Stephen Njihia, popularly known as ‘MC Kinyanya,’ is a multi-talented artist who has risen from humble beginnings to become a household name in the world of comedy, music, and philanthropy.
Born and raised in Kimende, Kiambu County, his journey from a small village to touching hearts and inspiring others is nothing short of remarkable.
In this article, WoK takes a closer look at the remarkable story of this Kikuyu entertainer, his early struggles, and how he has become an epitome of hope.
Early Life
Growing up in Kimende, surrounded by strong and supportive women, Stephen’s talent for making people laugh began to shine at a young age.
His lady friends and family were his first audience, unknowingly encouraging the development of his comedic skills.
In a recent interview with Jeff Kuria TV, Kinyanya discloses that he was more around female friends than he was to his male counterparts.
The Debut: A Bold and Memorable Start
While living briefly in Nakuru, he took a daring step to debut his comedic art. Clad in his mother’s dress, he fearlessly took to the streets, bringing joy and laughter to passersby.
In his character, he portrays a typical Kikuyu village woman in make up and with a funny personality. This daring move earned him the name ‘MC Kinyanya,’ a nickname that would soon become synonymous with laughter and entertainment.
A Journey into Music with a Purpose
Beyond comedy, Stephen’s artistic ventures expanded into music. He recorded his first music album and cleverly utilized his street comedy performances to sell CDs, dressed as an old lady. He draws a lot of inspiration from the Kikuyu gospel king Muigai wa Njoroge.
His music not only entertains but also carries powerful Christian messages, resonating deeply with his audience. His famous hit song Ingiri Mukuo Ngoro was released in mid 2019 and has garnered close to 2 million views on Youtube.
Financial Constraints
Early on, due to financial constraints, he organized fundraisers in his village with the hope of gaining support for his endeavors. Unfortunately, these events did not yield the desired results. During one such fundraiser, only a few villagers showed up, and the late arrival of participants led to a meager collection of Ksh 3,000 after covering organizing expenses.
Another attempt at his local church resulted in a similar outcome, with most attendees leaving immediately after the service. Undeterred, Stephen persisted, but even while in Nakuru, his efforts to raise funds at another church event only garnered Ksh 10,000.
Dressing Up Like A woman: Defying Criticism
As with any aspiring artist, Stephen faced challenges along his journey. During his formative days, he earned a meager Ksh 30 as he reminisces in the interview.
Dressing up as a woman is generally frowned upon by many Africans and as it would be expected, he was criticized for his style of comedy. Many would associate him with the LGBTQ community.
Despite facing criticism and unfounded associations, he proved his detractors wrong with his undeniable talent and commitment to his craft.
Family Man
Beyond the stage, he is a devoted husband and a proud father. His first song, ‘Kinyanya,’ delivered a powerful message against prostitution, serving as a warning to the youth about the consequences of such vices.
Over the years, he has recorded four studio albums, each leaving a positive impact on his listeners. But he didn’t stop there; he has used his popularity to raise funds for the less fortunate.
Rising to Fame
As his career as an MC soared, he began receiving opportunities to perform for dignitaries, including the governor. Despite his growing fame, he never lost sight of his true purpose.
In one event organized in liaison with his female friend, he managed to collect about Ksh 250,000 marking the end of his woes and the start of his journey to fame.
When the world was struck by the COVID-19 pandemic, he faced challenges but remained committed to his philanthropic endeavors.
In one instance when performing in the streets of Meru, Kinyanya was arrested for assembling a crowd against the regulations during that period.
Philanthropy: Extending a Helping Hand
Inspired by compassion and a desire to make a difference, he embarked on a philanthropic journey, offering assistance to families in need by providing food and shelter. Utilizing the power of social media platforms, he mobilized fellow Kenyans to join his mission of spreading kindness and support.
His Youtube channel, Mc Kinyanya Official has close to 100k subscribers and over 11 million views as of the time WoK wrote this article.
A Life-Changing Encounter
The entertainer generous heart led him to help a young lady, Rosemary Nyandia Wambui, famously known as Usi, who had faced adversity after being deported from Dubai.
Struggling with depression and drug use while pregnant, she found hope and solace in Stephen’s helping hand and she recently started her journey to rehabilitation.
