By Sheila Kimani (@sheilakimm)
He has ‘warned’ competitors off, rapped his way to win corporate endorsements, made a mark on the Kenyan and international music industry and converted to Christianity several times with gospel tracks to show for it! From the look of things Simon Kimani a.k.a Bamboo’s might have evolved from rapper to gospel minister.
Born in Nairobi, Bamboo, the first born in a family of three was raised in California’s Inglewood as his family had relocated to the United States. During this time he attended Inglewood Elementary school and Canyon Springs High schools.
Bamboo started rapping at the age of 15, but his parents brought him back to Kenya so as to protect him from the gangs and free reign lifestyle that would have affected his character and education.
Back in Kenya, Bamboo kept his love for the rap game. Gradually, he joined rap competitions in Kenya and made his name in the underground rap battles. So impressive was his flow, lyrical game and personality, that he got signed up to the group K- South in 2001. Together they released Nairobbery which became a must-have album.
Soon after he started the Project254 to promote the Kenyan brand and corporates started seeking him out to push their campaigns. Bamboo’s big break came in 2005 when Chandaria industries sponsored his musical tour in which he performed a total of 185 shows in 4 months. A feat that made him a household name.
2004, saw him release his Album Nairobiszm and just when fans waited for his next rap release, Bamboo quit secular and joined the gospel circle.
“I think I’m done with secular music on to the Lord’s purpose." He said. Bamboo declared that hip hop was more of an illuminati affair, according to revelations God had given him in a dream.
This move threw fans off, with many feeling that he would not keep up in the gospel industry.
To show his commitment he released a gospel track ‘Solja’ and a string of conscious music including “Yes indeed” alongside Rufftone.
But that would be the beginning of Bamboo’s yoyo faith where he allegedly backslid several times.
“I cannot be put in a gospel box. As a matter of fact, I do not want to be classified as a gospel artiste. Yes I have some gospel songs in the works and a few collabos with gospel artistes but that’s just about it,” Bamboo said when asked about his back and forth.
Last Sunday however saw the rapper minister alongside Kubamba crew at the Mount Kenya University Sunday service a move that could point to him still being saved.
Besides building his brand, Bamboo has mentored his younger siblings Kimya and Victoria Kimani whose music is doing well. It is for this reason that he is our MCM today.