Sofiya Nzau, best known for her hit single “Mwaki,” recently opened up about her journey from humble beginnings to stardom.
In an inspiring story, the Kenyan singer and songwriter shared how she once worked in low-income jobs, including as a hawker and house help, before her rise to fame. With her husband’s support, Sofiya took her first steps in the music industry during a time of financial struggle. Her husband not only introduced her to songwriting but has also been a constant source of encouragement, supporting her transition from “grass to grace.”
Reflecting on her past, the mother of one revealed that she never envisioned herself as a musician. Out of financial necessity, she decided to try her hand at songwriting, motivated by the success her husband had found in the field. “My husband, we were basically doing songwriting together… we basically do everything together, so I’m going to mention him a lot,” Sofiya said, highlighting the close bond and collaborative spirit in their relationship.
Sofiya recounted her struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic, a turning point in her life.
In 2020, she was selling clothes as a hawker in Thika town. Her business however began crumbling when lockdown restrictions took a toll on foot traffic.
“People were going home so early, so there was no one to sell clothes to, and my business just went down,” she explained. At this low point, she reached out to her aunt, who helped her find a job as a house help in Kasarani’s Clay City, where she worked for a year.
While staying home to care for their young child, Sofiya took a leap and joined her husband in songwriting.
“He told me it’s really good, and I was like, uhm, maybe it’s something I can try because he is getting money,” she recalled. When she eventually became pregnant, they both committed to pursuing music together. To their surprise, Sofiya’s unique vocals, performed in her local dialect, captivated DJs and listeners alike. The 24-year-old’s persistence paid off, culminating in her breakthrough collaboration with Brazilian producer Zerb on “Mwaki.” This consequently propelled her to new heights.
Sofiya recently made history as the first East African artist to reach over 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify, cementing her position in the music world. Sofiya’s journey from hawking clothes to becoming an internationally celebrated artist is a testament to resilience, the power of partnership, and seizing unexpected opportunities.
Her story stands as a beacon of hope for those facing struggles, proving that with dedication and support, extraordinary success can come from even the most humble beginnings.
