Singer Princess Farida back with a new song

Singer Princess Farida, who is marking her 17th year in the gospel music industry, has released a new song. Titled "Amelipa", the single, which was unveiled two weeks ago, is the title track of her next album.

In 2001, Farida stunned her fans by converting to Christianity and switching from secular to gospel music. She says that it hasn’t been an easy journey.

CHRISTIAN MUSIC

“I have faced so many challenges, but I am always grateful to God for having kept me strong in my faith,” she told the Nation in an interview.

The two-time chakacha dance queen now ministers alongside her husband, Pastor Isaac Migwalla. Last year, she took a five-month tour of 20 states in USA.

“It was with the support of Kenyans and other gospel music lovers in USA that I was able to make the visit,” she says.

This was the second time Farida was touring the US. Her first time was in 2014, when she got an invitation from the popular American CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network) 700. Then she had her testimonies translated into various languages, including French, Arabic, German and Spanish.

“The tour was an eye-opener for me, as I had an opportunity to tell my religious story to scores of viewers globally through the TV channel,” she says.

CONVERSION

Farida’s conversion to Christian salvation, she recalls, took place during a flight back home from Dubai, where she had been based with her African Rhythms Band. Then, she was a major attraction as a chakacha dancer and singer.

“I got a wake-up call to salvation when I took a brief walk to the cockpit, where I got a spiritual urge to seek divine intervention,” she recalls.

Life changed for Farida soon after arriving back in Nairobi. She left the group in the hands of her younger brother, Kanda King, and her fellow dancer and younger sister, Lady Zhena (now deceased).

She got baptised at the Redeemed Gospel Church in Huruma, Nairobi, in March 2002 as Mariah Mafudh.

To many chakacha fans, this was unbelievable, but she defied all odds and remained steadfast in her Christianity, releasing a gospel album, "None Like Jesus", in 2003.

CHALLENGES

Then she enjoyed spiritual guidance from Pastor Migwalla, whom she married in November 2004.

It was tough for Pastor Migwalla, who recalls that it was challenging guiding his new convert.

The couple would have their first child, Shekainah, in June 2007, the same year Lady Zhena died, while Hadassah came in July 2010.

“Zhena’s death was devastating. But the same day I received the news of her death, I developed labour pains and had baby Shekainah,” she recalls.

In 2010, she released her second album, "Kiumbe Kipya".

Songs on the two albums have been getting good airplay both on radio and TV.

She released her third gospel album, "Mbarikiwa", last year.

She promoted the album during her 20-state tour to USA last year. The visit also involved creating awareness for the couple’s Nairobi-based Power Impact Ministries.

COUNSELLING

They also offered counselling sessions for expectant mothers from single families. Back in Nairobi, she continued counselling young mothers.

She has performed in Florida, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Washington, Kansas, North Carolina, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Seattle.

“Most of the interstate tours were sponsored by well-wishers who were encouraged to have me share my testimony at various churches,” she says.

Farida has also published two books on her personal experience and the stories of others. The books are titled The New Me and Priceless Gems Every Girl Should Have.

She is due to release a new book titled The Power of the Tongue.

Later in the year, Farida will also release her fourth six-track gospel album entitled, "Amelipa".

“I am looking forward to not only popularising the new songs, but also preaching, and counselling young expectant mothers,” says the upbeat gospel songbird.