]Wahu attended Hospital Hill Primary School and proceeded to Precious Blood High School, which is located at Riruta. While in school, she wrote her first song.[2] She is a former model and University of Nairobi student, graduating with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Communication.[3]
Career
[edit]Wahu started her musical career in 2000. She released her first single "Niangalie" which received positive reception across Africa and internationally. Her first three singles were "Niangalie", "Esha" and "Liar".[4] Wahu released her first major hit, "Sitishiki" around 2005.[5] Some of her music has been produced by the Ogopa DJs.[6] Wahu has entertained audiences alongside many Kenyan and African Artistes like Kleptomaniacs, Fally Ipupa, Nonini, Nameless, Wyre, Qqu, and P-Unit. She is the inaugural recipient of the MTV Africa Music Awards 2008,[7] for the Best Female Artist category. Moreover, she has won the Pearl of Africa Music Awards, Chaguo La Teeniez Awards and Kisima Music Awards.[8] In the acting industry, Wahu had a leading role in the television series Tazama.[9] In 2017 she released a new gospel song "Sifa". In 2013, she launched her salon business, Afrosiri Salon, which offers services such as spa, hair, manicure, and pedicure services.[10]
Personal life
[edit]She is married to David Mathenge alias Nameless, another award-winning Kenyan musician. They have three daughters. She dedicated her biggest hit to date "Sweet Love" to her first born daughter, Tumiso.
Awards and nominations
[edit]Awards
[edit]- MTV Africa Music Awards 2008 – Best Female[11]
- 2008 Pearl of Africa Music Awards – Best Female Artist (Kenya)[12]
- 2008 CHAT Awards – Favourite Female Artiste[13]
- 2008 Kisima Awards – Best Song ("Sweet Love") & Best Reggae Artiste/Group[14]
- 2010 Tanzania music awards – Best Reggae Song ('Leo (Reggae remix)' with AY)[15]
Nominations
[edit]- 2006 Pearl of Africa Music Awards – Best Kenyan Female Artiste[16]
- MTV Africa Music Awards 2008 – Best Newcomer[17]
- 2008 MOBO Awards – Best African Act[18]
- 2008 Kora Awards – Best Artiste or Group from East Africa (not yet held)[19]
- 2009 Tanzania Music Awards – Best East African Song ("Sweet Love")[20]
- 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards – Best Video ("Little Things You Do" with Bobi Wine)[21]
- 2009 Channel O Music Video Awards – Best African East & Best Ragga Dancehall Video ("Sweet Love")[22]
- 2011 Tanzania Music Awards – Best Song and Best Collaboration Song ('Mkono Mmoja' with Chege & Temba)[23]
References
[edit]- ^ "Wahu Kagwi". Ghafla. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
- ^ Kimani, Sheila. "#WCW: Wahu Kagwi - Of Music, Marriage and Motherhood". Standard Entertainment and Lifestyle. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
- ^ The Standard, 7 November 2008: Unveiled: Kenya’s most influential celebrities[usurped]
- ^ True Blaq Entertainment: Featured Artist - Wahu Kagwi Archived 11 May 2010 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Despite lean season, Wahu bounces back". 21 June 2020.
- ^ The Standard, 19 September 2008: Ogopa: Africa’s revered video stars[usurped]
- ^ "MAMA Awards winners". Bella Naija. 23 November 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
- ^ "Kisima Awards Winners 2008/2009 announced!". I.fienipa. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
- ^ "WAHU – AFRICAN MUSICIAN". Fieni Pal Lyrics. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
- ^ Miseda, Hellen Asewe. "Wahu's tips on how to run successful upmarket salon". The Standard. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
- ^ BBC, 23 November 2008: Nigerians sweep MTV Africa awards
- ^ Museke: PAM Awards Winners 2008 Archived 18 April 2009 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Ecoimagekenya.com, 20 June 2008: The annual Chaguo La Teeniez awards Winners
- ^ Kisima Music Awards: 2008 Kisima Music Awards winners Archived 12 December 2009 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ The Citizen: Newcomers ruling the roost 21 May 2010
- ^ Musicuganda.com: PAM 2006 nominees Archived 22 May 2010 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Museke: MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) 2008 - the nominees Archived 14 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Museke: Nominees for MOBO Best African Act 2008
- ^ Museke: Kora All Africa Music Awards nominees 2008 - regional categories
- ^ Kilimanjaro Awards: Nominees 2009 Archived 30 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Museke: MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) 2009 nominees Archived 14 October 2009 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Museke: 2009 Channel O Africa Music Video Awards nominees Archived 19 July 2009 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ allAfrica.com: '20 Percent' Grabs Seven Kili Music Awards Nominations
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