Award-winning gospel minister and “Vimbada” hitmaker Moji Shortbabaa, born James Muhia, has offered a deeply personal reflection on his unconventional upbringing and the complex identity he carried as a child.

Speaking during a heartfelt interview with Bishop Kathy Kiuna at Jubilee Christian Church (JCC) on Sunday, March 1, 2026, the singer revealed that his mother was just 16 years old when she gave birth to him  a reality that profoundly shaped his early sense of belonging.

Although he is technically the firstborn in a family of three, Moji explained that his childhood experience told a different story.

“My real name is James Muhia. I am the firstborn in a family of three, but that was not the beginning,” he told the congregation. “If you had asked me when I was 11 years old, I would have said I was the ninth born in a family of eight, because I was born out of a teenage pregnancy.”

Raised by his grandmother

Because his mother was still a teenager living under her own mother’s roof at the time of his birth, Moji spent most of his formative years under the care of his grandmother. It was not until his pre-teen years that he fully transitioned into living in a household with his father — a shift that marked a significant turning point in his upbringing.

The gospel artist’s early years were marked by movement across different neighborhoods. His journey began in Maai Mahiu and later Kawangware before his family relocated to Nairobi when he was just two years old.

Despite the circumstances surrounding his birth and the frequent relocations, Moji describes his childhood as one rooted in love and affirmation.

From quiet child to vibrant performer

Interestingly, the high-energy performer known to millions today contrasts sharply with his natural temperament.

Moji revealed that he has always been intrinsically quiet  a trait he considers fundamental to his personality. Yet that reserved nature did not limit his ability to connect with others. Instead, the encouragement he received from his guardians gave him the confidence to nurture his creativity and step boldly into music and content creation.

“I was always encouraged to be creative,” he said, underscoring how a supportive environment can transform a quiet child into a powerful voice.

His story stands as a testament to resilience, identity, and the impact of affirmation — proof that even complex beginnings can give rise to purpose-driven lives.