Kidis the Jembe: A Musical Journey
Kidis, the stage name of Nesphory Simbiga Bigoka, was born in 1980 in Tanga, Tanzania. He is the youngest of eight siblings. Although Tanzanian by birth, Kidis is now based in Kenya. His move to Mombasa in 1996 marked a turning point in his life, and he later settled in Nairobi, where he currently resides.
His music career began in earnest in the year 2000 in Mombasa, during the formation of the Rainbow Coalition. That period ignited his artistic journey, culminating in the release of his debut album in 2006, which featured eight tracks. Since then, Kidis the Jembe has steadily risen to become one of the most celebrated names in Kenyan music.
He gained widespread recognition with a string of popular hits. Notable tracks include:
· 2011: Twajichanganya (Kamua Leo), Penzi Langu, Twende Out
· 2015: Me & You, Kidis the Jembe
· 2016: Mshamba, Nyonda, Viroboto, Chunaa
· 2017: Chap Chap, Songea, Tunajirusha (Party), Unipende, Tiririsha
· 2018: Angelina, Sheke Shera, One in a Million, Pepea
These hits, among many others, have earned him a loyal fan base across East Africa.
Kidis is widely admired for his humility, strong principles, work ethic, and dedication to his craft. Known for his creativity, powerful vocals, and unique style, he stands out as a truly original artist in the Kenyan music scene.
His contributions have not gone unnoticed. He has received several prestigious awards, including:
· Best Collaboration at the Nzumari Awards (2011)
· Male Artist of the Year at the Kenya Coast Music Awards in 2011, 2012, and 2013
Singing primarily in Swahili, Kidis brings an authentic and deeply rooted voice to the music industry. His songs often explore themes of love and everyday life, while some offer insightful commentary on socio-cultural aspects of Swahili culture.
Whether you're a fan of meaningful lyrics or high-energy party anthems, Kidis the Jembe is an artist worth tuning into—bringing heart, rhythm, and originality to every track.