Kenyan artist Nyota Ndogo has crafted an anthem that embodies determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her principles. Her recent candid post on Facebook unveils an incredible journey from the Ukunda slums of Majengo, Mombasa, to the pinnacle of musical success.
At the age of seventeen, Nyota found herself at a crossroads, a familiar juncture for many facing challenging circumstances. Instead of compromising her values, she chose the path of housekeeping.
“At seventeen, I chose to be a housekeeper and not compromise my principles,” she boldly declared. This decision became the cornerstone of her extraordinary journey.
Adopting the philosophy of “whoever goes slowly will arrive,” Nyota spent four months working as a housekeeper in Nyali. Living frugally, she managed to save 6,000 shillings, a portion of which she sent to her mother. Despite having limited formal education, her focus remained crystal clear – accumulating funds to support her family.
“The only thing I used to buy is always (sanitary pads),” she confessed, underscoring the sacrifices made during this period.
Surprisingly, Nyota’s musical journey had its roots in the backdrop of housekeeping. Despite facing skepticism about her identity as Nyota Small, her perseverance and musical talent eventually caught the attention of radio stations. While the media highlighted her background as a housegirl in Nyali, Nyota’s gratitude echoed louder: “All thanks to God and those who contributed to my growth.”
Born Mwanaisha Abdalla, Nyota Ndogo is the second of six children and the eldest among the girls. Early struggles with education, attending Makande Primary School but unable to sit for exams due to financial constraints, led her to the role of a househelp.
In an interview with the Standard Group, she revealed how the job allowed her to nurture her musical talent, listening to songs on television and radio, writing, and humming tunes that would later become her signature.
Nyota’s story took a significant turn when her employer recognized her ambition and treated her as part of the family. This support paved the way for her introduction to music producer Andrew Burchell, aka Madebe, who recorded her debut album, Chereko.
