‘It messed me up’ – Nikita Kering opens up on how early fame affected her mental health

Singer Nikita Kering has opened up about the emotional toll of growing up in the spotlight, revealing how early fame shaped her mental health, identity and sense of childhood.

In an interview on Sunday, June 7, 2026, the award-winning artiste reflected on a life that started in performance long before adulthood, saying she was already working in media and music from a very young age.

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She recalled handling money earned from early TV work, which was managed by her mother while she was still a child.

“My mum was the one who had to be in charge of that… she was saving that money up for me,” she said.

Nikita revealed that her journey began at just nine years old, when she started performing and appearing on the radio and television, where she was paid Ksh15,000 over weekends

Never a normal kid

Looking back, Nikita said she never experienced a typical childhood away from public attention, noting that she was constantly performing, working or being observed.

She added that even her “free time” revolved around performance, from entertaining friends to teaching children dance and scouting activities in her neighbourhood.

“So to answer your question, yes. I’ve been observed for a very long time. The whole time,” she said.

Pressure of expectation

Nikita said the pressure of being seen as “the future of music” from a young age has followed her throughout her career, adding that it created expectations she had to grow into quickly.

While she acknowledges the opportunities she received, she also says the emotional impact was significant and long-lasting.

“I must say, it really messed up my mental health for a really long time,” she admitted.

Ego, identity and growth

The singer also reflected on how early success shaped her personality, saying she developed an ego early in life and later struggled with wanting to retreat from public attention.

She explained that as an adult, she has had to consciously work on balancing humility, visibility and career growth.

“I built an ego very early in life, and that affected me for a really long time,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Nikita says she is now learning to embrace her journey with gratitude while still protecting her mental well-being.