Born in Mombasa Kenya, Mwanaisha Abdallah aka Nyota Ndogo has been building an enthusiastic local and international fan base for her eclectic East African sound for the past decade. A powerful singer-songwriter and charismatic performer, she has a distinctly coastal yet modern and unique sound that deserves worldwide attention.
Nyota's father Abdallah Atibu was a musician with another band from Mombasa. Struggling to make ends meet, she dropped out of school early and worked as a house maid. She became inspired to embark on a musical career after hearing hiphop group K-South's lyrics. Composing meaningful and touching lyrics herself, she often tackles social issues in her songs, for example Nalia talks about albinos; others tackle problems people are faced with due to corrupt politicians, drugs and AIDS.
Nyota Ndogo is frequently called to bring her pure and soulful vocal talents to collaborations with other East African artists, eg Necessary Noise's Nataka Toa, Nonini's Nibebe. On her latest album Mama wa Kambo she collaborates with Ali Choki on Usinifiche, Bobby Mapesa and Collo of Kleptominiax on Mambo Kombo Remix.
Nyota Ndogo has released four CDs and featured on several international music compilations, including Charlie Gillett's World 2003, The Rough Guide to Kenya and Off the Beaten Track.
She is winner of many national awards, including Best Taarab Singer 2003, Best Female Singer 2005 (Kisima Music Awards, Kenya), Best Video Watu na Viatu 2007, Best Dressed Artist 2007, Best Song Mama 2008.
Regionally, she was also nominated for the Best Female Artist in 2007 PAM (Pearl of Africa Music Awards, Uganda). Her song Watu na Viatu was nominated for East Africa Song of the Year at the 2007 Tanzania Music Awards.
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