The Nairobi-born woman of many talents relocated to Bryanston and signed an exclusive publishing deal with Gallo Music Publishers.
Her latest single, I love you, featuring Jovislash and Flabba, and remixed by DJ Sabby, is making waves at YFM.
Habida’s first visit to the city was in 2010 when she was nominated for a Channel O Music Award.
“What most impressed me was the shopping malls. In Nairobi, we have one mall with high prices. Here, I could walk to the mall from my hotel. I remember asking someone if they were sure we were still in Africa,” she said with a laugh.
“I was also impressed that most people obey traffic lights here. I’m always calm during peak hour – compared to Kenya and Nigeria the traffic here is easy!”
The songstress is slowly exploring the city she now calls home, and enthused about Joburg’s lifestyle offerings.
“I’ve seen that Joburg really is a melting pot of cultures. There’s Sandton, where it’s all about the most expensive dress and the highest heels, and then there’s the urban lifestyle of Maboneng Precinct – and I love it there,” she said, adding that she had not yet visited Soweto.
Apart from discovering Joburg’s delights, Habida’s daily life is just that – daily life.
“I’m a mom, so I do school runs… I gym regularly, work on press [and] social media, and focus on building my business. I’m also learning to play the piano, and I go for life and business coaching,” she said.
“When I’m in Joburg, I’m at home.”
Habida’s move to Joburg two years ago was not her first time living outside Kenya.
Her involvement in a community theatre group led her to begin a drama course in London, but while those studies were underway, her love of music compelled her to seek out other options.
She moved to Atlanta, USA, where she obtained a degree in musical theatre at Kennesaw State University and explored her love for jazz and neo-soul.
Habida has just wrapped up shooting her first TV series, New Beginnings, in Nairobi.
Her new seven-track EP, I love You, is available on iTunes.
Details: www.facebook.com/habidasworld
