Stella Mwangi, also known as STL, is one of Africa’s most unique female artists in the genres of hip hop/rap, afro-pop, dance and world music. The singer/songwriter is also a rapper, live performer and creative music director.
She is also the founder of Vaa Ki Afrika, a sprouting Scandinavian fashion web store selling Kenyan fashion abroad.
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Background
Stella Mwangi was born on 1 September 1986 in Murang’a, Kenya. She grew up in a musical family, as her father was a musician who taught her and her siblings Gikuyu and Swahili languages through poetry and music. She also learned to play the piano at the age of eight.
When she was four years old, her family moved to Norway for a better life. However, they faced challenges in their new country. Stella used music to express herself and cope with the challenges.
She started writing songs and performing at a young age.
Becoming a Star
Stella Mwangi’s breakthrough came in 2006 when she released an EP with some famous Kenyan guest artists. She won Kenya’s best female newcomer award and gained recognition in the African music scene.
2011 she participated in the Melodi Grand Prix, the Norwegian national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. She won the competition with her upbeat song “Haba Haba”, which means “little by little” in Swahili.
The song was a hit across Europe and Africa and reached number one on the Norwegian charts.
Stella Mwangi rose to international fame in 2011 when she represented Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest with her upbeat song “Haba Haba”, which means “little by little” in Swahili. The song was a hit across Europe and Africa and topped the Norwegian charts.
Career
Since then, STL has released several albums and singles, such as “Biashara”, “Lookie Lookie”, “Hoola Hoop”, and “Big Girl”.
Her music is a fusion of her African roots and her urban influences, blending Swahili, English and Norwegian lyrics with catchy beats and melodies.
Stella’s music has also been featured in several Hollywood films and TV shows, such as American Pie: Reunion, Save the Last Dance 2, CSI: NY and Being Mary Jane.
She has also collaborated with international artists such as Mohombi, Timbuktu and Madcon.
Stella is not only a talented musician but also a dedicated social entrepreneur. She is the founder of Vaa Ki Afrika, a brand inspired by traditional African wear, patterns and colours, with a fashionable Scandinavian twist to it.
The brand aims to promote African culture and empower women through fashion.
Impact on Society
Stella Mwangi is a star who is shining bright in the global music scene. She is a proud ambassador of her Kenyan heritage and a role model for young aspiring artists. She is also a voice for social change and empowerment through her music and fashion.
Stella Mwangi is also a proud ambassador of her Kenyan heritage and a role model for young aspiring artists
Stella Mwangi is currently working on new projects and expanding her fashion brand. She is also active on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. She regularly posts updates on her life and work.
To learn more about Stella Mwangi and her music, visit her official website here. You can also follow her on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
