Kenyan songstress Marya, best known for her hit song Chokoza, has shared an emotional update about her ongoing battles, revealing that she is facing financial turmoil, depression, and the pain of not being able to provide for her children.
Life After Stroke
Earlier this year, Marya suffered an ischaemic stroke that left one side of her face paralysed.
Recalling the terrifying moment, the mother of two said she was holding her son when he slipped from her hands. As she tried to pick him up, she also fell to the ground and lost consciousness.
Her nanny, alarmed by the noise, rushed in to find both mother and child on the floor and immediately called family members for help.
Marya was rushed to hospital, where doctors confirmed she had suffered a stroke. She knew it herself too, saying that one side of her body had gone completely numb.
Months later, the singer continues with physiotherapy sessions, which she admits are costly.
She previously appealed to Kenyans for financial assistance to help cover her medical expenses as she continues her slow recovery.
A Heartbreaking Birthday Message
Despite the hardship, Marya marked her birthday with a heartfelt post on Instagram that moved many of her fans.
In her Instagram Stories, she revealed she was facing auction and losing everything but still chose gratitude over despair.
“Fighting for my life, being auctioned and losing everything, but I’m still thankful for another year. Happy birthday to me,” she wrote.
On her main page, she posted another emotional message, saying that the most painful part of her current struggle is being unable to take care of her children.
“It’s not been easy not being able to provide for my kids, being auctioned, losing hope, depressed… but happy birthday to me,” she wrote.
Messages of Support
Her fans and fellow celebrities flooded her comment section with messages of encouragement. Beauty entrepreneur Phoina wrote, “Happy birthday gal, stay strong, never give up.” Another fan, Joy Yatich, commented, “More life and blessings, mama. Better days are here — God will do it.”
Others urged her to hold on to faith, reminding her that tough times don’t last forever.
A Difficult Career Journey
In a past interview with Mungai Eve, Marya shared that her music career took a downward turn after her contract with Ogopa DJs ended. She tried pursuing music independently but could not afford studio sessions.
“I’m on a music break because it’s not been easy. When I approach people to record in their studios, they charge me very expensively, and I can’t afford it,” she said.
Her rise to fame came after rapper Colonel Mustapha introduced her to Ogopa DJs, leading to the release of their hit Hey Baby. However, after five years, the label did not renew her contract, leaving her struggling to sustain herself.
Lessons from Fame and Loss
Marya admits that fame came too early, and without proper financial guidance, she made mistakes that cost her dearly.
“I became famous and got money at a very young age. I didn’t have someone to tell me to save or invest. The next thing, I was broke. That was my mistake. I was only 22,” she said.
Even with the financial and health challenges she now faces, Marya remains hopeful, holding on to faith that brighter days are ahead.
By Geoffrey mbuthia
