This archive report was first published on 7 October 2021.
Published on October 7, 2021, Mimah Shafie's life took a dramatic turn after high school. She had envisioned a life of college, a great job, and luxury, but reality had other plans.
As the firstborn in a family of two, Shafie's mother struggled to provide for their financial needs. To supplement their income, Shafie started a business selling potato chips in Nakuru town and later became a sales agent for two major telcos.
However, the commissions were unsustainable, and Shafie felt the need to augment her income. She joined various music bands, hoping to become a musician, and also started acting, reasoning that actresses never lacked jobs.
Shafie's journey took a darker turn when she began working as a karaoke host in several clubs across Kenya. She started drinking and smoking marijuana, cigarettes, and chewing muguka, a habit that lasted for five years.
Despite the chaos, Shafie's passion for music remained, and she eventually transitioned to singing gospel music. With the support of her family and a strong will, she overcame her addiction and has been sober ever since.
Today, Shafie is a gospel artiste with five singles on her YouTube channel and is pursuing a music course at Goldstreet House of Music in Nakuru. She uses her platform to counsel young people on the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of seeking help.
