Linet Munyali (born 4 August 1987), professionally known as Size 8, is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, and actress. Initially gaining recognition for her mainstream music with hits like "Shamba Boy" and "Moto," she later transitioned to creating

gospel Gospel originally meant the Christianity, Christian message ("the gospel"), but in the second century Anno domino, AD the term (, from which the English word originated as a calque) came to be used also for the books in which the message w ...

music, releasing her debut gospel single, "Mateke," in April 2013. In addition to her music career, Size 8 appeared in the legal comedy ''Mashtaka'' in a minor acting role.

Early life and education

Born on August 4, 1987, Size 8 was raised in Maringo Estate, a historic residential area in the Eastlands region of

Nairobi Nairobi is the Capital city, capital and largest city of Kenya. The city lies in the south-central part of Kenya, at an elevation of . The name is derived from the Maasai language, Maasai phrase , which translates to 'place of cool waters', a ...

Kenya Kenya, officially the Republic of Kenya, is a country located in East Africa. With an estimated population of more than 52.4 million as of mid-2024, Kenya is the 27th-most-populous country in the world and the 7th most populous in Africa. ...

. She is the youngest of six siblings born to a

Uganda Uganda, officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. It is bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south-west by Rwanda, and to the ...

n father and a Kenyan mother, both serving as clergy. Growing up in a religious household, she demonstrated academic excellence and artistic potential early on. She secured a scholarship to State House Girls High School in Nairobi's

Kilimani Kilimani is a mixed-use commercial and residential neighbourhood in the city of Nairobi. Location Kilimani is located approximately west of Nairobi's central business district, within Westlands Sub-county. It is north of Woodley; east of K ...

area, near

State House State House or statehouse may refer to: Buildings *Aso Villa or State House, the official residence of the President of Nigeria *Government House, Dominica or The State House, the official residence of the President of Dominica * State House, Bar ...

, and later attended Hillcrest School in

Karen Karen may refer to: * Karen (name), a given name and surname * Karen (slang), a term and meme for a demanding white woman displaying certain behaviors People * Karen people, an ethnic group in Myanmar and Thailand * House of Karen, a historic ...

, Kenya.

Career

Size 8's music career began when she was discovered by

Clemo Clement Rapudo Sijenyi (born June 2, 1980) better known as Clemos, is a music producer and co-founder of Calif Records based in Life Ministry House near Hurlingham Business Center along Jabavu Road in Nairobi, Kenya. He won an award for "Producer ...

, a Kenyan producer and co-founder of

Calif Records Calif Records is a Kenyan record label based in Nairobi's California estate, known for the Genge genre of music. It was founded in 2000 by record executive & producer Clement "Clemo" Rapudo, together with Juacali and Nonini. It is among two ...

, following a local audition. She released "Shamba Boy", "Silali" and "Vidonge". On April 2013, Size 8 revealed to have transitioned to recording gospel music due to a personal spiritual transformation. She felt a deep commitment to her faith, which led her to shift her focus and align her music with her beliefs. This change marked a significant turning point in her career, culminating in the release of her first gospel single, "Mateke," on that same year. Her change of genres have since led her to the release of some of her popular songs such as "Moto," "Yuko na Wewe," "Jemedari," and "Afadhali Yesu."

Personal life

Size 8 married Samuel Muraya, a Kenyan DJ and music producer known as DJ Mo, in September 2013 and had two children. The couple have since divorced after 11 years of marriage, citing personal challenges and a period of reconciliation. On Valentine's Day 2025, DJ Mo surprised Size 8 with a heartfelt proposal, rekindling their relationship. Just days later, on 18 February 2025, the couple held a private wedding ceremony at JS Meadows in Sigona, Kiambu County, renewing their vows.

Filmography

* ''Mashtaka''

Awards and nominations

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Size 8 1987 births Living people 21st-century Kenyan women singers Kenyan gospel musicians Kenyan television actresses Musicians from Nairobi Actresses from Nairobi 21st-century Kenyan actresses