Gospel singer Joy Janet recalls becoming family breadwinner at 17 while still in school
By Steve Ireri, May 14, 2026Gospel singer Joy Janet has opened up about her emotional journey growing up, revealing that she became the main breadwinner for her family at just 17 years old while still pursuing her education and early music career.
Speaking during an interview with Muhia Wa Maingi on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the ‘Ndekai’ hitmaker said she was still in school at the time but already carrying the heavy responsibility of providing for her family, including ensuring that her siblings had food and basic needs met.
She explained that as the firstborn, she found herself in charge of many responsibilities at home, often prioritising the well-being of her siblings over her own personal needs.
“Even when I was still in school at just 17 years old, I was already the breadwinner for my family. I was in charge of many things at home, including making sure my siblings had food and were generally okay in life,” she said.
According to her, most of the money she earned during performances at a young age was not used for herself but was instead taken back home to support her family’s daily survival.
“So even when I went to perform at that time, all the money I used to get would go back home and not to me,” she shared.
Joy Janet further revealed that even basic personal desires, such as buying new clothes, had to be postponed as she focused on ensuring her family was taken care of first.
She said the experience forced her to grow up quickly and delayed her ability to fully build herself as a solo artiste who could independently focus on her personal growth and career.
“Before I could even think of buying new clothes for myself, I had to think about my siblings back at home because I was the breadwinner,” she added.
Despite the challenges, the gospel singer noted that she remained committed to her education, which she eventually completed even while facing significant hardships.
Joy Janet credited her strict upbringing and her mother’s discipline for pushing her to stay in school despite the difficult circumstances she was going through at the time.
She added that the experience shaped her into a stronger person and played a major role in the woman and artiste she has become today.
“I spent a long time like that before I was able to grow myself as a solo artiste who could fend for herself. I am the firstborn, you know. Even with all those challenges, I still completed my education, because my mum was very strict about that,” Joy Janet said.