Meet the Next Emmy Kosgei

It’s without a doubt that Emmy Kosgei is one of the most talented and highly celebrated vernacular singers in her own right. However, Emmy is not tightfisted.

The 33 year old renowned singer is mentoring a 12 year old fast rising singer who wants to trade the stardom path Emmy dared to take.

Nikita Chepchumba Kering’, a year 7 pupil at the Nairobi Academy, is already a star. Apart from attending special music lessons at the Kenya Music Conservatoire for Vocals and Piano Training, she finds time once a month to co-host Treasure Hunt, a children’s radio programme on Hope FM.

Nikita’s singing talent and confidence was discovered at a very tender age of 3 years where she would form singing groups with children in the neighborhood and sing various common songs. Her parents encouraged her to participate in Sunday school at her church. Meanwhile her teachers at Riara Springs urged her on by giving her opportunities to perform during school functions and at the annual school concert.

In October 2010, and at the age of 8years Nikita received a standing Ovation from over 1000 Parents and Teachers attending the Schools annual Concert after performing a very moving rendition of a famous Gospel singer. It was her first major event and most memorable. This gave her more confidence and she went all out performing at family Functions, friends weddings and at her Church, The Nairobi Pentecostal Church, Valley Road.

On December 4th 2011, Nikita was honored once again by being the only child to perform live on TV at the Album Launch of Top Kenyan Gospel Singer, Emmy Kosgei who is also her mentor.

A few days later on Christmas Day, Nikita’s inspirational story was aired live on Citizen TV, Prime time News for 7 minutes. In this weekly feature, ‘Your Story’, Nikita was able to eloquently tell the world about her love for Music and her future plans. She ended by singing a Christmas Carol. This coverage was a great inspiration to many parents and children who were moved by her passion, confidence and a great singing ability at the age of 9 years. The feature can be viewed on You Tube.

A few weeks later, KASS TV, interviewed her and featured her story as a young upcoming Gospel Singer. This story is also on YouTube.

So far, she’s performed for the DP, Ruto; at the Kids’ Festival (2013) at Nyayo Stadium; at the Peace concert (2013) at The Kasarani stadium; at Emmy Kosgei’s grandeur wedding in Nigeria, to name a few.

Nikita draws great inspiration from Emmy Kosgei, Lupita Nyong’o and Zahara Mkutukane (of ‘Loliwe’ hit).