Njambi Koikai’s unwavering commitment to her craft shines through in the mere three days that followed her passing, as she was already on her way to the next installment of her beloved Street Empire series.
Her longtime DJ collaborator, Selector Technix, reminisces, “She was en route to catch a flight to Kitale last Thursday when she fell ill and requested to be taken to the hospital.”
The renowned reggae MC had embarked on this journey in anticipation of a show slated for the following Sunday. Unfortunately, fate had a different plan, and she passed away on Monday, June 3, at Nairobi Hospital after battling endometriosis for an extended period.
Throughout her nationwide tours, Njambi, at 38, endeared herself to many, utilizing her influence to tirelessly raise awareness about the disease that had plagued her since adolescence. Her ascent to fame began serendipitously.
In April 2008, during the aftermath of Kenya’s post-election violence, Jamaican dancehall artist Turbulence headlined The Peace Concert. Njambi, then a student at Daystar University and interning at the KBC Newsroom, sought only a photo opportunity with her idol. Yet, fate intervened when she was offered a chance to participate in the interview itself, sitting in the studio and posing questions directly to Turbulence.
Seizing the opportunity, she arrived at Broadcasting House armed with her camera. Her enthusiastic reaction on-air caught the attention of listeners, including Sabina Chege, then the Controller of Commercial Radio at KBC, who soon took notice of Njambi’s infectious energy and passion for reggae.
Impressed, the Metro FM management swiftly welcomed her aboard the breakfast team. Despite not fitting the typical reggae MC appearance, her determination and streetwise savvy set her apart.
Her journey continued as she transitioned to hosting her own shows, adopting the moniker Fyah Mumma. Alongside Selector Technix, their dynamic partnership propelled reggae music across Kenya.
Despite challenges, including Metro FM’s closure, Njambi persevered, working as a newsreader before eventually resigning from KBC. Her battle with endometriosis fueled her advocacy for early detection and treatment, culminating in the release of her song “Rejection and Pain” in 2016.
Born on January 24, 1986, in Nairobi, Njambi graduated from Daystar University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and pursued further studies at USIU-Africa. She also played pivotal roles in managing Sauti Sol and participating in theater.
In 2022, she contested the Dagoretti South parliamentary seat as an independent candidate. Following her passing, tributes poured in from Jamaican reggae artists including the legendary Burning Spear and Gramps Morgan of Morgan Heritage
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