Onejiru, born Pielina Wanjiru Schindler, is a Kenyan-born, Germany-based jazz and soul singer, songwriter, and activist. Known for her socially conscious lyrics, she has built an international reputation as a musician who merges jazz, soul, reggae, and world sounds with messages of gender equality and cultural identity. She is also a prominent member of the all-female collective Sisters, widely recognized for their activism through music.
Early Life and Heritage
Onejiru was born in Nairobi, Kenya, before relocating to Germany as a teenager, where she grew up in Wanne-Eickel. She began developing her musical talents in a girls’ choir and ballet classes, experiences that laid the foundation for her stage career.
Her heritage and upbringing have played a crucial role in shaping her identity as an artist. A daughter of Kikuyu culture, she later reflected on her struggles with cultural belonging in the documentary Black Milk – Halbschwarz geht nicht, which explored her journey of reconciling life in Germany with her Kenyan roots.
Music Career
Onejiru began her professional career as a singer with Helge Schneider’s band Fighters, later expanding into collaborations with leading German artists such as Jan Delay, Matthias Arfmann, and Sam Ragga Band.
In 2006, she released her debut solo album, Prophets of Profit, which highlighted her talent for blending soulful vocals with socially conscious themes. The record solidified her as a distinct voice within Germany’s multicultural music scene.
As part of The Sisters, formerly known as Sister Keepers, Onejiru participated in the 2008 Bundesvision Song Contest, ranking 14th with the song Unite. The Sisters became ambassadors for the United Nations International Day of the Girl, performing internationally and advocating for equal rights for girls and boys through music.
She has also collaborated on major projects, including:
- Loktown Hi-Life with Sam Ragga Band (2003)
- From a New World – Recomposed with the Berliner Philharmoniker (2005)
- Gender Riots with Sisters (2008)
Her activism extends beyond music. She has toured globally for causes such as clean drinking water with Viva con Agua, performing in Addis Ababa, Kenya, Brazil, Ghana, and Togo, and has worked alongside artists like Gentleman, Octopizzo, Tamika, and Ivy Quainoo.
Activism and Advocacy
Beyond performance, Onejiru uses her platform to address gender equality, racism, and cultural identity. With Sisters, she has led school outreach programs in Hamburg, focusing on multicultural identity and empowerment for young women.
In partnership with Plan International, she contributed to the Girls Go for Goals project, encouraging empowerment through music and cultural exchange.
Her advocacy work emphasizes her statement: “I don’t have to cower myself – I’m already black!”, a powerful declaration of identity and resistance against systemic prejudice.
Discography
Albums and Major Projects
- Prophets of Profit (2006)
- Gender Riots with Sisters (2008)
Selected Collaborations
- Wasser – Sam Ragga Band ft. Onejiru (2003)
- Loktown Hi-Life – Sam Ragga Band (2003)
- Heaven – Turtle Bay Country Club ft. Onejiru & Patrice (2003)
- From a New World – Recomposed – Berliner Philharmoniker ft. Matthias Arfmann & Onejiru (2005)
Legacy
Onejiru has established herself as a leading Kenyan-German cultural figure, bridging music and activism. Her career demonstrates the power of art as a tool for social justice, combining soulful performances with campaigns for equality, identity, and empowerment. With her work spanning continents, she continues to be a voice for both African heritage and global solidarity.
