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Singing twins know no limit

Singing twins know no limit
Mother daughter moment: Naomi Gitau and her girls Amani Muthoniand Imani Wanjiku. PHOTO/Courtesy
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When her twins  Amani Muthoni and Imani Wanjiku were young, Naomi Gitau recalls how one of them, Amani, would cry a lot, but would calm down whenever music was played.

When they were one and a half years old, Nancy travelled abroad for work. When she came back after less than a month, she found Amani had developed passion for singing. 

“Though they was still learning how to talk, Amani would sing along some of the simple songs that she was hearing. I thought, this must be her talent and I began encouraging her,” says Naomi.

Early encouragement

All this time, Imani, who is two minutes older than Amani didn’t show any interest in singing. However, at six years, she noticed that Imani started to sing beside her sister. 

“I began taking them to church where they would sing and recite memory verse as a way of nurturing them,” she continues. 

The girls are now 13 years and so far, they have managed to write and record several gospel songs in both Kikuyu and Kiswahili languages such as Matingitarika, Niunjui, King’uki Gia Corona, Atawale, Never Give Up, among others. 

“King’uki Gia Corona is a prayer asking God to heal the world from Covid-19 pandemic. Never Give Up is an encouragement piece. It reminds us not to get tired of trying again and again until we achieve our goals. All their songs are in their YouTube channel – ‘Amani  Imani Bf,’” says their mother. 

Nancy says that encouraging her daughters to sing and helping them sing along to other songs by other musicians has seen them grow. They are also inspired by musicians such as Shiru wa Gp and Angelica Hale who they aim to emulate in their music. 

However, one of the challenges that they had at the beginning is getting airplay from mainstream media.  

“I realised that Kenyans are slow in embracing songs done by children, especially when they are just upcoming artists.  We have been persistent though, through it all and through marketing we have managed to have their songs play in mainstream media,” she says. 

Amani is also an author. Nancy shares how one Sunday her daughter requested that she listens to a story she had written on her church note book. 

Young author burning midnight oil

“When she started reading it to me, I became attentive because the story was interesting and moving. I was surprised that she could write such a story. I asked her if she was really the one who had written the story and was so impressed when she told me that she did. I promised to buy her a bigger notebook for her to continue with her writing, so that the following Sunday, she could read for me more of that story,” explains Nancy. 

After she bought her daughter a book, Amani proceeded to write five pages, 10 pages, 20,30, and the story turned out to be a book. 

“Many times, I would go to her room and find the lights on past mid night as she immersed herself in writing. Writing has now become her favourite thing. One day I gave her work to her school head teacher Simani Edward Monjero and teacher Eunice Mwihaki to read her story. They were amazed and advised that I should consider publishing her book. That’s how I made an effort of having the book published,” shares Nancy.

The book, Lia: The Overcomer was, published this year. It talks about struggles many girls go through as demonstrated by her main character who goes through various life challenges, but finally overcame. 

She shares how Amani went through her book with a fine comb.  “Amani had to reread the book many times to ensure there were no mistakes. I feel inspired, especially when I see Amani sleeping late just writing. When I read her book I feel encouraged and as she puts it in her book, there is always some light at the end of the tunnel,” says Nancy. 

The mother had a challenge in ensuring that the twins both understand each other’s strengths and capabilities, especially with the publishing of Amani’s book. 

“At first, it was hard because Imani, who is an introvert used to feel left out. But I kept talking to her trying to make her understand they were blessed differently.

“Finally, they got that point clearly that they should celebrate each other’s strengths and now Imani is very supportive. Imani loves drawing and she has such a beautiful voice. She even corrects her twin sister in case she finds a mistake in her work,” she quips. 

Mother’s duty 

Their efforts too, have been recognised and in 2018 they were given certificate of recognition for their poems during the Mashujaa Day celebrations. In 2021, they were also awarded by Kiambu county government for they work. 

While Amani wants to be an author, gospel artist and a journalist, Imani wants to be a fashion designer and a gospel artist. Nancy feels that her greatest duty is to nurture their talents and to encourage them to keep on improving. 

“I support them financially too because they require money here and there, which hasn’t been easy. I also ensure that they pray a lot and God’s grace keeps them going,” she shares

The mother also helps them balance between music, writing and school. They record their music when schools are closed. They also write and practice their songs after they are done with school work. 

“I ensure that I bring them up in a Godly way. I tell them that God has given them gifts for them to serve humanity for His own praise. This keeps them grounded. It is tough raising children, especially in the 21st century, but God’s grace is sufficient,” she says. 

She urges parents to identify their children’s talents as early as possible and nurture them. You never know how much your child’s talent can help him/her. Every child has a special gift. Just spare a few shillings to support them, for example seeking training in the field your child is gifted. Generally, parents should fully support these young talents,” she says in ending. 

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