Kenyan gospel singer and entertainer Moji Short, widely known for his hit songs and vibrant stage presence, has opened up about a deeply personal aspect of his early life.
In a candid interview, he revealed that he was born when his mother was just 17 years old, a fact that influenced his upbringing and shaped his perspective on family and life.
Moji, whose real name is James Muhia, shared, “My own mum had me at 17.”
He explained that being born to a teenage mother created unique circumstances during his childhood. His mother, still very young, relied on the care and guidance of her own mother; Moji’s grandmother, to help raise him.
This early environment provided stability and nurturing at a critical stage of his life, even as he navigated the challenges of growing up in a non-traditional household.
He is the firstborn in a family of three siblings, though his early experiences sometimes made him feel otherwise.
Moji later moved to live with his father during his pre-teen years, a transition that exposed him to a broader family environment and helped him develop independence and adaptability.
His childhood was marked by several moves, including stays in Maai Mahiu, Kawangware, and eventually Nairobi, each of which added to his life experience and resilience.
Despite the unconventional start to life, Moji emphasized that he was able to grow into a confident and creative individual.
“There’s no pressure from my family. Our setup is quite different, my grandmother doesn’t pressure us. All that pressure comes from outside, from people who have opinions about everything,” he said.
Through this reflection, he highlighted how societal expectations often contrast with the supportive environment he experienced within his family.
Moji also addressed the topic of children and parenthood, explaining that his upbringing has shaped his perspective. He believes that children are a blessing, and judging others about when they start a family is often unfair.
By sharing his story, he hopes to normalize conversations around teenage parenting and show that loving support and resilience can overcome early-life challenges.
Growing up with a teenage mother taught Moji important lessons about responsibility, perseverance, and compassion.
Even though he describes himself as quiet as a child, these experiences helped shape his stage persona and creative energy, allowing him to emerge as a leading gospel artist in Kenya.
His upbringing, he says, instilled the values of hard work, humility, and self-belief. Qualities that continue to define his personal and professional life.
Beyond his personal story, Moji’s openness serves as inspiration. Despite the challenges he faced as the child of a teenage mother, he has built a successful career in gospel music, influencing countless fans with his creativity and faith.