Dec 30, 2022 1 Min Read
Jean Pierre Nimbona, better known as Kidum, is a musician from Burundi who now lives in Kenya. He was born on October 28, 1974, in Kinama, Burundi. His mother gave him the moniker Kidum, which means "a 20-litre jug," because he was a huge baby.
When did Kidum get his start in music?
Kidum acquired an interest in music at the age of ten by playing the drums in 1984. He eventually joined his first music band, Imvumero, where he worked for six years (1986-1992). In 1992-1993, he joined the Imboneza band, which was owned by Burundi's then-ruling party, Uprona.
He formed his own band, Electric Power, in 1994, but it barely lasted a year owing to the Burundi civil war. However, he was compelled to leave to exile in 1995, fleeing the political unrest in his own country for Kenya, where he maintained his musical career. Later, in 2004, he founded his own band, the Bodaboda band, which he still operates today.
How did he get started in Kenya?
Kidum took four years in Kenya before he began writing music. His first single, 'Yaramenje,' was released in 1999. The song drew the attention of former President Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, who praised him and considered him as the only person who could utilize music to unite his country, Burundi. Later, he chose to make songs in different languages, with Kiswahili being his favorite. The use of Swahili spurred him creatively, and he completed his first album in 2001. Since then, he has remained musically relevant and endeared himself to many people throughout the world through his songs.
The content we post here are for knowldge or reason only. Please contact us if we posted incorrect info or copyright infringement! info@homekazi.co.ke