Award-winning gospel minister and “Vimbada” hitmaker Moji Shortbabaa, born James Muhia, has shared a deeply personal reflection on his unconventional childhood and the complexities of his family identity. During a soulful interview with Bishop Kathy Kiuna at JCC on Sunday, March 1, 2026, the singer revealed that his mother was just 16 years old when she gave birth to him, a circumstance that fundamentally shaped his early understanding of where he fit in the world. Although he is technically the firstborn in a family of three, Moji explained that as a young boy, his place in the family tree felt much further down the line.
“My real name is James Muhia. I am the firstborn in a family of three, but that was not the beginning,” he shared with the congregation. “If you had asked me when I was 11 years old, I would have said I was the ninth born in a family of eight, because I was born out of a teenage pregnancy.”
Because his mother was still a teenager living under her own mother’s roof at the time of his birth, Moji spent his formative years primarily in the care of his grandmother. This arrangement meant he only fully integrated into a household with his father during his pre-teen years, a transition that marked a significant shift in his upbringing.
The musician’s early journey took him through various neighborhoods, starting in Maai Mahiu and Kawangware before his family relocated to Nairobi when he was just two years old. Despite the initial hurdles of a teenage pregnancy and moving frequently, Moji emphasizes that he grew up in a nurturing environment defined by “love and encouragement.” He credits this supportive atmosphere for allowing his creativity to flourish, noting that his guardians always pushed him to explore his talents and express himself freely.
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Interestingly, the vibrant and high-energy performer known to millions is a sharp contrast to his natural temperament. Moji revealed that he has always been an intrinsically quiet person, a trait he considers a core part of his character. However, the “quiet” nature of his personality never hindered his ability to connect with people; instead, the encouragement he received as a child gave him the confidence to bridge the gap between his reserved self and his expressive career in music and content creation. “I was always encouraged to be creative,” he added, proving that even a quiet child can find a loud and impactful voice when given the right foundation.
