Evelyn Wanjiru Agundabweni (born 6 May 1990) is a Kenyan gospel singer, songwriter, worship leader, and entrepreneur celebrated for her inspiring music and ministry. She is best known for hit songs like Waweza, Mungu Mkuu, Celebrate, Tulia, Jehovah Elohim, and Asante, which have become worship anthems across Africa. Evelyn is also the co-founder of Bwenieve Productions alongside her husband, music producer Agundabweni Akweyu, and the visionary behind the annual worship event Praise Atmosphere.
In 2024, she expanded her ministry by releasing her debut book The Wait, a deeply personal story chronicling her 10-year journey of faith, hope, and perseverance while waiting to be blessed with a child.
Early Life and Education
Evelyn Wanjiru was born on 6 May 1990 in Nairobi, Kenya, as the fourth-born in a family of five. She grew up in Nakuru’s Freehold Estate where she attended Saint Mary’s Girls Primary School and Langalanga Secondary School.
From the age of nine, she was active in church choirs and school music festivals, showing early signs of her musical calling. She later studied at the Talent Academy, Kabarak University, and joined the Tears Group, Nakuru, where she sharpened her music and performance skills.
Her talent caught the attention of producer Agundabweni Akweyu, who later became her husband and music partner. Together, they launched Bwenieve Productions, a recording and production house.
Music Career
Evelyn officially began her professional career in 2010, releasing her first album Waweza, which included the theme song Mazingira, later used by the Kenyan government in its Mau Forest conservation campaign.
Her second album, Mungu Mkuu (2015), established her as one of Kenya’s most powerful gospel voices. The title track won Groove Awards Album of the Year 2015, propelling her to regional fame.
Her third project, Matendo (2017), featured the award-winning collaboration Tulia with Vicky Kitonga, and the hit single Nikufahamu, which earned her an AFRIMA nomination.
In 2019, she released the Celebrate album, which birthed worship hits like Celebrate and Jehovah Elohim. Two years later, she launched her live-recorded Mwanga Album (2021), featuring 12 audio-visual tracks, marking one of her most successful projects.
Evelyn has toured extensively in Africa, Europe, and the United States, sharing platforms with global worship leaders including Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Sinach, Michael W. Smith, Nathaniel Bassey, and Mary Mary.
Authorship and Ministry
In 2024, Evelyn Wanjiru published her first book, The Wait, documenting her and her husband’s decade-long journey of faith before the miraculous birth of their son Mshindi Akweyu Agundabweni in 2022. The book encourages believers to trust in God’s timing despite life’s challenges.
She also runs the Bwenieve Clothesline fashion brand and leads mentorship programs for aspiring gospel musicians across Kenya and beyond.
Personal Life
On 7 April 2012, Evelyn married Agundabweni Akweyu, a respected producer and co-founder of Bwenieve Productions. After years of prayer and faith, they welcomed their son Mshindi on 6 April 2022, a testimony that inspired her book The Wait.
Discography
- Waweza (2012)
- Mungu Mkuu (2015)
- Matendo (2017)
- Celebrate (2019)
- Mwanga (2021, Live Album)
Popular Songs:
- Waweza
- Mungu Mkuu
- Celebrate
- Jehovah Elohim
- Tulia (ft. Vicky Kitonga)
- Nikufahamu
- Nanyenyekea
- Asante
Awards and Recognition
- Groove Awards 2012 – Nominee, Worship Song of the Year (Waweza)
- Groove Awards 2015 – Album of the Year (Mungu Mkuu)
- Groove Awards 2016 – Worship Song of the Year (Nikufahamu)
- AFRIMA 2016 – Nominee, Inspirational Female Artist of the Year
- Xtreem Awards – Multiple wins including Worship Song of the Year (Waweza, Mungu Mkuu)
- Mwafaka Awards 2019 – Female Artist of the Year (Celebrate)
- Maranatha Awards 2018 – Female Artist of the Year (Jehovah Elohim)
Legacy
Evelyn Wanjiru has become one of the most influential gospel artists in Africa, using her music to inspire worship and faith across nations. Through her songs, ministry, mentorship, and authorship, she continues to impact lives with a message of hope, resilience, and God’s unfailing love.
Her story represents not only artistic excellence but also a testimony of faith and perseverance, making her a role model for many in Kenya and beyond.
