Veteran Burundian-Kenyan singer Kidum Kibido, born Jean-Pierre Nimbona, has broken his silence following widespread reports linking him to a road accident in Nairobi involving an overturned Range Rover.
Images circulating online on Thursday, May 14, showed a damaged SUV lying on its side, with a shattered windshield and debris scattered across the scene following the crash.
According to reports shared online earlier, Kidum was allegedly travelling alongside Kenyan musician Brian Sigu at the time of the accident.
The two were reportedly rushed to Karen Hospital for treatment after the incident, while unconfirmed reports indicated that the singer had sustained a fractured hand.
The reports quickly spread online, prompting concern among fans and public figures. Environmentalist and social media influencer Victor Onjolo had posted: “Brian Sigu, alongside Kidum involved in road accident today — both are safe, though Kidum broke his hand.”
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ODM Communications Director Philip Etale also reacted to the reports, writing: “Let’s pray for Kidum. He has been involved in a road accident.”
Legendary singer Kidum speaks
However, Kidum later dismissed the reports in a Facebook statement issued on May 15, clarifying that he was not involved in the accident.
“We had a very good show in Bujumbura, Burundi, last Friday. To all our fans in Burundi, on behalf of B.B.BAND I say thank you,” the singer wrote.
“About these news of a car accident of one Kidum a musician and a drummer as well is not me Kibido. It is another musician who was nicknamed by fans who knew me longtime ago as a drummer as well. But I wish him quick recovery.”
The singer further revealed that he had already left the country on Wednesday afternoon for a business trip in Asia before the accident occurred.
The incident sparked concern among fans across East Africa, where Kidum remains one of the region’s most recognizable music figures.
Known for his Afro-fusion and Zouk sound, the legendary Burundian-Kenyan singer, drummer, and songwriter built a successful music career in Kenya after fleeing Burundi during the civil war in 1995.
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Over the years, he has become a household name through songs blending Swahili, Kirundi, French, and English, earning a strong following across the Great Lakes region.
Discography
Some of the artist’s best-known songs include Yaramenje, Mapenzi, Number Moja, and Shamba. At the same time, his collaborations with artists such as Nameless and Uganda’s Juliana Kanyomozi further cemented his place in East African music.
Kidum has also received several regional accolades, including the Kora Award for Best Male Artist in East Africa in 2012.
On his part, Brian Sigu is a contemporary Kenyan benga and folk-fusion musician, singer, composer, and guitarist. He is widely celebrated for modernizing traditional Luo musical arrangements by blending authentic cultural rhythms with contemporary elements like jazz, blues, and Afro-pop.
The accident occurred months before Kidum was scheduled to perform at the “Nameless At 25” concert, set for August 15 at Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi.
The event, organized by Kenyan music veteran Nameless, is expected to celebrate 25 years of his music career and will feature performances by several leading artists, including Wahu, Wyre, Jua Cali, Nyashinski, Bensoul, and Kidum himself.
