Iyanii: From Earning Ksh 150 a Day Working in a Hotel to Music Stardom

In a recent fast-paced interview with Mpasho’s Kalondu Musyimi, acclaimed musician Iyanii offered a rare and candid glimpse into the chapters of his life that predated his widespread fame.

The quickfire session saw the 26-year-old artist delve into various personal aspects, including his initial steps into the working world, his academic journey, the place he calls home from his youth, and a straightforward answer regarding his personal choice on body art.

These revelations provide fans and readers with a deeper understanding of the individual behind the hits, tracing his journey from his formative years to his current standing.

Early Ventures: First Steps in the Working

World Iyanii's journey into the professional sphere commenced with a practical role in the hospitality sector.

His first recorded job was working in a hotel situated in Parklands market. This initial foray into the workforce occurred around 2018 or 2019, a period that predates his significant rise in the music scene.

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During that time, his daily remuneration for his efforts was a modest 150 per day.

“I am a good cook, I cook ugali, and I also love cooking chapati. My first job was in a hotel in Parklands where I used to be paid Ksh 150 per day,” he said.

Academic Journey and Intellectual Pursuits

Iyanii’s academic background reveals a student with clear aptitudes and interests. He successfully attained a commendable B+ grade in his KCSE examinations, marking a significant achievement in his secondary education.

Moving beyond high school, Iyanii furthered his studies at college or university, where he opted to major in Communication.

He specifically recalled, "mainly I used to do communication in Daystar University”, indicating a focused academic path.

In terms of subjects, Iyanii had a distinct passion for history, calling it his favourite subject and stating, "I used to love history".

On the other hand, physics was clearly his least favourite subject. These academic insights offer a glimpse into his intellectual development and the subjects that resonated, or did not resonate, with him.

Roots and Upbringing

The musician's formative years were spent in Nairobi’s informal settlement of Mathare, the community where he grew up and built his early memories.

This particular area served as his hometown, and its environment undoubtedly played a role in shaping his experiences, worldview, and personal perspective as he navigated childhood and adolescence.

No Ink: A Clear Canvas

During the rapid-fire questions, Iyanii also addressed a common curiosity for public figures: body modifications.

He made it unequivocally clear that he has no tattoos. When specifically asked about the quantity of tattoos he possesses, his answer was a straightforward and concise, "None".