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Jovial opens up on life before fame, says she used to wash people’s clothes to survive
24th April, 2026 11:02 AM
Singer Jovial has opened up about her life before fame, revealing how she survived by washing people’s clothes while pregnant.
The musician shared that life was very hard at the time, but she had to work to take care of herself and prepare for her child. She explained that she was already known a little in Mombasa, but she had not yet become a big artist.
In an interview on Friday, April 24, 2026, she said that during her pregnancy, she made a decision to save money by doing laundry work in Kisauni. She explained that the money she earned helped her buy baby items and also prepare for hospital expenses. She added that she had to work despite the challenges of being pregnant.
“Nilipokua na mimba nilikua na save. Naweza kufua, hivyo huko Kisauni. Nyinyi mnacheza nyinyi,” Jovial said.
She went on to explain that she washed clothes so she could earn money for her unborn child. She said the responsibility of motherhood pushed her to work even harder during that period.
“Nilikua nafua ndio nipate pesa za kununua nguo za mtoto,” Jovial said.
Struggles during pregnancy and hospital costs
Jovial shared that she eventually gave birth in a private hospital after working and saving money from her laundry jobs. She said she had to fully depend on herself because she did not have major financial support at the time. She added that the experience taught her strength and discipline.
“Tena nilipambana nikazaa private hospital,” Jovial said.
She explained that she paid her own hospital bill, which she remembered was Ksh30,000. She said the money came from small savings she made while doing laundry work and other small hustles, including going to the market.
She also said that even though she had not yet become famous, people in Mombasa already knew her a little. She explained that she was working hard while pregnant, even when life was not easy.
“Bado nilikua sijahit lakini watu walikua wanijua. Watu walikua wananijua Mombasa kidogo,” Jovial said.
She further shared that she faced health complications during pregnancy due to fibroids. She said the situation was stressful, especially because other women were giving birth around her while she waited.
She ended by reflecting on how difficult it would have been if she had been taken for surgery without money. She said her situation at the time made her realise how far she had to go and how much she had to depend on her own efforts.
