| Wendy Kimani | |||||
| Birth Date: | 1986 5, df=yes | ||||
| Birth Place: | Nairobi, Kenya | ||||
| Nationality: | Kenyan | ||||
| Years Active: | 2008–present | ||||
| Spouse: | Marvin Onderwater | ||||
| Module: |
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Wendy Kimani (born 18 May 1986)[1] [2] is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, actress and entertainer. She came into prominence after being the first runners-up in the second season of Tusker Project Fame. As a singer she is known for her songs; "Haiwi Haiwi" featuring Bien of Sauti Sol, "Chali", "Unajua" featured by Gilad among others. She released her debut album dubbed as My Essence launched in August 2013. As an actress she is known for starring in the television series, Rush.[3] [4]
Kimani was born in 1986 and raised in Nairobi, in Kenya.[5] She developed her singing talent by listening to other musicians.
In March 2008, Wendy and other participants battled out at the TPF 2 auditions where she was chosen both at the audition and at the eviction gala. After 71 days of working in the academy, she was only put on probation twice (the second time every single remaining contestant was put on probation for the semi-finals by the then judges). On 22 June 2008, Kimani lost out the coveted price of ksh5 million among others, to Esther Nabaasa, a Ugandan. Among the finalists were the latter, David as the second runners-up and Victor took the fourth position.[6]
On 13 August 2013, Kimani released her debut album, My Essence, stylized as ME.[7]
In February 2014, she, Lenana Kariba and Charles Kiarie starred in television film, Die Husband Die!, a story about Lynette (Kimani) living a loveless marriage with an older man (Charles Kiarie), but she falls in love with a younger man (Lenana Kariba).[8] On 20 May 2014, Kimani featured Sauti Sol's Bien Aime in her new single "Haiwi Haiwi".[9] The song was shot and directed by Mushking. In November that year, she released her second single for 2014, "Chali", shot and directed by Enos Olik.[10] The song is a bit old school and has some jazz chords.[11]
In early April 2015, Gilad Millo an Israeli former deputy ambassador based in Kenya, featured Kimani his hit single "Unajua", a Swahili word for "Do You Know".[12] A song that talked about two former lovers contemplating about their current love life gone sour. The song was critically acclaimed, a massive hit and receiving much air play in both radio and television stations making it one of Kenya's best 2015 songs.[13]
Kimani married her long term Dutch fiancé Marvin Onderwater on 9 August 2014 in Nairobi.[14] [15]
| Year | Single(s) | Producer/director | Album | Ref(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | "Hunielewi" (Wendy Kimani feat. Labalaa) | My Essence | ||
| 2011 | "Rumour" | |||
| 2013 | "Hush Up" | [16] | ||
| 2014 | "Haiwi Haiwi" (Wendy Kimani feat. Bien Aime | Mushking | [17] | |
| "Well Seasoned 2 - Go Tell It On the mountain" (Victor Saii feat. Wendy Kimani) | ||||
| "Chali" | Enos Olik | [18] | ||
| 2015 | "Unajua" (Gilad feat. Wendy Kimani) | Mushking FX | ||
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Tusker Project Fame | Herself | Finalist; 1st runners-up |
| 2014 | Die Husband Die | Lynette | Lead role; television film |
| 2014 | Rush | Ruby | Lead role |