This archive report was first published on 25 November 2019.
Nazizi Hirji: Finding Happiness After Regrets and Challenges ¶
Published on November 25, 2019
Known as the first lady of Kenyan hip hop, Nazizi Hirji has come a long way since releasing her first single at 15 years old. In a recent interview, the 38-year-old musician reflected on her journey, regrets, and life lessons, revealing a newfound appreciation for her experiences and a focus on self-care.
"Now I don’t consider them lost. Instead, I focus on everything I gained. I wasn’t ready for all the things that came with being a celebrity. At the same time, I love my journey as an artiste and I have learnt so much," she said in an interview with Sunday Magazine.
Looking back, Nazizi admits that she regretted the lost years, but no longer. She has come to realize that her experiences, including her time in the spotlight, have shaped her into the person she is today.
"I look back and see the awards I have won and the impact I have had on people and realise those were not wasted years. I instead focus on everything I have gained," she said.
One of the key lessons Nazizi has learned is the importance of self-care. She revealed that she had to take a step back and prioritize her own well-being after years of being in the public eye.
"I had to reflect on why I was suddenly feeling that way and yet it had been my entire life. I realised it was because I wasn’t taking any time for me. I had also just become a mother and realised I needed to be grounded," she said.
Another significant decision Nazizi made was moving to Lamu, where she lived for three years. She left behind her music career and started a new life with her then-partner and son.
"It was quite scary because I really didn’t know what I was getting into. I sent someone I knew money to find me a house. I’m the opposite of that because I like being organised and knowing every next step," she said.
Despite the challenges, Nazizi has come to realize that loss can be a defining moment in one’s life. She has learned to choose how to respond to loss, whether it’s the loss of a loved one or a relationship.
"Loss is painful but it can determine how you go on from there. It can shatter you or build you. I tell many people if I lost my brother, the most valuable person in my life and I am still here, then I am strong," she said.
Today, Nazizi is genuinely happy and at peace with her life. She has learned to appreciate the beauty in life and not carry anger and bitterness.
"As much as it is challenging and hard sometimes, see the beauty in it and don’t carry anger and bitterness. I know the environment, I have become more organised and more loving. I am genuinely happy," she said.
