Unity, patience, wisdom: pillars of success for singing triplets

Uniquely gorgeous, alike, sassy and immensely talented. This is the description that fits Catherine Wairimu, Mary Muthoni and Evalyne Wanjiru, the three sisters who comprise the ‘Tripplets’ music group.

Born and raised in Kiambu county, the youngsters, in their early 20s embarked on their musical journey in 2011, immediately after completing their form four examinations having discovered their talent long before that.
“It wasn’t surprising for us to realise that we were gifted in music. Since our childhood, we had discovered that we had passion in music,” says Mary.

The three would entertain guests in different church occasions during the Sunday school days, a trend that continued even after they joined high school.

While in Form Two at Banana Hill Secondary School, they started composing their own songs. This ensured that they would always be among those who would be selected to participate in different social events such as drama festivals.

But it is 2011, when they went to studio to record their songs, that marked their formal entry into the musical journey.

“We had composed six songs; and like new entrants into this industry, we were very eager to see our music being played in radios and TVs!” says Catherine.

They approached Tamic Studios, where they recorded their debut album ‘Never Give Up’ that comprised six songs including: Yesu Ndiye Njia, Shetani Hutupati, Wimenyerere, Patia Yesu Shida Zako, Yesu Tumwimbie and Never Give Up.

And as it is normal for any neophytes in anything, their album was not so well received. They however insist that they did not despair.

'WE WERE NOT DISSAPOINTED'

“We were not disappointed, as we were still new comers in the industry. This to us was a lesson on the direction we were to follow, and the needs for one to meet the demands of the industry,” says Evalyne.

After wide consultations trying to understand the market trends, they decided to go back to studio.

In September last year, they recorded a single, ‘Rise Up’. The audio was recorded by Jacky B, a reknown producer, who has worked with gospel heavyweights such as Jimmy Gait, Size 8, Eko Dydda among others.

Then in February this year, they released the single’s video, which they say has been well received.

“What we didn’t know is that a video’s quality is a key determinant in marketing an artist’s work. That is why we decided to change production houses for our music,” says Mary.

With the current competition in the gospel industry, the third-borns in a family of six says theirs is not a trial, but a calling.

“We have been brought up in a Christian environment; therefore we are not looking back. We hope to grow even bigger, despite the challenges,” they say.

In their tender career though, the main challenge they have been facing is from some music promoters and producers, who insist on sex on promise of producing their works.

“Among others, like lack of sufficient money to record our music, this is the only monumental challenge that has continued to follow us,” they say, adding that they are not ready to exchange their bodies for favours.

Their aim is to establish themselves in the country but they are also eyeing the international market.