Nviiri the Storyteller reveals ditching using smartphone to protect his peace
By Nancy Marende, December 4, 2025Singer and songwriter Nviiri Sande has opened up about quitting smartphones to protect his mental health and reduce daily distractions.
Speaking on a local podcast on Thursday, December 4, 2025, Nviiri shared that the decision wasn’t sudden; it was something he had prayed about and reflected on for a long time.
Widely known as Nviiri the Storyteller, he explained that constant screen time, especially on social media, had become overwhelming.
“Most of these things, funny enough, I just prayed about them. Kuachana na hizi vitu zinanidistract. Tume kaa Instagram sana kutoka asubuhi hadi usiku, nalose a lot of time kuwatch movies, and I have seen a lot of distraction happen online,” he said.
Further, the artiste stated that protecting his mind required being intentional about what he consumes.
“If you have to protect your mind, you have to figure out what you feed your head. I have a good team; wenye wanaelewa when I had to put a lot of caution in place. Si mkinitafuta mlinipata? Directions si mlinitumia PIN? Inachukua pin,” he said jokingly, showing his Nokia phone.
By switching to a simple phone and limiting online interactions, the artist says he has gained clarity, productivity, and a deeper presence in his daily life.
One surprising benefit has been spending more intentional time with animals on his farm.
“Part of what I gained a lot by doing this is that I was able to predict the time the animals we have are going to give birth and to the precision what they need. It helps you to understand how you interact with human beings. I can be more present kuelewa kama ni njaa inakusumbua,” he said.
He emphasised that not everything meaningful exists online and that slowing down has helped him focus on real connections, real work, and real experiences.
“Siamini kila kitu iko kwa internet. By slowing down, mtu wa kunitafuta amenitafuta, and pia kazi inaendelea.”
He also shared that he moved out of Nairobi and now resides in Limuru, where he enjoys a calmer and more peaceful lifestyle.