Wendy Kimani (born 18 May 1986) is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, actress, and entertainer who rose to fame as the first runners-up of Tusker Project Fame Season 2 in 2008. She is best known for her hit collaborations such as Haiwi Haiwi with Bien of Sauti Sol and Unajua with Gilad Millo, one of Kenya’s most celebrated love ballads.
In 2013, she released her debut album My Essence, which showcased her unique blend of R&B, neo soul, jazz, pop, and Afropop, earning her recognition as one of Kenya’s most versatile female vocalists.
Aside from music, Wendy Kimani has also starred in films and TV dramas, including the television movie Die Husband Die! (2014) and the hit series Rush, where she played a leading role.
Early Life
Wendy Kimani was born on 18 May 1986 and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. From a young age, she developed her singing ability by listening to established musicians, eventually nurturing her talent into a professional career.
Her big break came in 2008 when she auditioned for Tusker Project Fame Season 2. After 71 days in the academy, she reached the finals and emerged runner-up, cementing her place in Kenya’s music industry.
Music Career
Tusker Project Fame (2008)
Wendy Kimani’s journey began when she auditioned for Tusker Project Fame 2 in March 2008. She impressed both the judges and fans, making it all the way to the finals and finishing second behind Esther Nabaasa of Uganda.
Debut Album (2013)
On 13 August 2013, Kimani released her debut album My Essence, featuring soulful tracks such as Hunielewi, Rumour, and Hush Up. The project highlighted her versatility across multiple genres.
Hit Singles and Collaborations (2014–2015)
- In 2014, she released Haiwi Haiwi featuring Bien-Aimé Baraza of Sauti Sol, a collaboration praised for its smooth vocals and strong visuals.
- Later that year, she dropped Chali, an old-school inspired track with jazz influences directed by Enos Olik.
- In 2015, Wendy collaborated with Israeli-born Kenyan artist Gilad Millo on Unajua, a soulful duet about lost love. The track was critically acclaimed, became one of Kenya’s most beloved songs, and received massive radio and TV airplay.
Acting Career
Wendy Kimani is also a respected actress:
- 2014 – Starred in Die Husband Die! as Lynette, a woman trapped in a loveless marriage.
- 2014–present – Played Ruby in the popular TV series Rush.
Her performances have earned her recognition as both a talented musician and a versatile actress.
Personal Life
Wendy Kimani married her long-term Dutch fiancé Marvin Onderwater on 9 August 2014 in Nairobi. The wedding was a celebrated event that highlighted her cross-cultural journey.
Discography
Album
- My Essence (2013)
Selected Singles
- Hunielewi feat. Labalaa (2010)
- Rumour (2011)
- Hush Up (2013)
- Haiwi Haiwi feat. Bien (2014)
- Chali (2014)
- Unajua with Gilad (2015)
Filmography
- Tusker Project Fame (2008) – Contestant, finalist (1st runners-up)
- Die Husband Die! (2014) – Lead role as Lynette
- Rush (2014–present) – Lead role as Ruby
Legacy
Through her soulful voice, creative songwriting, and on-screen performances, Wendy Kimani has built a reputation as one of Kenya’s most admired multi-talented entertainers. Her success in both music and acting cements her place as a leading figure in contemporary Kenyan culture.
