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Nyota Ndogo explains why she dropped out of school in standard 7
07th February, 2026 05:41 PM
Veteran musician Mwanaisha Abdalla, famously known as Nyota Ndogo, has opened up about her childhood and the reasons she left school in standard 7.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, February 7, 2026, she revealed that personal and family challenges made it difficult for her to continue with her education.
“Mimi nimezaliwa Mombasa hapo Coast General. Nikasoma pale, nikafika darasa la saba. Nafikiri hata hiyo ya saba term ya pili sikufika,” Nyota Ndogo said.
She explained that she was born under difficult circumstances, which affected her early development and ability to keep up with schoolwork. Nyota Ndogo described her early childhood struggles.
“Mimi nilizaliwa nilipokua na miezi sita. Mama yangu alianguka chooni. Mtoto wa miezi sita, wanakua pole pole. Na kidogo hiwa wapole. So nilikua mpole sana,” she said.
She added that people who knew her as a child would hardly believe how gentle and quiet she was.
School and life challenges
The singer said her family situation also influenced her decision to leave school.
“Kuna watu nimekaa nao, hawaamini kama huyu ni Mwanaisha. Huyu msichana alikua mpole sana. Kwa hivyo mimi nilitoka shule kama sijui kusoma wala kuandika,” Nyota Ndogo said.
She explained that she could not continue because her family did not have the means to support her education.
She recalled discussing her future with her mother.
“Mimi nikamwambia mama, kama mimi sitaendelea na masomo nikasema hapa nyumbani sitakaa. Kwa sababu tulikua na maisha mabaya sana,” she said, explaining that poverty and harsh conditions made staying at home difficult.
Nyota Ndogo also shared memories of the hardships she and her siblings endured.
“Sisi ni wale tulikua tunachungulua TV kwa watu tukiangalia. Mimi nakumbuka hata tukimwagiwa maji ya ukoko ya ugali. Unajua hiyo dharau?” she said.
She added that even small acts of disrespect at home left lasting impressions.
Reflecting on her journey, Nyota Ndogo said her experiences shaped who she is today.
“Atakapo tu mtu atoe harufu mbaya, itasemekana ni watoto wa mama Juma. Yaani tumetoka mbali,” she said, noting that despite her early struggles, she has worked hard to build a successful career in music.
