This archive report was first published on 27 September 2021.
From Karaoke Host to Gospel Singer ¶
Mimah Shafie's journey to becoming a gospel musician began with a stint as a karaoke host in various clubs across Kenya. For six years, she entertained crowds with her voice, but behind the scenes, she struggled with addiction.
Shafie, who is now 32 and from Nakuru, started drinking and smoking marijuana in her second year as a karaoke host. She continued this destructive path for five years, until she finally broke free from the cycle of addiction.
As she reflects on her past, Shafie acknowledges that she was not blameless. 'I cannot blame anybody for the wrong choices I made,' she says. 'The years spent as an alcoholic and a drug user were not adding any value to my life.'
Shafie's journey to recovery was not easy. She had to overcome her addiction and find a new purpose in life. She eventually transitioned to gospel music, and has since released five singles on her YouTube channel.
Today, Shafie is a gospel minister, using her voice to spread a message of hope and redemption. She is also pursuing a music course at Goldstreet House of Music in Nakuru, and helps her mother run a timber yard business.
Shafie's story serves as a powerful reminder that addiction is a choice, and that recovery is possible. 'We don’t need drugs to survive or hide from our shortcomings,' she says. 'It is the will of God for all His children to be healthy.'
