Victoria Kimani

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Victoria Kimani
Born (1985-07-28) 28 July 1985 (age 36)
Los Angeles, California, U.S
CitizenshipKenyan
Occupation
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • entertainer
  • dancer
  • actress
Years active2009–present
Relatives
  • Bamboo (brother)
  • Kimya Miyaki (brother)
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentsVocals
Associated actsSarkodie, Ice Prince, M.I

Victoria Kimani (born 28 July 1985)[1] is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, actress and entertainer previously signed to Nigerian record label Chocolate City, and was described as the record label's first lady.[2][3] She has received several award nominations from the African music industry, and her singles are played on radio channels across Africa.[4] Her debut album was released in 2016.[5][6]

She has appeared in the film 7 Inch Curve.[7][8]

Life and career[]

Kimani was born in Los Angeles, California, to clergy parents. She has two older brothers.[9] She lived in Benin City, Nigeria, for two years, where her parents did missionary work. She began singing at the age of 9; at age 16, she began performing alongside other church choir members as a back-up and wrote songs for others.[2][9] On returning to live in Kenya, she went to college and did back-ups for Mercy Myra involving considerable travel. She later opted to drop out of school to fully pursue a career in music.[10]

In 2010, Kimani performed a remix of Ice Prince's hit single "OLEKU" (remixed by Nathaniel Williams Jr.), which caught the attention of Chocolate City executive Ice Prince, whom she dated for two years. In late 2012, she was the first female artist signed by Nigeria's music label Chocolate City,[11] She released her first single under the label, "Mtoto", in March 2013.[12] The video was shot in Los Angeles.[13]

Kimani released several mixtapes: Oya, Heaven, Hate Me, Open Up Your Heart, F.U.M.F, Do What You Want and Fre.[14][15]

In 2014, Kimani released the single "Show", produced by singer and producer Tekno Miles.[16] She featured Tanzanian artists Diamond Platnumz and Ommy Dimpoz.[17]

In February 2015, Kimani joined Cynthia Morgan and Emma Nyra and released the video "Vex".[18] On 23 July 2015, she released the video "Two of Dem".[19] In May 2015, she released "Loving You", in which she collaborated with Nigerian label mate, Ice Prince.[20] On 4 November 2015 she released "Booty Bounce".[21]

On 21 January 2016, Kimani released her new single "All the Way", featuring Khuli Chana.[22][23] The song pays homage to renowned artist Angelique Kidjo in her classic "Wombo Lombo".[24] The video was shot in Johannesburg, South Africa,[25] and was produced by Reinhard.[26]

The singer released the album Safari in December 2017, which collaborated with stars across Africa: Sarkodie, Khuli Chana, Jesse Jagz, Phyno and Ice Prince.

Pulse reviewed the project, scoring it highly, saying: "Although she brands herself to appeal to the senses in a sexy way, her music does possess a knowledge, accuracy, and skill which requires old-school wisdom and inclusiveness, the likes of which can be drawn African maternal knowledge."[27]

In December 2017, in an interview with Adelle Onyango and Shaffie Weru on Breakfast with the Stars, Kimani revealed that when her contract with Chocolate City expired, she felt it was time for her to be an independent artist: "You know like every contract has an expiry date. The contract was over and to be honest with you, most of the time I was on the label, I felt like an independent artiste anyway. I did most things by myself. So it was just time for me to step out on my own and do my own thing and not have to split the money with anybody."[28]

Music influences and humanitarian works[]

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".[29] 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).[30]

Kimani has spoke out on issues like male chauvinism and women empowerment in conjunction with the One Campaign.[31] Despite the all-female pan-African collaboration on "Strong Girl", Kimani also stated that women struggle to make ends meet due to limits on available careers, and praised models, singers, dancers, entertainers, presenters, businesswomen, public relations, managers, personal assistants, singers, stylists, DJs and designers.[32]

Discography[]

Studio albums
Mixtapes
  • Queen Victoria (2013)[35]

As lead artist[]

Contents
0–9 · A · B · C · D · E · F · G · H · I · L · M · N · O · P · S · T · U · W
Key
Song released as a single Indicates single release
# Indicates a mixtape released for promotional purposes
Year Song Producer(s) Album Ref.
2010 "Baby You" (Oleku Remake) Non-album single [36]
2013 "Oya" (featuring MI) Chopstix Queen Victoria [37]
"Heaven"
"Hate Me" (featuring Pryse) [38][39]
"Open Up Your Heart" (Lengoma Refix) [40]
"F.U.M.F" (featuring Loose Kaynon ) [41]
"Do What You Do" (featuring Banky W) [42]
"Trayvon" (featuring Kimya & Bamboo) [43]
"Freaks" (featuring Wyre) [44]
"Whoa" TBA [45]
"M'Toto" GripMusik’s Chopstix [46]
2014 "Show" Tekno Miles [47]
"Prokoto" (featuring Ommy Dimpoz and Diamond Platnumz) [48][49]
2015 "Vex" (Cynthia Morgan, Victoria Kimani and Emma Nyra) D. O. Speaks [18]
"Her" (Victoria Kimani featuring Milli) [50]
"Loving You" (Victoria Kimani featuring Ice Prince) [51]
"Two of Dem" [52][53]
"Booty Bounce" Reinhard [54]
2016 "All the Way" (Victoria Kimani featuring Khuli Chana) [55]
2016 "Walahi (Cover)" [56]

As a featured artist[]

Year song Tucheze Artist (s) Ferre Gola Album Ref.
2012 "Merry Christmas" Nosa ft. Victoria Kimani TBA [57]
2015 "Ooh Lala Oui Oui" Yvonne Darcq ft. Victoria Kimani [58]
"Her" Milli ft. Victoria Kimani (produced by CK) [59]
"Taking Over" Dama Do Bling ft. Victoria Kimani TBA [60]
"Best" Nadia ft. Victoria Kimani and M.I [61]

Filmography[]

  • 7 Inch Curve (TBA)

Videography[]

Year Title Director Ref.
2016 All The Way N/A [62]

Awards and nominations[]

Year Association Award Recipient Result Ref(s)
2013 Channel O Music Video Awards Most Gifted Newcomer Video "Mtoto" Nominated [63]
Most Gifted R&B Video "Oya"
2014 Africa Musik Magazine Awards Best Female Artist (East Africa) Victoria Kimani Nominated [64]
2015 Africa Musik Awards Best Female Artist Nominated [65]
African Entertainment Awards USA Best International Female Artist Nominated [66][67]
2016 Kora Awards Best Female Artist – East Africa Pending [68]

References[]

  1. ^ Muoka, Chidera (28 July 2015). "Happy Birthday Victoria Kimani". Ngr Guardian Life. Retrieved 13 January 2016.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b "Victoria Kimani-Biography". takemetonaija.com. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  3. ^ "Chocolate City's First Lady". Zen Magazine Africa. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  4. ^ Cynthia, Madame (4 December 2015). "Is This Her New Catch? What Is Victoria Kimani Up To With This Hot Congolese Male Artist?". Mpasho. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
  5. ^ "It Was Like 'Finally Giving Birth...' an Emotional Victoria Kimani Talks About Finally Completing Her Debut Album". Mdundo. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
  6. ^ 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. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
  7. ^ "Victoria Kimani the Actress? Watch her alongside Wole Ojo, Gabriel Afolayan, Yvonne Ekwere in '7 Inch Curve'". Bella Naija. Retrieved 15 January 2016.
  8. ^ Akinsoga (29 January 2015). "Victoria Kimani Shows Off Her Acting Talent On '7-Inch Curve'". 360nobs. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
  9. ^ Jump up to: a b "General biography of Victoria Kimani". Chocolate City Music. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  10. ^ Egole, Anozie (12 September 2015). "Sometimes I wear hijab to cover my curves". vanguardngr.com. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  11. ^ Alli, Mutiat (16 September 2015). "Victoria Kimani: Exploring music from Kenya to Nigeria". Daily Times of Nigeria. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
  12. ^ "VIDEO: Victoria Kimani – M'TOTO". Too Exclusive. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  13. ^ Onos (20 February 2013). "BN Music Premiere: Chocolate City Kenya Presents Victoria Kimani – M'Toto". Bella Naija. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  14. ^ "MUSIC [DOWNLOAD]: Victoria Kimani – Queen Victoria (Mixtape)". Talk Glitz. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  15. ^ "Do What You Do/". I Dey. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  16. ^ "Music: Victoria Kimani-Show". 360 Nobs. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  17. ^ DonBoye (27 August 2014). "VIDEO: Victoria Kimani – Prokoto ft. Ommy Dimpoz & Diamond Platnumz". Not Just OK. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  18. ^ Jump up to: a b "LISTEN: VEX – CYNTHIA MORGAN, VICTORIA KIMANI & EMMA NYRA". I they. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  19. ^ "Two of Dem". I they. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  20. ^ "Loving You". I they. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  21. ^ EGO (4 November 2015). "VIDEO: Victoria Kimani – Booty Bounce". NotJustOK.com. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  22. ^ "Victoria Kimani – All The Way ft. Khuli Chana". Soundcity. Retrieved 26 January 2016.
  23. ^ "Victoria Kimani - All The Way ft. Khuli Chana". Bottomline Kenya. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  24. ^ "Victoria Kimani – "All The Way" ft. Khuli Chana". Natzy Naija. Retrieved 26 January 2016.
  25. ^ GambitGuy (21 January 2016). "Victoria Kimani Ft. Khuli Chana ; All The Way". Not Just OK. Retrieved 26 January 2016.
  26. ^ Faruq (21 January 2016). "Official Video: Victoria Kimani – All The Way ft. Khuli Chana". Xclusive Hit. Retrieved 26 January 2016.
  27. ^ "Victoria Kimani embraces sub-Saharan Africa like a mother". Pulse Nigeria. 8 December 2016. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  28. ^ 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.
  29. ^ "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. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
  30. ^ 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.
  31. ^ "Interview With Artists On Strong Girl Initiative By One Organization : Video". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
  32. ^ Tega, Evabeta (14 January 2016). "'Being A Female Entertainer Doesn't Make Me A Prostitute' – Victoria Kimani". Omojuwa.com. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
  33. ^ Victoria Kimani announces release date for debut album Safari (2 December 2016) https://www.360nobs.com/2016/12/victoria-kimani-unveils-cover-art-tracklist-new-album/
  34. ^ Victoria Kimani releases “Safari” album https://www.premiumtimesng.com/arts-entertainment/music/217138-victoria-kimani-releases-safari-album.html
  35. ^ Victoria Kimani - Queen Victoria Mixtape http://www.datpiff.com/Victoria-Kimani-Queen-Victoria-mixtape.531618.html
  36. ^ "Music: Victoria Kimani – Oleku [Remake]". Jaguda. 30 August 2011. Retrieved 9 February 2019.
  37. ^ Jaguda (27 May 2015). "New Music: Victoria Kimani - Oya ft. MI + Video". Jaguda. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  38. ^ O, Olive (24 April 2014). "VIDEO: Victoria Kimani – Hate Me, Kenya". Not Just Ok. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  39. ^ Jagunda, Ayo (24 April 2014). "Video: Victoria Kimani-Hate". Jaguda. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
  40. ^ "Do What You Do feat Banky W girlz Victoria Kimani". I Dey. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  41. ^ "F.U.M.F". I Dey. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  42. ^ "Do What You Do". Too Xclusive. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  43. ^ George, Sandu (31 October 2013). "Audio: Victoria Kimani awashirikisha kaka zake Bamboo na Kimya katika wimbo mmoja 'Trayvon'". Bongo 5 (in Swahili). Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  44. ^ "Freaks". Redifined Media. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  45. ^ S, Deji (21 February 2014). "New Video: Victoria Kimani Feat. Prezzo & AY – Woah". Bella Naija. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  46. ^ "New Video: Victoria Kimani-Mtoto".
  47. ^ "Show". Too Exckusive. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  48. ^ "Victoria Kimani – Prokoto ft. Diamond & Ommy Dimpoz". MP3 Naija. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  49. ^ "Victoria Kimani Prokoti ft Diamond & Ommy Dimpoz". Naija Bam Bam. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  50. ^ "LISTEN: HER (FEAT. VICTORIA KIMANI) – MILLI". I Dey. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  51. ^ DonBoye (9 May 2015). "Victoria Kimani – Loving You ft Ice Prince". Not Just OK. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  52. ^ A K, Oluseyi (23 July 2015). "VIDEO: Victoria Kimani – Two Of Dem". Not Just OK. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  53. ^ S, Deji (24 December 2015). "New Video: Victoria Kimani – Two of Dem". Bella Naija. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  54. ^ Ade-Unuigbe, Adesola (4 November 2015). "Watch the Super Sultry "Booty Bounce" Video for Chocolate City's Victoria Kimani". Bella Naija. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
  55. ^ Romeo, Deborah (21 January 2016). "VICTORIA KIMANI - ALL THE WAY FT KHULI CHANA". Chocolate City Music. Retrieved 23 January 2016.
  56. ^ "New Music Victoria Kimani - 'Walahi' (Cover)". Pulse.ng. Joey Akan. Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  57. ^ Ovie O (23 December 2013). "Nosa ft. Victoria Kimani – Merry Christmas". Not Just OK. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  58. ^ Ovie O (28 March 2015). "Yvonne Darcq ft. Victoria Kimani – Ooh Lala Oui Oui". Not Just OK. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  59. ^ E.G.O (24 April 2015). "Milli – Her ft. Victoria Kimani (Prod. By CKay)". Not Just Ok. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  60. ^ Ovie O (2 July 2015). "Dama Do Bling ft. Victoria Kimani – Taking Over". NotJustOk. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  61. ^ E.G.O (30 September 2015). "Nadia Nakai ft. M.I x Victoria Kimani – Best (Explicit)". Not Just OK. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  62. ^ "Victoria Kimani Singer channels her 90s vibe in 'All the way' video". Pulse.ng. Joey Akan. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  63. ^ "Channel O Africa Music Video Awards 2013 nominees announced". Biz Community. Retrieved 23 January 2016.
  64. ^ "Emmy Kosgei, Kelvin Wyre, Victoria Kimani nominated for AFRIMMA awards". The Net. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  65. ^ 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.
  66. ^ 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.
  67. ^ Misiki, Cynthia (2 September 2015). "Incredible! Sauti Sol, Victoria Kimani among Kenyans nominated in African Entertainment Awards USA". Kiss 100. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  68. ^ "KORA Awards 2016: full list of nominations". My TV News. Retrieved 26 January 2016.

External links[]

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