Vannisy Uwase: Nairobi street singer’s rise to fame

She is Vanissy Uwase, the fast rising gospel sensation whose captivating singing has earned her fame among Nairobians and indeed Kenyans online.

In an interview with Citizen Digital, Vanissy revealed that she started singing way back when she was seven years old, during Sunday school, and has carried it on to this day.

“I always wanted to be a singer. We could sing in Sunday school and that is how my passion for music grew. I love Jesus and I have decided to minister through singing,” Vanissy says. 

Along the way, she learnt how to play guitar, which she is normally seen with during her street worship. 

Vanissy mostly sings along Aga Khan Walk in Nairobi, with many interested passersby stopping to listen to her and join in the singing. 

“I always practise with my manager before we go to the streets. We do it mostly on Sundays because the Nairobi County government has allowed free content creation on weekends,” she says. 

On social media, Vanissy enjoys massive followings from the videos she records and shares, especially on Tiktok. Through this, she is able to reach more people.

Her fame has seen her earn the spot on the ‘More Than This’ concert to be held on August 30th, 2025, at Uhuru Gardens. The concert has been organised by Royal Media Services and Vanissy has the golden opportunity to perform alongside renowned gospel singer Cece Winans.

“I am thrilled to be performing alongside Cece Winans. She is a servant of God known worldwide and she is someone I have always admired. I can’t explain what I feel about this,” Vanissy said. 

She urged Kenyans to be part of the concert.