The fall and rise of Jimwat

• Jim Wathigo Mburu, popularly known as Jimwat, was once one of Kenya’s biggest artistes. His song ‘Under 18’, has remained relevant years after its release.
• He talks about his musical hiatus, battling alcoholism, surviving a horrifying car accident and finding purpose again.

Rising to fame as a teenager can make you or break you. For some, it is a blessing in disguise; for Jimwait, it came as both. He rose to fame while he was just in Form Three after recording his first song, ‘Sema Nami Sweetie’, which was not released until he finished his KCSE examinations.