Remember Mr Lenny? The veteran singer was one of the urban music pioneers in the country, with his most notable releases being “Helena”, and “Githurai” with Vinnie Banton and Mr Googz.
The mellow-voiced singer, who was once known as the King of Collabos, took a break from music years back to focus on business and family.
While Mr Lenny confessed in a past interview that he once told his wife that he does not want to have children because he grew up seeing his parents fight physically quite often, he is now quite the family man.
He is a proud father of two; a son Jason Wang’ang’a, 8, and a daughter Hailey Wanjiru, 2.
Mr Lenny opened up to Sunday Magazine about what it means to be a parent.
What do you love most about being a parent?
Being a dad is a special feeling. The kids brought joy and new meaning to my life. Most of all I have brought new beings into this life with the help of my wife and the almighty, feels like I have fulfilled my destiny.
What are some of the challenges you face as a father?
There are also things like the Internet or TV, games or even friends out there which if not checked or controlled can easily destroy a child’s life. The world is not the same as it was in our days.
What are some of the lessons you would like to teach them?
I want my kids to learn to be honest, hardworking, obedient, respectful, independent and most of all to be God fearing.
How do you spend time together?
I play with them a lot because I believe it will cement our relationship. I want them to feel free to confide in me whenever they need me. I take them out so they can enjoy and experience new things in life.
I assist them with their studies as often as I can because it will help them in future life skills and also build their confidence.
I go to church with them since I didn’t have the chance to do so as a child and I want them to know God individually on a personal level.
If your children were old enough, what advice would you give them?
I believe that for a parent there is no age limit to start advising your child, you must start advising them as early as possible so that as they come of age they already know what is right or wrong and how to go about the challenges or ups and downs of life.
So I would advise them to learn to forgive, be kind to others, learn through their mistakes and move on to the next thing, life is short so they should enjoy it to the fullest but responsibly and again have a relationship with God.
As a father what are some of the lessons you have learnt?
I have learnt that each child is unique in their own way. They each have their weaknesses and strong points. All you have to do as a parent is to identify them.
My son is more of an introvert like me. He’s cautious, laid back and likes his space. My daughter on the other hand, even though still very young and learning how to construct words or sentences, is out there, a free spirit yet very assertive. But all in all, they are our two beautiful kids whom I love so much and care for.
I wouldn’t trade them for any other thing in this world no matter what. My Children are my life, a blessing and a great gift from God.
Together with my wife they have completed me and my mission in this world. All I can ask God is to help me make their journey worthwhile.
