Victoria Kimani (born 28 July 1985)[1] is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, and entertainer formerly signed to the Nigerian record label Chocolate City.[2][3] Her debut album was released in 2016.[4][5]
Victoria Kimani | |
|---|---|
| Born | 28 July 1985 |
| Genres | Afropop |
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Labels | Chocolate City (2013–2017) |
Life and career
editKimani attributes that she began her career doing back-ups for Mercy Myra. By it involving considerable travel, she later opted to drop out of school to fully pursue a career in music.[8]
In late 2012, she was the first female artist signed by the Chocolate City music label, releasing her first single under the label, "Mtoto", in March 2013. The video was shot in Los Angeles.[9]
Between 2014 and 2016, Kimani released the single "Show", produced by singer and producer Tekno Miles and other singles such as; "Vex"; "Two of Dem"; "Loving You"; and "Booty Bounce", featuring Tanzanian artists Diamond Platnumz and Ommy Dimpoz; in 2016, Kimani released her new single "All the Way", featuring Khuli Chana.[10]
On 13 May 2015, Kimani and seven African female musicians, Cobhams Asuquo and a team of One Campaign staff met in Johannesburg to create "Strong Girl".[11] The song features singers Waje (Nigeria), Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania), Arielle T (Gabon), Gabriela (Mozambique), Yemi Alade (Nigeria), Selmor Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe), Judith Sephuma (South Africa), Blessing Nwafor (South Africa) and actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde (Nigeria).[12]
Kimani released the album Safari in December 2017, which collaborated with other African artists: Sarkodie, Khuli Chana, Jesse Jagz, Phyno, and Ice Prince.[13]
In December 2017, in an interview with Adelle Onyango and Shaffie Weru on a radio interview, Kimani revealed that her contract with Chocolate City had expired, and felt it was time for her to be an independent artist.[14]
Discography
edit- Studio albums
- Safari (2017)[15]
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Association | Award | Result | Ref(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Channel O Music Video Awards | Most Gifted Newcomer Video | Nominated | [16] |
| Most Gifted R&B Video | ||||
| 2014 | Africa Musik Magazine Awards | Best Female Artist (East Africa) | Nominated | [17] |
| 2015 | Africa Musik Awards | Best Female Artist | Nominated | [18] |
| African Entertainment Awards USA | Best International Female Artist | Nominated | [19][20] | |
| 2016 | Kora Awards | Best Female Artist – East Africa | Nominated | [21] |
References
edit- ^ Muoka, Chidera (28 July 2015). "Happy Birthday Victoria Kimani". Ngr Guardian Life. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 13 January 2016.
- ^ Vitoma, Kukuma (July 18, 2024). "Victoria Kimani Release New Album Title Mood 4 Life". Vitor Np. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
- ^ "Chocolate City's First Lady". Zen Magazine Africa. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
- ^ "It Was Like 'Finally Giving Birth...' an Emotional Victoria Kimani Talks About Finally Completing Her Debut Album". Mdundo. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
- ^ Akan, Joey. "The Chocolate City diva was signed to Chocolate City in 2013, and the wait for her first LP is almost at an end". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 2 July 2018. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
- ^ "Victoria Kimani the Actress? Watch her alongside Wole Ojo, Gabriel Afolayan, Yvonne Ekwere in '7 Inch Curve'". Bella Naija. 27 January 2015. Retrieved 15 January 2016.
- ^ Akinsoga (29 January 2015). "Victoria Kimani Shows Off Her Acting Talent On '7-Inch Curve'". 360nobs. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
- ^ Egole, Anozie (12 September 2015). "Sometimes I wear hijab to cover my curves". vanguardngr.com. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
- ^ Onos (20 February 2013). "BN Music Premiere: Chocolate City Kenya Presents Victoria Kimani – M'Toto". Bella Naija. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
- ^ "Victoria Kimani – All The Way ft. Khuli Chana". Bottomline Kenya. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
- ^ "When eight top female artists from across Africa, superstar music producer Cobhams Asuquo and a team of ONE staff got together in Johannesburg to create "Strong Girl", the song didn't exist". One Campaign. 15 May 2015. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
- ^ Sokunbi, Deji (13 May 2015). "Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Waje, Yemi Alade, Victoria Kimani & more in "Strong Girl" ONE Campaign Video". Bella Naija. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
- ^ "Victoria Kimani embraces sub-Saharan Africa like a mother". Pulse Nigeria. 8 December 2016. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
- ^ Tracy Mutinda (14 December 2017). "AUDIO: Exclusive: Victoria Kimani Reveals The Main Reason Why She Left Chocolate City (Audio)". kiss100.co.ke. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
- ^ Victoria Kimani releases "Safari" album https://www.premiumtimesng.com/arts-entertainment/music/217138-victoria-kimani-releases-safari-album.html
- ^ "Channel O Africa Music Video Awards 2013 nominees announced". Biz Community. Retrieved 23 January 2016.
- ^ "Emmy Kosgei, Kelvin Wyre, Victoria Kimani nominated for AFRIMMA awards". The Net. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
- ^ Ade-Unuigbe, Adesola (16 November 2015). "First Photos: Praiz, Diamond Platinumz, AKA, Victoria Kimani & More at the 2015 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) + Full List of Winners". Bella Naija. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
- ^ Atisele, Kenneth (4 September 2015). "P-Square, Mafikizolo, Victoria Kimani, Sauti Sol, others to battle at African Ent. Awards in Canada". The Net. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
- ^ Misiki, Cynthia (2 September 2015). "Incredible! Sauti Sol, Victoria Kimani among Kenyans nominated in African Entertainment Awards USA". Kiss 100. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
- ^ "KORA Awards 2016: full list of nominations". My TV News. Retrieved 26 January 2016.