Jimwat

James Wathigo Mburu (born May 21, 1985), better known by his stage names Jimwat (stylized Jimw@t) and Jimweezy, is a Kenyan genge rapper.

Personal life The name Jimwat is coined from his names, James Wathigo. He was brought up in Kabete, Nairobi, Kenya and went to Musa Gitau Primary School and Chinga Boys High School later transferring to Kikuyu Secondary School, Thogoto. After his O levels he took a computer course and later studied graphic design. He started rapping while he was in Class 7. and was included in the National Anti-Corruption Steering Campaign in 2008.

In 2009, he was involved in a UN peace campaign where he collaborated in a peace song with artists Jua Cali, Mejja, Nyota Ndogo, Mr Lenny among other top artists in Kenya. He also worked on an anti-corruption song, Simama, (Kiswahili for Stand Up) with top Kenya artists. He later released a mellow jam, Fall in Love. His latest release, entitled Fan Wangu (Sheng for My Fan), is a dedication to his loyal fans.

Jimwat's comeback was marked with the release of the album titled Genge Nijenge; The Lost Tapes! (Kiswahili for Build Me Genge!). Jimwat later worked with artists such as Das Walanguzi, Jedidah and Pace Kenya among others as he bettered his musical comeback. Jimwat had taken a hiatus from the Music scene but got back in 2019 with new Genge #EduTainment Songs.

His recent release was an E.P. titled Jimweezy; A Genge Hip-hop Story that was met with successful critical acclaim around November 2023.

He is currently involved in a countrywide talent search scouting & helping nurture Kenyan talents from the grass-roots to internationally recognized status. The Myogenic Talent Show kick-start edition was in the Coast Province, Mombasa at the beginning of February 2024 and continued to the Nakuru edition in March later touring the major Kenyan counties with a final in Nairobi and a mentorship program for the winners that will see them tour the U.S.A showcasing their nurtured talents.

Awards