Kidum Kibido Biography: Songs, Wife, Net Worth, Children, Nationality, Height, Age, Religion

Jean-Pierre Nimbona, better known by his stage name Kidum Kibido or simply Kidum, ranks among East Africa’s most enduring and influential musicians, blending traditional Burundian rhythms with Afro-zouk, rhumba, and contemporary sounds.

Fleeing civil war in Burundi as a refugee, he rebuilt his career in Kenya, releasing hits like “Mapenzi,” “Haturudi Nyuma,” and “Nitafanya” that promote love, peace, and reconciliation.

Profile

• Full Name: Jean-Pierre Nimbona
• Stage Name: Kidum Kibido
• Born: 28, October 1974
• Age: 51 years old
• Birthplace: Kinama, Bujumbura, Burundi
• Nationality: Burundian
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Drummer, Band Leader
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Mr. Nimbona and Mrs. Nimbona
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Josephine Mugure Wahome
• Children: Afande, Chrispin, Grace, Naomi, Natalie
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $3 million

Early Life and Education

Jean-Pierre Nimbona was born on October 28, 1974, in Kinama, a neighborhood in Bujumbura, Burundi, to parents who nicknamed him Kidum—meaning a 20-liter jug—due to his large size at birth.

Details about his siblings remain private. His passion for music sparked at age 10 when he began playing drums in church and on the streets, despite coming from a family with no other musicians.

Formal education details are limited, but he focused on arts and performance from a young age. Of Burundian heritage with roots in the region, his religious beliefs lean toward Christianity, often reflected in his gospel-influenced tracks, though not extensively publicized.

Career

Jean-Pierre Nimbona began his career in Burundi as a teenage drummer, joining his first band, Imvumero, in 1986 and performing with them for six years before moving to the government-backed Imboneza band in 1992.

He formed Electric Power in 1994, but the escalating civil war forced him to flee to Kenya in 1995 via refugee camps in Tanzania and Congo.

Settling in Nairobi, it took four years to regain his footing; he recorded his debut single “Yaramenje” in 1999, which caught the ear of Kenyan leaders and launched his solo path.

Kidum’s breakthrough came with his 2001 album Yaramenje, followed by invitations to perform at peace concerts in Burundi, including one hosted by then-President Pierre Buyoya.

He released Shamba in 2003 and founded the Boda Boda Band in 2004, expanding his sound to include Swahili, French, English, and Spanish lyrics for broader appeal.

The 2006 album Ishano highlighted his zouk influences, while 2010’s Haturudi Nyuma earned him the Kora Award for tracks like “Mapenzi” and “Nitafanya.” Collaborations with artists like Lady Jaydee and Juliana Kanyomozi, plus wins at the Pearl of Africa Music Awards and International Songwriting Competition, solidified his status as a cross-border star.

Jean-Pierre Nimbona leads the Boda Boda Band in tours across Africa, the Middle East, and Canada, releasing fresh tracks like “Ndani” and “Amabwire” into 2025.

His role as Ambassador for Peace underscores music’s power in healing post-conflict societies, with a discography spanning love ballads, rhumba anthems, and spiritual songs that continue influencing East African artists and promoting unity through rhythm and message.

Social Media

• Facebook Handle: Kidum Kibido
• YouTube: @TheRealKidum

Personal Life

Jean-Pierre Nimbona has been married three times. His first marriage, which lasted five years, took place at Kakuma refugee camp and resulted in one child.

He then spent ten years married to a Burundian woman, with whom he had two children. Currently, he is happily married to Josephine Mugure Wahome of Kenya; together, they have children including daughter Nicole and son Kajiado.

The couple maintains a positive public image and frequently serves as inspiration for his romantic music. Father to seven biological children and several adopted ones, Kidum embraces his large family, attributing his early fatherhood experience to his personal growth despite the relationship challenges of his youth and refugee background.

Discography

• Yaramenje (2001)
• Shamba (2003)
• Ishano (2006)
• Haturudi Nyuma (2010)

Net Worth

Jean-Pierre Nimbona has an estimated net worth of $3 million. His primary income sources include album sales, streaming royalties from platforms like Boomplay and YouTube, live performances with the Boda Boda Band across East Africa and internationally, and peace ambassador roles.