Nyota Ndogo is one of Kenya’s most celebrated musicians in Kenya.
The coast-based singer has graced the Kenyan music industry for almost two decades now.
Famous for her hit song Watu Na Viatu, she once worked as a house maid but has since grown to become one of the most influential voices in the country’s music industry.
Her father Abdala Atib was a musician with a local band, but Nyota Ndogo did not take up musical career until being inspired by Nairobi’s hip hop group K-South (Abbas Kubaff and Bamboo).
She was discovered by Andrew Burchell, a Mombasa-based producer, and has continued to be a musical force to reckon with, both locally and internationally.
Her influence surpasses the music spheres, as she has since moulded herself as a role model for many.
Now, a section of women from across the country are likening her latest move to a “saviour’s” move.
Recently, Nyota Ndogo registered a foundation called 'Nyota Ndogo Sauti Ya Wanyonge', with the primary aim of helping fellow women (and other maginalised sections of society) in achieving their dreams in life.
Two weeks ago, she reached out to women through social media, asking if she could find at least 10 women who could have the ability to contribute Sh5,000 every month to invest in real estate.
According to her, the response was so overwhelming that she had to stop taking in new members when the target of 40 women was met.
“Many of these women (probably all of them) have never met me physically."
"But they have entrusted me with their resources because I have built that reputation. I am humbled by their gesture,” she said on phone.
She says that by six months, the contributions will be enough to buy a prime land in Kenya, especially in the coastal region, where the women can develop it by putting up houses for rental or residency.
“Through the Nyota Ndogo Sauti Ya Wanyonge Foundation, I am aiming at helping women, as well as other marginalised sections of the society, to get to another higher level in life.”