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The 13-year-old girl who caught Alicia Keys attention by her unbelievable singing talent has been signed on to a local music record label. Gracious Amani became the talk of town after a clip of her singing Alicia’s popular hit ‘Girl on Fire’ went viral on social media.
Pine Creek Records will officially sign the 13-year-old girl from Githurai to their label on Friday 13th at the Capital Club, Westlands and will now produce music under a new name Amani G. She comes from a humble background in Githurai Nairobi but ever since her new found fame, her family disclosed that they have been receiving threats.
Speaking in an interview at a local TV channel, Christine Ambuso, Gracious's mother revealed that everyone in the family has been forced to watch their backs. “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. The video was taken and shared online by a tourist identified as Chantel. Since, Local celebrities such as Big Ted ,Vivianne among others promised to work with the young girl to fully explore her talent.
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.
Pine Creek records started in 2005 and has since produced numerous albums, top of which are Hatimaye and Manzili from Atemi, Twisted Straight by Nikki, Mr Lenny’s Kwanini, and Starborn by Anto Neo Soul.
In a past interview, Peter Nduati, owner of Pine Creek Records, disclosed some of the biggest hits they have produced.
“The label became self-sustaining in 2012. Some of our biggest hits include Bebi Bebi by Atemi, Hii Ngoma from Nikki and featured Collo, also Nikki’s Niwe Wako Milele,Chips Funga by Anto Neo Soul, and Leo sang by Mr Lenny,” said Peter Nduati.
