Jimwat opens up about overcoming alcohol addiction and starting a family
By Nancy Marende, December 4, 2025Kenyan rapper Jimwat has opened up about his long journey through fame, addiction, relapse, and finally, redemption, sharing how he rebuilt his life, embraced fatherhood, and found the strength to stay sober.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Thursday, December 4, 2025, the Sitoki Kitu Kidogo hitmaker recalled how fame came suddenly and overwhelmed him at a young age.
Jimwat revealed that his first stint in rehab marked the beginning of his healing journey.
“The first stint in rehab helped me, and after that, I went back to my own life. Things started going well. You know the fans are very embracing; once they saw my downhill, they were like, ‘Let’s embrace him back; let’s give him the support that he needs’,” he explained.
Further, he revealed that his comeback track, Sitoki Kitu Kidogo, became a major hit, reigniting his career and opening unexpected doors. The song even drew the attention of the National Anti-Corruption Steering Committee, which approached him with a major deal to use the track in a nationwide youth campaign.
“We had done it in Genge style, so it appealed to the young guys. I liked the fact that I was doing edutainment at the time,” he added.
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Fame, pressure, and addiction
But even with success returning, Jimwat admits he was not emotionally ready for the growing spotlight.
“The problem is I was famous, and I couldn’t handle the fame very well. That’s what led to my addiction because I started music just for fun. I wasn’t prepared for everything that came with it.”
Constant public attention, social pressure, and the fast-paced entertainment lifestyle made him vulnerable. Alcohol became an escape, a temporary “euphoria” whenever life felt too heavy.
Today, Jimwat says he is on a much better path. He is engaged and recently welcomed a daughter, stepping confidently into a new phase of life as a young father.
“But I am now on track; I have started dating, I have a fiancée, we are blessed with a daughter, I am a young father, but there are some pressures in life that could drive me, you know,” he stated.
“I already am; whenever I am down, there is alcohol, an escape like a euphoria. I relapsed, but the second round I was very strong; I didn’t want to let myself down. It wasn’t about my family. I am now 12 years sober.”