Victoria Kimani Mwangi, professionally known as Victoria Kimani, born July 28, 1985, is a Kenyan-American singer, songwriter, actress, and entertainer. Known for blending Afrobeat, R&B, and pop, she rose to prominence as the first female artist signed to Nigeria’s Chocolate City Records.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Victoria Kimani Mwangi |
| Date of Birth | July 28, 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | Kenyan-American |
| State of Origin | Kenya |
| Partner | Single (as of recent statements) |
| Children | None (publicly known) |
| Occupations | Singer, Songwriter, Actress |
| Labels | Chocolate City (2012-2017), Independent |
| Net Worth | $3 Million USD |
Early Life and Education
Victoria Kimani entered the world on July 28, 1985, in Los Angeles, California, to Kenyan parents in missionary work. She grew up between Los Angeles and Oklahoma in a religious home that shaped her values. Singing started at age nine, influenced by Afro-jazz legends like Mariam Makeba and Brenda Fassie.
At fourteen, her family moved to Benin City, Nigeria, for two years, where West African sounds like highlife and Afrobeat ignited her passion for music. After high school there, they settled in Kenya. She began university but left to focus on her music career full-time.
Career
Kimani started as a backup singer for Kenyan artist Mercy Myra, gaining stage experience through tours. She then shifted to songwriting for African and American artists, building skills that led to bigger opportunities.
Her remix of Ice Prince’s “Oleku” in 2010 caught Chocolate City’s eye, leading to her signing as their first female artist in 2012. Her debut “Mtoto” in 2013 set her tone with global visuals rooted in Africa. Hits like “Show,” “Vex,” and “Booty Bounce” with Diamond Platnumz followed.
In 2015, she joined “Strong Girl,” a pan-African anthem with artists like Yemi Alade and Vanessa Mdee for women’s empowerment. Her 2016 album “Safari” featured Sarkodie and Phyno, marking her album debut.
Kimani left Chocolate City in 2017 for independence, keeping full control of her work. The 2019 “Afreaka” EP with producer 1st blended highlife and trap. Albums like “Spirit Animal” (2021) and “Mood 4 Life” (2024) showed growth, with Grammy considerations in 2025. She became the first East African on GLAMOUR’s cover.
Personal Life
Raised by parents Dr. Victor and Dr. Eunice Mwangi, both PhDs, Kimani shares musical ties with brothers Bamboo (rapper) and Kimya Miyaki. Her family initially questioned her music path but later supported it.
She has stayed open about relationships, single since around 2019 after a three-year break. Kimani wants marriage and kids but prioritizes the right partner to avoid single parenthood. No public records show children as of late 2025.
Victoria Kimani Net Worth
Kimani holds an estimated net worth of $3 million USD from streaming, tours, endorsements, and songwriting. Independence since 2017 boosted her earnings. Forbes Africa named her in their 30 Under 30 for entertainment in 2024.
Discography
Studio Albums
Safari (2017)
Collaborations with Sarkodie, Khuli Chana, and others marked her label debut.
Afreaka (2019)
9-track EP with Ferre Gola mixing highlife and trap.
Afropolitan (2020)
Independent project showing her freedom.
Spirit Animal (2021)
Tracks like “Gimme Money” blend R&B and Afrobeat.
Mood 4 Life (2024)
Features Psycho YP and Joshua Baraka, Grammy-considered.
Notable Singles and Collaborations
| Year | Title | Featured Artist(s) | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Oleku (Remix) | Ice Prince | Led to label deal |
| 2013 | Mtoto | — | Debut single |
| 2014-2016 | Show | Tekno Miles | Signature hit |
| 2015 | Booty Bounce | Diamond Platnumz, Ommy Dimpoz | Regional success |
| 2015 | Strong Girl | Multiple African artists | Empowerment anthem |
| 2023 | How I Do | — | Energetic release |
| 2024 | Moula | Joshua Baraka, Qwiss | Grammy nod |
| 2025 | Legendary | Focalistic, DJ Stavo | Recent collaboration |
Awards and Nominations
| Year | Award Organization | Award Category | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Channel O Music Video Awards | Most Gifted Newcomer Video | Nominated | Early buzz |
| 2014 | Africa Musik Magazine Awards | Best Female Artist (East Africa) | Nominated | Regional nod |
| 2015 | Africa Musik Awards | Best Female Artist | Nominated | Continent level |
| 2016 | Kora Awards | Best Female Artist – East Africa | Nominated | Key honor |
| 2019 | AFRIMMA | Best Female East Africa | Nominated | Pan-African |
| 2025 | Grammy Awards (Consideration) | Best Global Music Album | Under Consideration | “Mood 4 Life” |
