If you’re a Kikuyu gospel music enthusiast, chances are you’ve encountered the name Elizabeth Nyambere. Her roots trace back to Murang’a county, where her musical journey began during her formative years. Elizabeth stands out as one of the most prominent Kikuyu gospel artists who, through sheer determination and hard work, catapulted themselves from obscurity to stardom in record time.

Recently, Elizabeth Nyambere sat down for an interview with Jeff Kuria, during which she candidly shared her remarkable music odyssey. She recounted her early struggles, which led her to leave school after just one year due to life’s challenges. Fate intervened when she relocated to Nairobi, where she crossed paths with the legendary Kikuyu musician, Joseph Kamaru. It was Kamaru who introduced her to the music industry, although initially, she harbored reservations about singing Kikuyu secular songs, perceiving them as spiritually questionable.

Kamaru, in his wisdom, enlightened her about the purpose behind these songs, emphasizing their role in providing guidance to people. Encouraged by this perspective, Elizabeth decided to give it a shot. Subsequently, she encountered the late Jimmy Wa Yunny, who presented her with a secular song to perform. This decision initially troubled her conscience, as she felt she might be offending her faith.

However, Elizabeth later forged a pact with God, seeking His guidance to ensure she remained on the right path. She immersed herself in the secular music industry until she crossed paths with Julia, a renowned Kikuyu gospel musician. Julia played a pivotal role in Elizabeth’s journey by assisting her in recording her debut album. It was at this juncture that Elizabeth found her way back to the gospel genre.

In reflection, Elizabeth Nyambere emphasized that there was no inherent harm in secular music. She even advocated for Kikuyu gospel artists to be given the opportunity to perform in clubs, asserting that the message of the gospel should be disseminated in all corners of society.

What are your thoughts on this perspective? Feel free to share your views in the comments section; let’s engage in a thoughtful discussion about this intriguing topic.