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At only 19, she’s toured Kenya and the world, performing in countries like Germany, the UK and USA, and been a star feature on three successful album compilations. She’s had a brush with death, lost her voice in the process, and lived to record her debut solo anthology, Thank You – an ode to her survival. Her story is extraordinary, but then again, Haimie isn’t exactly your average kind of artist.
Born Haimanot Armide in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Haimie’s interest in music started early. At three years old, she was already pining to be part of her family choir, then composed of her parents and three siblings. The family would be invited to sing at fellowships and at their church every so often, and it was obvious that there was no stopping the young girl from taking her place.
The Armides moved to Kenya in 1994, settling in Nakuru. Haimie’s attendance at Lions Primary School was marked with good academic performance yet outstanding excellence in music and the arts. She participated in the Kenya Music Festivals throughout her time there, reaching the national finals five times and carrying away the soloist prize twice.
Outside the confines of school, her talents did not go un-noticed – in 1998, she was a star performer at a Reinhardt Bonke crusade right here in Nairobi, hosted by Evangelist Teresia Wairimu. Haimie remembers that experience fondly:
“I was so scared and so excited at the same time…” she says. “I mean, here I was, only 10 years old, performing before 500,000 people…it was certainly a memorable experience”
It was no surprise when after her KCPE, she was offered a music scholarship for her high school education at Greensteds International School in Nakuru. The scholarship opened numerous doors for her musically, and her exceptional abilities soon had her leading the school choir. During her stint there, Haimie featured in three school albums, Destiny in 2003, Chapter One in 2004 and Aste Aste in 2006.
Being part of the choir and band also meant opportunity for concert tours – every artist’s dream! From major towns in Kenya, to Uganda and the UK, Haimie had her taste of international musical fame. But it also brought its own challenges, chief amongst them being her walk with God. Haimie explains:
“I got saved when I was seven. But I guess when you get to high school, things change…you know you want to stand your ground, and you think you do, but it’s not the same. Especially with everyone noticing your talent…it occurred to me that I wasn’t doing it ‘for God’s glory’ per se anymore. I think, unknowingly, pride was growing in me”
Little did Haimie know that she was soon to face the greatest tragedy in her life – one that would not only leave her devastated by loss, but without her voice as well. In August 2004, just after a successful tour of the UK, Haimie and her eldest brother Johnnie Armide were involved in a fatal car accident. He died, while she went into a coma that lasted two weeks. Her survival was a miracle, but when she came to, she had completely lost her voice.
Haimie confesses this was the darkest period in her life. Yet in all this, she was able to see her lesson. She explains:
“God never does anything for no reason. I realized He was teaching me a lesson, and He was telling me ‘That voce that you had and that you were so proud of, it isn’t yours’. I learnt humility. When I went back to school, the guys who were always telling me ‘I wish I had your voice’, now I was the one saying that to them. It was really hard for me, and I would still insist and say I could sing and be utterly devastated when I couldn’t. I only began to heal when I lay down my pride and went back on my knees, and accepted that I couldn’t do it without God”
In true Heavenly fashion, things turned around for Haimie after this experience – just ten months after, she was completely restored and participated in a multi-city tour of Germany, followed by the UK, and the USA in 2007. At the latter, she walked away with the role model award at a talent competition that featured some of the industry’s who’s who in a whole week of interaction. On coming back from the US, Haimie embarked on her debut album, culminating with its release in mid-2008.
Produced largely by Gideon Kimanzi, the twelve-track album does an excellent job of introducing Haimie to the world, as her captivating voice weaves notes in English, Swahili and her native Amharic. The lead single, Sema, which features Nabii, is already a mainstay on local Gospel shows. Haimie says, of the record:
“I called this album Thank You because it’s my thanksgiving to God for how good He’s been to me. My heart lives for worship, and so it’s also a worship album for young people who are just crazy about God”
Haimanot Armide looks set to continue capturing the hearts of music listeners here and around the world for awhile to come.
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» 23 Comments
1"Wow"
at Tuesday, 29 July 2008 20:22
This is cool. Go Haimie! Go Haimie. I am so proud of you girl. You keep on going headstrong and keep glorifying God. Can't wait to hear more of your music! God Bless you
2"Matt.25:14-30 Lk 19:12-28"
at Wednesday, 30 July 2008 11:33
Thts a Testimony there Haimie. God keep using yah to advance His Kingdom wit the gift of Music. Hv attended a Concert in Nakuru where u performed wit a Choir a blsn it was.
Now this reminds mi of the Parable of the Talents. Our talents shld bear fruit for the kingdom of God. Well if they dnt...wat makes us and the servant whom dug his 1 talent any different?
Well he still worked.....he dug the ground to bury his talent....but there was no fruit out of his labour. His labour was from a wrong heart perspective.
Wen the Master comes wat wl ur talent bring forth?R U Good & Faithful or Lazy
3Comment
at Saturday, 02 August 2008 12:07
hey girl kul 2 here ur storo manze iko juu 2 sana.JC akubless 2 sana.imenituch personally.
4"God's Love"
at Monday, 04 August 2008 06:47
Hi, Haimie...God still pendaz u,keep on representing JC to the fullest.Great and mighty things He has install of u ahead...u inspire me alot in BS and keep the fire burning...1 samuel 12:24.
5Comment
at Thursday, 14 August 2008 10:57
I saw haimi the first time,at Nairobi cinema on date 9th august 2008 at a concert and she blessed me alot especially with her soft sweet voice. God bless you haimi and keep up the good spirit.
6Comment
at Thursday, 04 September 2008 09:19
Haimie..you are so good.I mean extremely..georgeous. thanks
7"djstitchie"
at Friday, 19 September 2008 12:02
Haimie the word say Everything that happens has a pupose to those called to his purpose
8Comment
at Thursday, 20 November 2008 18:05
Your story is amazing sister! It has made me to take God more seriously and to do everything for His glory.God is real and doing real work in our lives! God bless you as you continue glorifying Him through music.
9"The blessing of the Lord"
at Wednesday, 06 May 2009 14:08
You are a humble person and that\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s what has made u come this far. gal continue being good
10"Mr."
at Wednesday, 27 May 2009 19:14
hey...haimie just thought i should leave a comment, read your story and im kinda touched what youve been through and all, im proud to see where you at now.....fauzy
11"Monsieur?"
at Tuesday, 16 March 2010 06:24
I think it is time we get your next album, all for the Glory of God(or is it out already even as I write? No stress, and God bless
12"THANK YOU FOR STANDING"
at Tuesday, 15 June 2010 16:55
I have been a great admirer and fun since i noticed your talent in class 4back in Lion's and then i was in class8.I thank God for you Haimie and may God richly use you and your talent to touch others especially young people. Thank you for standing and coming back strong and i must admit your voice is beautiful i loved it ever since the first time i heard you sing in Lion's and some time in your church and God bless you for the times you've touch my heart.Sorry for all that happened dear.Now reading this i can face many challenges in life.I am a theology student now at PCEA Uni @ Kikuyu Camp
13"Sudi"
at Sunday, 22 August 2010 10:45
Impressive!
14"Great Heart."
at Tuesday, 09 November 2010 12:55
i once attended an event at her father's hotel in Nakuru few months after the tragedy where she sung cece winan's "Mercy said no". That moment has never left my memory and am happy to read the story of one of the brightest stars from my hometown Nakuru. God bless!!
15Comment
at Monday, 24 January 2011 16:50
You are blessed mami,i love your music and i miss Johny too,the story made me sa but am sure God knows and He has apurpose for everything,i love your story,it blessed me,just never put a full stop till God wills coz i believe theres so much you got,much love
16"i pray for you"
at Wednesday, 02 March 2011 18:31
may the Lord bless you , make his face to shine upon you and do good to you at all time. just remember ... its all for His glory.
17"wamaya"
at Thursday, 31 March 2011 08:13
oh my which part of kenya?
18"Proud of you gal"
at Monday, 25 April 2011 09:47
That\\\'s my former house mate!!..Wishing you the very best!!God bless you and continue to enlarge your territory...Love you!!!
19"Wow"
at Saturday, 30 April 2011 18:12
Just to her music and all I can say, she is truly gifted and her music is truly not an everyday music. Simply amazing and indeed a blessing.
Where can I buy her CD?
20"mangena"
at Friday, 20 May 2011 19:15
i am very inspired by thie beautiful young lady......keep on shining...you make the world shine with your light.
21"getachew"
at Saturday, 21 May 2011 18:09
wow haimie.u r blessed.i say that.i mean it. coz i was there when that bad day yani siku ya car crash. any way God is good. his mercy follow us.
i really want to say thanks and God bless u. u r the best of God.too early to worship the lord that age u start doing that good thing. don stop yani ziyende ivo ivo.stay blessed.cool chaw chaw
22Comment
at Monday, 22 August 2011 12:00
hay noce meeting u... I can\\\'t acces to ur FB
23"Nyakio"
at Saturday, 26 November 2011 23:31
Ooooh wooow am humbled really humbled by what God can do. I thank God for you Haimie. Praise God with your voice and beauty now and forever more. What a testimony!
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