Popular Singer/song writer Wahu Kagwi Mathenge, commonly known as Wahu on Friday revealed that she grew up in poverty.
Wahu, who has established herself as a versatile singer, a wife and a mother revealed that her parents could barely make end meets and struggled financially in her childhood days.
Wahu told the youth gathered for The Nakuru Youth Week Cultural Festival at the Players Theatre that their house was always leaking during the rainy season.
“Often, people visiting would keep asking where the bathroom was since the whole house leaked from everywhere,” she said.
Wahu told the youth that her love for singing started in their bathroom.
“I would sing for long while taking a shower. Woe unto the person who came after me to shower,” she said amidst laughter.
She told the stunned crowd that rising up the ladder was never easy.
“Everything was working against me to fulfill my dreams. Many told me to forget about my dream saying it was not practical. However the one thing I wanted in life is to enjoy life. I told God I wanted to be happy. I decided to write down the things I enjoyed doing, which I challenge you to also do,” she said.
Wahu revealed she worked as a volunteer in an advertising company for a year.
“I needed the experience which at the end of the day enabled me to start my own advertising company,” she said.
Wahu added that she also loved creative design, which has seen her open up three beauty salons .
“I have always loved beauty, which has seen me venture into the salon industry,” she added.
Wahu challenged the youth to follow their dreams while quoting Myles Munroe saying that the richest place in the world was the grave as many hidden talents laid their unutilised.
“Do not let anyone tell you you cannot achieve your dreams. The only person coming between you and your dream is you,” she added.
She appealed to the youth at the festival to believe in their abilities.
“We are our own worst enemies. You give yourself excuses why you cannot have or even achieve our dreams,” she cited