Gracious Amani and her mother,Christine Ambuso

The mother of Gracious Amani, the girl from Githurai, Nairobi, whose voice caught the attention of American Singer Alicia Keys has opened up on the challenges faced since her daughter’s singing video went viral.

Speaking to Citizen’s TV Lilian Muli, Amani’s mother, Christine Ambuso, revealed that it has not been easy dealing with her daughter’s new-found fame.

She stated that the family have been receiving threats ever since Amani’s singing video went viral.

“It has been very scary because after that video went viral, we started receiving threats. Even her brother was attacked; they were demanding for money. Wanasema lazima tuwatolee za macho” she stated.

According to Ambuso, the perpetrators assumed that the family received money from the several interviews Amani has attended.

“Since that time, we have been accompanying Amani to school and ensuring that the teacher brings her back home. Her siblings have also been forced to stay indoors when not in school” she revealed.

Amani started singing in church aged 9 following a request by the pastor. According Ambuso, her daughter’s singing moved the entire congregation, herself included, to tears.