#WCW: Emmy Kosgei Me and Apostle Madubuko

Top female gospel act, Emmy Kosgei-Madubuko, is a renowned songstress who oozes charisma, and is exemplary at what she does.

Meet her any other day, and you won’t help but like her humility, confidence and vibrancy.

Being our #WCW today, we celebrate the Taunet Nelel star.

Speaking to Citizen Digital from Nigeria, Emmy shared details about her life.

Here are eight things you probably did not know about Emmy:

1. She was brought up in the village

Emmy Kosgei was born on 22nd July, 1980 to Bishop Jackson Kosgei and Reverend Rose Kosgei

She hails from Kelewa village, Koibatek District in Baringo County where she spent a good part of her childhood.

The second born in a family of four children, three sisters (inclusive of her) and one brother, only shifted to Nairobi when it was time to join college.

She studied food production at Utalii College.

2. She started singing at a tender age

Emmy’s music journey started at a very tender age in her local church where her parents ministered. She was born in to a strong Christian family which helped in building her into who she is today.

By the time she was in high school, the singer was recording collaborations with other artistes.

Emmy Kosgei also recorded songs with Maximum Gospel Singers, which further helped to sharpen her career in music.

“Professionally, I began singing 11 years ago. I have five albums with the latest titled, Sobei Cheiso,” she said.

Emmy had once shadowed Esther Wahome as a back-up artiste before gaining ground.

3. Her music career was inspired by Miriam Makeba

No one can dispute the fact that Emmy Kosgei has had a very successful musical career.

Much as she started it early, she confesses that she got much of her inspiration from the late Miriam Makeba – the highly accomplished South African singer with numerous hits to her name.

Evidently, Emmy took the same path as many of her songs have topped charts over the years.

Her authentically African style has also been inspired by other artistes such as Keke, Esther Wahome and Rebecca Malope.

4. Emmy Kosgei the Designer

When she performs the world over, one of the things that you cannot fail to notice is her ornate dressing.

While many artistes go to designers to help select outfits, that is not the case with Emmy.

She runs the Emmy K House of Fashion, and that label makes most of her classic designs.

5. She owns a school

Unlike other artistes who spend their money buying flashy cars, Emmy knows best the value of educating a society.

She operates a school known as Hope Academy, which has 72 students.

Out of the entire student population, she personally finances the education of 37 students.

The school has been operational for 8 years now.

6. She loves her husband dearly

Emmy is married to Nigerian, Apostle Anslem Madubuko, whom she met at a ministry function where they were both ministering.

What does Emmy have to say about her union?

“It’s great! It gives me inner joy and peace to have someone who loves, supports and a place I fall back to – home.”

The high-flying singer does not shy away from expressing the bliss that her union has given her.

“I am a blessed with a wonderful husband, I thank God for him.”

Mr Madubuko has two children, Sandra and Velma Madubuko, from previous marriage.

7. She is the National and Global Tourism and Culture Ambassador for Kenya

Emmy Kosgei was recently appointed as Kenya’s national and global Ambassador for Culture and Tourism following her exemplary show in conserving tradition.

“I travel a lot to participate in and to represent Kenya in events, world expos under the Ministry of Tourism, Trade, Commerce, EAC; marketing the country as the world’s best tourism destination. I also run Pamoja peace initiative which aims at integrating Kenyans,” the singer told Citizen Digital.

8. She is the First Lady of Revival Assembly Cathedral in Lagos, Nigeria

Being Madubuko’s wife, Emmy performs her functions as the First Lady of the church her husband is ministering in.

She is currently in Nigeria, running her errands and also spending time with her Lagos-based family.

The soft-spoken singer says she is a great cook, loves people and exercising to maintain her youthful physique.

Emmy Kosgei concluded the interview on a high by recounting her career highlights.

“I have had great highlights in my career. I feel humbled to have performed in significant state functions. I had great experience during Milano Expo 2015 this month in Italy; displaying the best of Kenyan products, champions, music, fashion, culture… basically our #hotbedoftalent.”