Tanzanian gospel music icon Rose Muhando has revealed that her global hit song, “Nibebe”, earned her Ksh 5 million (approx. 100 million Tanzanian Shillings), marking a significant milestone in her musical career.
From Church Choirs to Professional Music
Muhando began her journey in the church choir, driven by passion rather than profit. Her first studio album, Mteule Uwe Macho, recorded around 2004, marked her entry into the professional music scene. At the time, she had little understanding of the commercial side of the industry. “I just went, recorded, and told him, ‘Thank you, I’m leaving.’ I didn’t know anything else,” she recalled.
Early Financial Struggles
Despite gaining popularity across East Africa, early revenues were heavily affected by piracy. Muhando’s first payment from the album was around Ksh 20,000, which she hid for fear of attracting attention. “When I received my first pay from my distributor, I was confused. I had to hide it. In the matatu, I was holding onto myself because I thought everybody was seeing me with money,” she said.
A month later, she received a larger payout of Ksh 700,000, leaving her stunned. “I was like a crazy person, holding the sum in my hands, shaking, not believing the amount was mine. The distributors used to pay in cash, but later they helped me open a bank account,” Muhando explained.
“Nibebe” Brings International Success
The turning point came with “Nibebe”, which became an international hit and earned her Ksh 5 million. Muhando credits her distributors for ensuring she received the full payment, a milestone that allowed her to upgrade her lifestyle, purchase vehicles like a Prado, and secure quality education for her children.
Beyond Money: The Impact of Music
Despite the financial gains, Muhando emphasizes that the greatest reward has always been the spiritual and emotional impact of her music. “While others sometimes exploited my hard work, the joy and inspiration my songs bring to listeners remain invaluable,” she said.
From humble beginnings in church choirs to earning millions from an international hit, Rose Muhando’s journey highlights the transformative power of faith-driven artistry combined with perseverance and talent.
