Size 8
Size 8 | |
|---|---|
| Born | Linet Masiro Munyali 4 August 1987 Nairobi, Kenya |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Other names | Linet Muraya |
| Citizenship | Kenyan |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Spouse |
Samuel "DJ Mo" Muraya
(m. 2013) |
| Children | 2 |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instrument |
|
| Labels | Calif Records (former) |
Linet Munyali (born 4 August 1987),[1] professionally known as Size 8, professionally known as Size 8, is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, and actress. Initially gaining recognition for her mainstream music with hits like "Shamba Boy" and "Moto," she later transitioned to creating gospel music, releasing her debut gospel single, "Mateke," in April 2013. In addition to her music career, Size 8 appeared in the legal comedy Mashtaka in a minor acting role.
Early life and education
[edit]Born on August 4th, 1987, Size 8 was raised in Maringo Estate, a historic residential area in the Eastlands region of Nairobi, Kenya. She is the youngest of six siblings born to a Ugandan father and a Kenyan mother, both serving as clergy. Growing up in a religious household, she demonstrated academic excellence and artistic potential early on. She secured a scholarship to State House Girls High School in Nairobi's Kilimani area, near State House, and later attended Hillcrest School in Karen, Kenya.
Career
[edit]Size 8's music career began when she was discovered by Clemo, a Kenyan producer and co-founder of Calif Records, following a local audition. She released "Shamba Boy", "Silali" and "Vidonge". On April 2013, Size 8 revealed to have transitioned to recording gospel music due to a personal spiritual transformation. She felt a deep commitment to her faith, which led her to shift her focus and align her music with her beliefs. This change marked a significant turning point in her career, culminating in the release of her first gospel single, "Mateke," on that same year. [2]
Her change of genres have since led her to the release of some of her popular songs such as "Moto," "Yuko na Wewe," "Jemedari," and "Afadhali Yesu." [3][4][5][6]
Personal life
[edit]Size 8 married Samuel Muraya, a Kenyan DJ and music producer known as DJ Mo, in September 2013 [7] and had two children.[8][9][10] The couple have since divorced after 11 years of marriage, citing personal challenges and a period of reconciliation. In interviews, Size 8 has shared about the struggles they faced and her commitment to maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship for the sake of their children.
Filmography
[edit]- Mashtaka
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Association | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Groove Awards | Video of the Year | "Mateke" | Won | [11][12][13] |
| Female Artist of the Year | Herself | Nominated | |||
| Song of the Year | "Mateke" | Nominated |
References
[edit]- ^ "Linet Munyali". Hashtag Square. Retrieved 21 February 2016.
- ^ "Size 8 – Mateke". Get Mziki. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
- ^ "Size 8's latest Gospel video "Moto"". Capital FM. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
- ^ ""YUKO NA WEWE" – NEW MUSIC VIDEO BY SIZE 8". Groove Theory. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
- ^ "Size 8 Releases A New Hit Song "Jemedari" (Yale Ametenda)". NaiBuzz. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
- ^ "OYGK Music Video Debut: Size 8 – Afadhali Yesu". OYGK Magazine. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
- ^ "Size 8 and System Unit's DJ MO in secret wedding". The Net. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
- ^ "POPULAR GOSPEL SINGER SIZE 8 REVEALS THE NAME OF HER BABY GIRL". Standard Media. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
- ^ "IT'S A GIRL! CELEBRITY COUPLE SIZE 8 AND DJ MO WELCOMES BABY GIRL". Standard Media. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
- ^ Okoth, Brian (19 November 2015). "Size 8 and DJ Mo welcome bouncing baby girl". Citizen Digital. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
- ^ "Groove Awards 2014 Winners". Groove Awards. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
- ^ Kariuki, Ngare (2 June 2014). "Full list of Groove Awards 2014 winners". Nation. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
- ^ "Full List – Groove Awards 2014 Winners". Nairobi News. Retrieved 26 February 2016.