Award-winning musician Nviiri the Storyteller has made a radical lifestyle change to safeguard his mental well-being and creative focus. He recently revealed that he has ditched his smartphone for a simple Nokia phone and moved out of the capital city, relocating to Limuru for a more peaceful existence.
Speaking on the Iko Nini podcast, the singer explained the reasoning behind the “digital detox.”
He revealed that he ditched his smartphone to “escape online destruction and protect his peace.”
This decision highlights the growing pressure public figures face from constant digital engagement and the musician’s desire to separate his personal life from his public persona. He now enjoys a calmer and more peaceful lifestyle in the cooler climate of Limuru.
Nviiri Sande’s (his real name) music journey is a compelling success story deeply intertwined with the group Sauti Sol. Initially, Nviiri worked as a videographer, shooting behind-the-scenes footage for the band.
His big break came by accident when Bien-Aimé Baraza heard him singing and playing the guitar.
Bien famously told him, “Never come with a camera again. Come with a song.” Making him take music seriously and his first big hit was ‘Melanin’, which Nviiri co-wrote for Sauti Sol, featuring Nigerian star Patoranking. It was the first single off their 2017 album, Afrikan Sauce.
Nviiri was subsequently signed to Sol Generation Records, the label founded by Sauti Sol, officially marking him as a key part of the collective.
Living up to his moniker, Nviiri has crafted multiple hits known for their emotional depth and storytelling.
His breakthrough solo single, Pombe Sigara (2019) has garnered millions of views and streams, addressing themes of obsession and relationships.
A major collaborative hit Extravaganza (2019) released as part of the Sol Generation collective.
Niko Sawa (2021) a track, featuring Bien, was crowned the most-streamed song by a Kenyan artist on Spotify in 2021.
Kitenge (2021) his successful debut EP and his anticipated first album Inside Out (2023), released before his departure from the label in 2024.
While Nviiri is celebrated for his success and heartfelt lyrics, his career, like many public figures, has seen its share of online drama, particularly related to his personal life and relationships.
While specific cases of lawsuits or major scandals are not widely reported, the inherent challenges of being a public figure, dealing with scrutiny, rumours, and relationship headlines are precisely what prompted his retreat from the constant distraction of a smartphone.
His shift to Limuru and a simpler phone is a clear statement that he is prioritising his mental health and creative space over the relentless demands of the celebrity news cycle.
