Kanjii Mbugua is known for his soft silky voice. But little is known about his personal life –like who the beautiful lass seen in public functions with him is.
The Mbuguas share a love story brewed overseas and over 10 years ago, on 12th May, 2006, they tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony graced by family and friends. Together, they run Kijiji Agency a content company focused on creating, producing and distributing online content that helps people live better lives.
They first met when she was on a US music tour with Youth for Christ Organisation. Kanjii was attending an event in the same venue they were holding a concert.
"I remember noticing her performing and thinking what a beautiful girl she was," says Kanjii. He made a mental note to talk to her later. Interestingly, Kanjii's friend was dating a girl who was in the US tour with Mwendie.
He accompanied his friend to meet the girl and that was how he got a chance to meet Mwendie. "I wasn't really looking for a wife then, seeing as I was still a struggling student in university," he says. "However, I remember thinking that she was special... I went for it immediately," reveals Kanjii with a twinkle in his eyes.
At the time the couple met, Kanjii was studying music in America. After her tour, Mwendie went back home to Kenya. "We had a long-distance relationship for four years," says Mwendie, her soft voice echoing in the room.
But when Kanjii came back home after his studies, Mwendie left for South Africa to pursue further studies. Distance, however, did not deter the young couple. They were in love and Kanjii was already planning a lifetime with Mwendie. However, just before they got engaged, the two had a big fight. "This was the biggest fight we ever had," confesses Kanjii.
"Regardless, I could not imagine Mwendie not being in my life," he says. The fight was an eye-opener to the couple.
"I remember saying this was something I had to deal with and I was not going to let her go," says Kanjii. Six weeks into meeting Mwendie, Kanjii had told his aunt, uncle and friends that he felt he had found 'the one'. A decade of marriage has taught Kanjii a thing or two about women.
"I believe all women are different but being intentional is a huge thing," he says. "It's about creating moments, beautiful memories," he says. Kanjii emphasises on the need to recognise a moment of tenderness, jokes or whatever binds you two.
"Be sensitive and aware of your partner's needs and wants," he says. Kanjii admits to having made tons of mistakes on their journey but says that everything they have done has brought them where they are. Being in the limelight definitely has earned him a lot of fans, especially women.
Being a popular musician, how does he deal with female attention? I wonder. "I live my life oblivious of the attention," says Kanjii. "I make sure I don't open any doors whatsoever and respect what we have with Mwendie. Maybe it bothers Mwendie but you would have to ask her," says Kanjii with a laugh.
The Mbuguas say that their marriage has stood the test of time because they are friends. They confess to laughing a lot and talking equally as much.
"She is the first person I want to share with anything new happening in my life," says Kanjii. He confesses it was a drastic change for both of them when they got married but are still the same people all these years later.
"We are each other's major support system," says Mwendie. But they agree on the importance of a support system outside marriage to help them cope with any challenges. "We have many mentors, who we consult with on a regular basis.
Kanjii acknowledges that most African men struggle to have a conversation about 'nothing'. On the other hand, women can go on and on about everything and anything. He advises men to learn to talk to their wives. "Learn to enjoy talking," he says.
"Mwendie is an exciting human being; creatively talented and so caring. I am lucky to have her," he says of his wife. "She is also a wonderful mother to our children, Selah, 9 and Benga, 7," he concludes.