Millicent Jerotich alias Marakwet Daughter, has become a household name following the success of her famous song Mali Safi Chito on social media.
Even though this was not her first song, it has gone viral far beyond her wildest dreams.
In an exclusive interview with Citizen Digital, Jerotich described her arduous existence as a singer, including going weeks without food, and how she ended up recording the song with the help of well-wishers.
Early Difficulties
Jerotich’s tale is one of difficulty from the start in Marakwet County.
Her education peaked in class 8 after being raised by her stepmother in the middle of economic adversity.
Married at the age of 16, her difficulties persisted into adulthood as she negotiated a problematic marriage, facing divorce at the age of 21 with a child in tow.
Her musical aptitude, on the other hand, was evident from an early age.
“As a Sunday school student, I’d be asked to lead our church in praise and worship.” “I also directed the school choir and sang at other events, such as weddings,” she explained.
She began as a secular musician before making the switch to gospel music in 2018.
She had sung a lot of songs before her latest breakthrough but without much success.
“My fellow artists and fans had lost faith in me because I didn’t seem to be going anywhere.” “They had begun to despise me because I had mark-timed for such a long time,” she explained.
Even in the darkest of moments, her faith and tenacity kept her going.
Read also, Kelsy Kerubo, Artist’s Journey from Mukuru Kwa Njenga Slums To Success in Gospel Music
The Hit- Mali Safi Chito
Mali Safi Chito, Jerotich’s latest hit song, is a declaration of admiration for someone, with “Chito” being a Kalenjin word that means “someone.”
“Couples can sing it to each other.” “Parents can sing the song to their children as well,” she added.
Although she wrote the song between January and February 2021, she intended to release it this November to coincide with the holiday season.
However, she lacked the necessary funds.
A nice well-wisher surprised her with Sh 2, 500 at a friend’s funeral.
Jerotich approached her producer with this surprise money, and he agreed to record the song for half the customary price.
She then uploaded the song as audio on YouTube and shared it with her WhatsApp contacts.
One of her pals was so taken with it that she decided to make a TikTok challenge out of it.
It became viral within hours. TikTok views were increasing by the minute.
“It was nothing short of a miracle.” “I woke up the next morning to find the song all over social media,” Jerotich explained.
Mali Safi Chito Music Video
Mali Safi Chito’s growing fame needed a song video, and despite budgetary restraints, Jerotich found a videographer who trusted in her skill.
They chose Kamarein Forest as the location for the video because there were no other options.
“We approached hotels, but they demanded between sh 7,000 and ten thousand.” We opted to go to the wilderness because we didn’t have any money,” she explained.
The risk paid off.
The video received 1.5 million views in just three weeks, cementing its position in history as the first Kalenjin song to achieve such a feat.
Unexpected Success
The success of Mali Safi Chito has provided opportunities for Jerotich.
She has been invited to perform at several events, including the Belgut Technical Training Institute bus launch and Chamgei FM’s 18th-anniversary celebration.
She is currently waiting for YouTube’s decision on financial reimbursement for the views.
