The story starts with a woman being chased out of her home by a husband unhappy with her Bible-reading ways. His last words as he runs after her with a hoe are chilling…If you come back here, I’ll kill you! What follows is a journey of struggles and tears for the woman, but one that ends in triumph, as she sings about the hope she has in Christ, and ultimately overcomes the odds before her.
That might be the synopsis for Eunice Njeri’s latest video, Bwana Yesu, but it may just as well have been the story of her life. For Eunice has known every bit of the hard life that she talks about, and the subsequent triumph of beating the odds.
Growing up in the village, Eunice discovered her passion for music at an early age, participating in school music events throughout her school-life. By the time she was in high school, she was practically leading the school’s choir, and writing many of her songs. She recalls her dad’s influence in her interest in music. Surprisingly, she’s the only one in the family that music rubbed off on.
“My dad loved music – he had all kinds of instruments in the house and I just picked up interest”, she says.
But with excellent grades and conventional wisdom, pursuing a ‘career’ in music was never a serious option. After high school though, things took a different turn, as she failed to make the cut-off points for university, contrary to her (and her family’s) expectations. A change in family fortunes meant that she couldn’t afford college fees either, leaving Eunice with little prospect for the future.
At first, this provided an opportunity for her to pay more attention to her interest in music, but although she continued to minister at the local church, it was soon obvious that she would make very little progress unless she left.
Life in the city, where she arrived in 2003, proved to be just as difficult. Living with relatives was her only option, and this brought its own set of challenges. Many didn’t understand why she would spend her energies on pursuing music instead of getting a proper job. Things got so bad that one of her relatives threw her out of the house, and she had to spend a few nights on the street, sleeping on a bench in a church nearby.
Thankfully, Eunice never gave up. Joining Harvest Church was probably the best thing that happened to her at that point. Growing in ministry, her gifting for music was soon evident and she became part of the Church’s choir, even recording music with them in 2005. It would take two more years before she was able to get her solo debut wrapped. Produced by Billy Frank for Princecam Media, Bwana Yesu was released in early 2007. Eunice says, of the songs on her album and what they mean to her:
“Every song on that album speaks of my life. When I see people going through hardships, I understand, I can identify with them. That’s what I sing about, the fact that I made it, and there’s hope in Christ.”
Eunice has fond memories of her chance meet-up with K-Krew later in the same year. She got involved in their outreaches and was soon an integral part of the team. Eunice explains that her heart has always been focused on missions, and so she found her place instantly. Moreover, the fact that the rest of the K-Krew family embraced her style and passion and rallied her was a big boost to her involvement.
It was through these events that she gained popularity with her heart-stealing hit single, Umeniweza. The song quickly became a chart-topping sing-along, and Eunice earned her place in the mainstream spotlight. Even with the attention she was getting, it was still a surprise to her when she won the Groove Award for Most Promising Artist in April of 2008. She recalls:
“It was a big shock to me…I couldn’t believe they’d called my name. It was a big honor, and I know it’s just a beginning”
With CDs flying off the shelf, Eunice finished the accompanying VCD in early 2008, and is already enjoying considerable success with that. But she’s not sitting pretty – her sophomore album is top on her mind, in what she hopes will be a different kind of project. Already, she’s roped in Jogg C’s Kaberere for the first single, and is planning to release the album before year-end.
Just in her early twenties, Eunice’s life today and how far she’s come is nothing less than a miracle, and it’s obvious she’s going a long way yet. With a heart of worship and a burden for reaching the lost, we’ll be hearing quite a bit from this diva for awhile to come.
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» 9 Comments
1Comment
at Tuesday, 15 July 2008 12:51
kazi poa kayune keep it up........kamua kamua peleka mziki kwa level za nyuki dada.
2Comment
at Tuesday, 22 July 2008 13:17
being chosen of God does not need a genius to interpret it simply requires obedience which is what you have decided to do-BARAKA
3Comment
at Saturday, 02 August 2008 09:52
Njeri,
It is amazing, Natural, real is your voice.... Maintain that pace. The instruments are unique in the sence that the soft bass is not common on the kenyan market production.....i.e soothing bass.
Waht makes me die for this music is the fact that you do not strain or try to be meristematic the Europian way...Keep going gal!
Albert
4Comment
at Friday, 05 September 2008 14:18
If you ask me, I'll tell you that you are the new face of gospel music. What touches me the more is your ability to sing different genres of music appealing to diff groups of people. Not very long ago I heard your "NAKUTAMANI" and it took my breath away...literally. Thankyou for allowing God to use you in this way. The future can only be better. Keep up.
5Comment
at Tuesday, 09 September 2008 10:21
Music tells the level of maturity and spiritual depth of the person who writes it and in this case I can say that your music is seasoned and mature. keep it so and dont mix it with anything less. Please. Your music also ministers (most of the current one doesnt coz its just well thought out words) and this will cause it to stand the test of time. My favourite track is Zaidi, Najua and of course Bwana Yesu. Worship supercedes all other genres and leads to true transformation of heart.
6"Njeri"
at Saturday, 07 February 2009 12:21
Truly she is a diva. I love her music. Umeniweza brings me to tears. That's how i know it is coming from her heart. It is so effortless. She is beautiful too. And her being a namesake makes me feel close to her. I hope she get this comments. may she never give up. God bless you Njeri for ministering to our hearts.
7"MASS COM STUDENT AT MMU"
at Wednesday, 16 September 2009 07:36
Her story is quite inspiring.Ideed God can raise you from low to up for He has good plans for us.May God continue giving her good health and strength to continue inspiring the world with her songs.
8Comment
at Tuesday, 24 November 2009 12:43
When the Lords favour is upon you everything you try succeeds because you are one who trusts in him. Be blessed as you bless us with inspiration songs
9Comment
at Sunday, 13 December 2009 09:57
Eunice, U Bless me all Time,my wife n dota love Ur songs.i sing too n i most of all admire the simplicity and gentle yet real, powerful way you bring encouragement to the world. its like an outspring of life, may the good Lord strengthen you as you keep the annointing. U are in the right arena of ministry to souls. Barakaa.....was watching you live NTV-crossover
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