Patricia Wangechi Kihoro.

Where did you grow up? School life? And what you do?

I grew up in Nairobi, with most of my childhood spent in Buru Buru. I went to Shepherds Junior School, and then to Buru Buru Primary School, (Which I had insisted I wanted to join because I had heard pupils only went to school in the mornings. How disappointed was I when I finally joined and found out it wasn’t true. It was too late though, I had to stay.) I then went to Moi Girls School Nairobi for my Secondary education, and then Moi University in Eldoret, where I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2008. I now work as: a Radio News Anchor on One FM, a Singer, an Actress and I also write occasionally.

How did you begin your journey to music?

I began singing when I was 8. I remember my mother buying me a cassette tape of a children’s choir in the US called ‘All God’s Children’, their ages ranging from 8 to 16. I was so amazed by the contemporary music they sang, and the talent that they had, so I decided I wanted to sing, not just in the shower anymore, but in front of people as well. I began to sing at school and begging my mother’s friends to let me sing at their weddings. My parents would be so proud seeing my name on the wedding programs, and being up on stage.

Any albums or singles?

Not yet, although I am currently working on my first releases now. It has been difficult, having worked with about 4 producers so far, but always getting disappointed by them when something or other happens, cult scandals, unreturned phone calls and such. But I have finally found a producer who I believe is the one. To me it almost feels like I have found my “musical husband’, because we work very well together, and our ideas gel very well.

Tell us a bit about your acting career also. How you started and where it has led you?

I have always liked to play pretend, since I was a child. At times I would go places with my parents and when I would go play with other kids, I would adopt a new personality, complete with a different name, accent and even age. After high school I did a couple of musical plays with Sterling Quality Entertainment at the Kenya National Theater, which  I enjoyed immensely. In late 2008, after one of my evening gigs with my former band, The Rudeboyz, Aleks Kamau of Big Ideas Entertainment approached me and asked if I was interested in acting on TV. I said yes, and he directed me to an audition for a show that I didn’t even ask about. At the time I was working late night shifts at a call centre as a Transcriber so I was taking on any job I could get. I auditioned and a couple of weeks later I got a phone call telling me I had gotten the part. I immediately quit my job and dove into the show, ‘Changes’. I remember I even missed my University graduation ceremony because of it. That was the beginning of my TV acting. I have also featured in a few music videos for some of my friends which I do for fun because it combines two things I absolutely love, music and acting.

Any current projects you’re working on?

Yes, my album! Finally! I have had a couple of false starts with this…disappointments here and there, lack of funding, but now, I’m hoping that this time, it will work out.

Do you have a role model?
I wouldn’t say I have a particular role model at the moment, but I do have various personalities that I admire a great deal. From musicians like Miriam Makeba and Michael Jackson who were singing to their last breath, young Kenyan group, Elani, who breathe, eat and sleep music, and just by their drive and talent will definitely go far, Kenyan Film Director Wanuri Kahiu who is causing ripples internationally, News Anchors Terryann Jebet and Julie Gichuru who have come a long way from where they started, and my colleagues Adelle and Asha Mwilu who are young Kenyan ladies who are bound to make a huge impact on the world by their sheer determination and hard work. There are various people, some famous, some not, but maybe even just one trait that they possess causes me reflect, and seek to emulate even that one particular trait that I admire.

Do you see yourself as a role model to other Kenyans especially the youth?

I don’t consider myself as having reached that far in terms of being a role model. I have had a few people write to me, call me and even a few that I have met, who tell me that I have influenced them positively, and been a role model of sorts, and I hope to continue to do so. I wouldn’t say that I have reached my full potential yet, there is so much more that I plan to do, and I will continue to work at it. I hope that it can translate into positive influence on those who know me.

Favorite song? And why?

I don’t think I can state just one song. I am very eclectic when it comes to music, and there are so many that give me goose bumps, positive vibes, and inspiration. There are new artists and songs coming up every day. From Kenyan songs like Weche Tek by Dela, Awinja by Sauti Sol, Selfish by Wendy Kimani, Elsewhere by K.S.Mbugua, Ndoto Langu by Valerie Kimani to international ones like Human Nature by Michael Jackson, Say You’ll Go by Janelle Monae, What’s My Name by Rihanna (Party song of the year), Hometown Glory and Rolling In The Deep by Adele….I could go on and on…and by next week, I shall probably have a new list. I love all kinds of music really.

Any awards we should know about?

In the very near future, I shall have a Kora, MAMA, MOBO and then a Grammy to my name. I have to dream big, right?

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be and why?

Richard Branson. To have such an adventurous spirit, and the resources to not only take on the adventures that he does, but to also positively influence and inspire people the way he does. It also wouldn’t hurt to have all the money that he does. 

I think I would also like to trade places with my 3 year old cousin sometimes. No responsibilities, no chores, no worries and lots of learning.

If I gave you an elephant where would you hide it?

I wouldn’t. I’d ride it to work at least twice a week, and on the weekends, visit a new spot in Nairobi, all the while riding it.

Do you enjoy your celebrity star status?

I wouldn’t call myself a celebrity just yet. I believe that will only be true when people begin to celebrate my achievements and work. But for now, I can say it is nice to have people recognize me once in a while. It’s very encouraging to have people walk up to me to say hi, and that they appreciate what it is that I do.

If you were given a chance, would you enter Big Brother Africa? And if so, what would be your strategy to win?

Another reality show? I don’t think so.

Wait, I take that back. Who knows, maybe! Never say never, right? If by some strange twist of fate I ever did decided to enter Big Brother, my strategy to win would probably be to make sure I was in the heart of some really juicy drama which is unresolved by the time elimination comes, so people would have to keep me in to see how it would turn out.

What is your favorite daily wear attire?

I love simplicity and comfort on a regular day so skinny jeans, a singlet, flats and a leso/ kitenge fabric as a scarf.

Who according to you are the best dressed man and woman in Kenya?

Do I have to pick just one? Because I think there are quite a few. Namtero Mdee always looks good. And Wambui Kibue a designer who owns the fashion house, Angelsmile, and also happens to dress Tero once in a while, has quite an amazing sense of style. The three Kimani ladies, Wendy, Edith and Valerie also dress exceptionally well, all the time. You’ll never see them looking bad.

As for men, well, MTV VJ, Emukule Ekirapa always looks good, and he doesn’t really try that hard which is a plus. It’s a real shame when you can tell that a guy or girl has gone overboard with the trends. Jamhuri Wear’s Jeffrey Kimathi also dresses really well. I like how he throws on African accessories to his outfits, it’s powerful but understated.

Who according to you are the worst dressed man and woman in Kenya?

I can’t think of any right now. Or maybe I’d just rather not say.

I’m sure most of my readers want to know this. Are you married, single, dating?

I am dating.

Any words for aspiring musicians and actors?

If you want to do it, and it gives you happiness when you do, then you should not stop because you deserve to be happy. Not in the future, but today.