Esther Kalunde powered her way through the preliminary rounds of the 2004-2005 Kipawa Gospel Talent Search, making it all the way to the finals.
 With electrifying stage presence and powerful vocals, she emerged as a joint winner of the talent search, and was rewarded with a recording contract, culminating into her debut album.
Born in Thika, Esther has four siblings; 2 brothers and 2 sisters. She attended the Mugumoini Primary School and thereafter Saint Xavier's High School before joining the Nairobi institute of Business Studies to pursue I.T. She is currently teaching I.T at
a local Muslim secondary school in Nairobi
An accomplished piano, trumpet and guitar player, Esther started singing from at a tender age while still in sunday school. She gave her life to Christ in 1995 during a high school challenge weekend.
Music seems to run in her veins, with her whole family involved in music at different levels. Both her parents are avid instrumentalists, and she credits them for her interest in music.
Currently a worship leader at the All-Nations Gospel Church in Nairobi's Dandora suburb, she admits that she has to be 'overly organized' in order to find time to record, attend practice sessions for her worship team and at the same time do her lesson plans for the next school day.
Being a teacher in a muslim school comes with its challenges. Even though she is not allowed to share her testimony freely, her hope is that through her godly lifestyle she can be an example to her students, and that they would experience Jesus through her. She states the words of 2 Corinthians 2:15 as a motivation.
“For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” 2 Cor 2:15
Her debut performance was at a concert in Thika with the song “Never Alone”. She produced her first song, “ Pokea Sifa” at Hitscore Records with  producer Gideon Kimanzi. On her debut album, Esther has worked with Kanjii Mbugua of Kijiji Records and Gideon kimanzi. The 14 track Afro-fusion coastal Zouk album brings a fresh new feel to the industry. The album has 13 Swahili and Kamba tracks, heavily laced with African percussions.
One can easily tell that Esther draws great inspiration from both the scriptures and her dear mother, who has been a steady and positive influence on her. In addition, she admits to learning alot from seasoned performer and music teacher Hellen Mtwali.
Esther looks at her entry into the Kipawa Gospel Talent Search as God ordained, as this was the avenue through which she recorded her debut album. For this she is grateful to David Makuyu, who supported and encouraged her constantly.
Breaking into new frontiers with her Afro-fusion Coastal Zouk she intends to reach the coastal inhabitants and people of the islands with God-filled music that they can easily identify with.
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1Comment
at Thursday, 18 December 2008 12:40
Thats my gal...
go gal the sky is the limit....
I love your sweet spirit...you are a great worshipper!
2"Mr9"
at Tuesday, 19 January 2010 15:14
Stephen mutuku. May the lord who called you prosper you in the music field.
3"Bishop"
at Saturday, 06 February 2010 19:59
I have heard your song(Nakuabudu nakuabudu we Bwana, Hakuna kama wewe)everal times on Hope FM.THIS IS THE MOST UNIQUE SONG INTUNE AND IN WRITING EVER TO HAVE come from Kenya in the last two decades.How do I get this song?
4"pastor"
at Friday, 08 October 2010 11:42
Esther, and Emmanuel, you are our heroes. Your songs and vocals...keep growing from glory to glory and we pray that God lifts you to his best highest!!!
5Comment
at Monday, 29 August 2011 12:41
I thank God for what He has made in you and this far He has brought you. I pray that He shall lift you to greater heights for the glory of His name. You have come from far and even further you are going because you are highly blessed. God bless you, God bless your family, God bless the work of your hands. Amen
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