Anderson Ambindi aka Man Ingwe, of Ugali Sosa fame, talks to Woman of Faith Magazine. Find out what else he has been up to.

1. Give us some background information about yourself.

My real names are Anderson Ambindi. I am 30 years old and I come from Nyanza province in Kakamega a village known as Ingoste. I am a former student of Kakamega High School and aKenyatta University alumni where I graduated with a Bsc. of Science in Bio/Chemistry in the year 2005. I was born again in the year 1992 while I was in class six.

2. When did you start singing?

Long time ago. When in Kakamega High I used to perform in music festivals and in drama. Also in college I kept participating in music related items and I remember at one time I was awarded the best tenor soloist. At the same time, I also served as the assistant choir director in one of the many choir groups they had then. I was also involved in youth ministry in church. Together with this group we recorded our first album by the name Unastahili which did not perform well in the market. In the year 2005 I did my first recording together with other singles.

3. How many albums so far?

To date I have two albums Ugali Sosa and Mlika Mwizi and currently working on my third album. Ugali is the staple food for many people today and as a result many can identify and relate to it . It’s my simple way meant to bring the picture of God’s kingdom close to my audience. Just the way one cannot get an additional slice without having bought the main meal, so is the kingdom of God. We have to seek the kingdom of God first and the rest shall be added unto us .

4. What is unique about your album ‘Ugali Sosa’ that makes it popular?

I believe three factors contribute to this. To start with, its humorous nature makes the message of the whole album light for people to understand and associate with.  Also, the relevance of the message to seek first the kingdom of God and everything else will be added to them strikes a cord with many Christians. I believe also that the popularity of the album is a combination of God’s favour and His own timing.

5. Why the name Mlika Mwizi?

Well, it is not about the popular commercial about prevention of transformers’ theft! This is drawn from James 4:7 which says, “submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you”. The word Mlika here stands for resisting while devil is the one referred to as Mwizi. That said, I like using analogies from everyday life to help people relate to God’s message more easily.

6. What is your next project?

I am currently working on my third album which is to be released soon. My target is to have five albums in both audio and video and then later venture in to live performances for the same, after which I will turn into a full time producer and also a song writer.

7. Who are your role models in gospel?

I like listening both to Don Mclirkin and Kirk Franklin’s music. For Mclirkin, his style of worship, the skills he employs in the music and also the depth of his content is awesome. Kirk’s approach of music and the audience he targets makes it great. For African musicians I admire Rebecca Malope most.

8. Who are the producers of your albums?

I have had the production done in many studios by many producers such as Rufftone of Lamp Stand Records, Jessie of Catabul studios, Buzy BIZB of Esbar Productions, Billy Frank of Hit score and R-Kay among others.

9. What Bible Story most inspires you?

Really I have two stories I like most. One is Joseph’s story and the other one is Daniel’s. Both were wise and successful civil servants in alien lands and dreams featured prominently in their lives. I believe that my vision and dreams from when I was a young person are taking shape.

10. What about your vision and dreams?

I believe that the Lord plans to use me greatly in the Ministry through singing, preaching and other areas of my life

11. What is your take on Christianity and dating?

All Christian dating should be rooted in God’s word. Secondly, I believe that all young people should have a mentor to guide them. Young people also should learn to socialize as it gives them exposure and the skills on how to narrow down on someone who complements them

12. What other activities do you do apart from singing?

I am a family man. My wife is Susan Ambindi, and we have two children, Andes and Aden. Besides, for about one year and half years to date I am the senior pastor of the Progressive Church in Kitengela. I also work as a customer care representative at Safaricom Care Centre along Mombasa road.

13. Ever been nominated for any award?

My song Papa Wanje was one of the songs nominated for the Western song category in the just concluded Grooves. Though it didn’t win I always thank God for that.

14. Papa Wanje means…?

Jesus is my father.

15. Some of the things you treasure a lot includes…

My family, my Music, the pastoral duties and of course my job.

16. Wrap up.

Man Ingwe is all rounded dynamic person, and a man who loves God.

This article first appeared in the November 2010- January 2011 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