Emmy Kosgei - Gospel Diva

With the growing popularity of her latest Gospel Album  O'lolo (No Never,) Emmy Kosgei, has proved her lasting power in the Music industry. Emmy was a winner in two categories of the 2010 Groove Awards – Female Artist of the Year and Rift Valley Song of the Year. This established the popularity of her album “Taunet Nelel” and especially the single by the same name. In this interview with Tecla Ndambuki, Emmy,, also a clothes designer, tells her story.

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Tell us a bit about your family background, education, and training?

I was born 29 years ago in Mogotio Village, Koibatek District in Rift Valley Province. I joined Eldama Ravine Primary School and proceeded to Soliani Girls School. After my fourth form I did a Diploma course in Hotel Management at the Kenya Utalii College from 1999 to 2002. I have also trained in Quality Management and Customer Care from an Air and Travel College here in Nairobi. I come from a Christian background and my father is Bishop Kosgei of Worldwide Gospel Church. My mum is Rose Kosgei and I am second born in a family of four children.

When did you start singing and what has been your experience?

I have been singing ever since I can remember. As a young girl, I would sing in Sunday school and in the church choir. Professionally, I started singing in 2005. At first; it wasn’t easy bearing in mind that my music is in my vernacular language.

Is your music based on your own experiences?

Oh no! It’s based on God’s word which comes to me in form of tunes or words when I’m alone and in deep thought, or when I’m travelling.

What is your music about?

It’s all about inspiration and encouragement.

What is your music about?

It’s all about inspiration and encouragement.

How many albums do you have to date?

Three with Katau Banda being my first album, then Kaswech, and finally Taunet Nelel my third and latest album and also the most popular.

Describe your sound?

It’s simply Afro- fusion and traditional.

What music do you like to listen to?

Country and South Africa music. I especially love Rabecca Malope, Benja, Deborah and Keke.

Who are your role models in the music Industry?

Locally, it’s Esther Wahome and internationally, Rebecca Malope.

All your songs are in Kalenjin. Why? In future do you plan to have then in other languages?

I express myself best in my mother tongue. It embraces my identity and culture. Music also transcends language and many people are able to enjoy music in a language they do not understand. My growing fans are a testament to that, and I thank them for their support. Also to respond to these language concerns, the DVD for Taunet Telel has English sub- titles.  In future I might consider singing in other languages but first I wish to establish my music in Kalenjin internationally.

In your latest album you did a song “chebomurem” praising the woman. In the DVD I particularly liked the older lady decked in traditional Kalenjin dress. What inspired you to write the song?

The lady is my beautiful grandmother! My mother is also in the DVD. Our African culture tends to ignore the woman’s contribution in our society. I felt there was a need to recognize their God given strengths and qualities.. It was a dedication to all women in general and particularly my mum and grandmother.

Who were the producers for your albums?

PrinceCam Media has done my Video with Paul Mukoma as the producer. John Nyika of Sound Art is my main Audio producer. Also alongside the list are audio producers Isaac ‘eyezo’ of PH₂ Records, Gidi and Billy Frank both of Hit Score Records and also Lillian.

Has your church played a role in nurturing your music career?

Yes definitely. It has nurtured my spiritual growth and sharpened my wisdom on handling various circumstances in life. This is the well spring from which my music stems.

You have won in two categories of the Groove Awards 2010. How does this make you feel?

I feel humbled and grateful to God. To my fans, thanks once again for your continued support.

Apart from singing what else do you do?

I am a designer and own a design shop along Biashara Street in Nairobi called Emmy Kay Designs Ltd.  I also own Hope Academy, a primary School in Mogotio which at the moment is up to class two. It caters for children from humble backgrounds and is my way of giving back to the community. I am also involved in peace missions, schools and church ministry.

How and when was the clothing design idea born? I have loved doing clothes’ sketches since I was a young girl so the setting up of Emmy K Designs was a natural progression. The business was boosted after releasing my first album, when people learnt that I had designed all the clothes worn by those featured in the DVD. From then on, the demand for my designs has been high. I have also designed the clothes for the other two more recent albums

As a believer and also a designer what do you think Christian women should wear? As a woman, what you wear should suit your figure. This enhances your looks. Being elegant, simple and decent is of great importance when it comes to dressing. It’s also important to consider the style that suits the occasion. Wear what you feel comfortable in. Avoid half-nakedness and cover what needs to be covered. Also consult designers and read more fashion magazines.

As a designer, who constitutes most of your customers?

People from the entertainment industry and of course my fans. I also design for weddings with both African and Western concepts.

What inspires you in the design Industry?

The African culture and especially the Kalenjin culture. This is what I understand best and also experience every day. Day by day I become more creative.

To whom do you accredit your success in life?

God, for this far He has brought me. I also thank my dear parents and fans for their support.

What Bible story encourages you the most?

Jeremiah’s story on how God picked him when he “was only a child” – too young and inexperienced to be a spokesman for Him. However God strengthened him and put His words in his mouth saying, “Today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant”. When we remain faithful to God, he will be with us and help us through our problems.

Any other details of your life you’d like to share with us? Though personal, it’s good to put it clear that I am in a serious and committed relationship

What are your future plans?

I plan to expand into music production and raise the quality and performance of my music. I also wish to see Hope Academy expand from the current status of a day school to a boarding school.

What advice do you have for young people especially ladies? To believe in God and embrace the Christian lifestyle as it’s the best to be in, and above all to be prayerful and principled.

This article first appeared in the June--July 2010 issue of Woman of Faith magazine. Copyright Woman of Faith Magazine. All rights reserved. For comments write to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it