Ajib Gathoni
| |
| Ajib Gathoni in 2025 | |
| Background information | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Ajib Gathoni |
| Born | 1 June 1999 (age 25) Mombasa, Kenya |
| Genres | Afrobeat dance Contemporary dance |
| Occupations | Dancer Content creator Entrepreneur Brand influencer |
| Years active | 2017–present |
| Known for | Viral TikTok dance videos Pulse Influencer Awards Random Wear clothing line |
Ajib Gathoni (born June 1, 1999) is a 25-year-old Kenyan dancer, content creator, entrepreneur, and brand influencer whose vibrant TikTok dance videos have captivated over 1.4 million followers by June 2025.[1] Known for her Afrobeat and contemporary choreography, she’s won the Pulse Influencer Award for Best Dancer in 2021 and 2022.[1] As CEO of Random Wear, a fashion brand co-founded with her former partner Josh Wonder, Gathoni has built a name in entrepreneurship.[2] Her journey from a banking job to global fame, coupled with her advocacy for women’s health after a 2024 adenomyosis diagnosis, has made her a role model for Kenyan youth.[3] Living in Nairobi, her story is one of resilience, cultural pride, and navigating public scrutiny following a scandalous 2023 breakup with Josh Wonder and his relationship with her friend Kendi Christine.[4][5]
Early Life
Born in Mombasa, Kenya, on June 1, 1999, Ajib Gathoni grew up in a blended family with a Digo father and Kikuyu mother. Her father’s polygamous household fostered harmony, shaping her community spirit. “My dad showed me family can be big and still tight,” she shared.[6] Raised Muslim, she embraced Christianity after her parents’ separation.[6] Her love for dance bloomed through church and school events in Mombasa.[7]
Gathoni attended Chania Girls High School in Thika, graduating in 2017, then studied networking at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).[8] Her family’s 2019 move to Nairobi was pivotal: “Nairobi was daunting, but it became my canvas,” she said.[9] A banking job felt stifling, pushing her to dance full-time.[3]
Career
Rise to TikTok Stardom
Gathoni’s social media journey began in 2017 on Instagram with Mombasa’s Exodus Hype Movers crew.[2] TikTok, joined during the 2020 lockdown, was her breakthrough: “I was bored and curious,” she recalled. Her Afrobeat dances hit 1.4 million followers and 48.3 million likes by June 2025.[3] A Kizz Daniel “Buga” video, reposted by the artist, went viral with 3.8 million views.[2] Her TikTok (@ajibgathoni) blends choreography and fashion, celebrating African culture.[10]
Content Creation and Advocacy
Her videos, from dance challenges to lifestyle, resonate widely. “Dance is my voice,” she told Larry Madowo on *The Trend*.[11] Facing trolling, she emphasizes resilience: “It’s tough, but I stay true.”[12] Her Instagram (@ajib_gathoni) has 300,000 followers, and her solo YouTube channel grows.[13] Her 2024 adenomyosis diagnosis spurred health advocacy: “Sharing my pain helps others.”[14]
Entrepreneurship
As CEO of Random Wear, launched in 2021 with Josh Wonder, Gathoni sells trendy outfits, modeling them herself.[15] Post-breakup, she leads the brand, popular among youth. Endorsements with Safaricom, Coca-Cola, and CeraVe contribute to her KSh 5–10 million net worth.[16]
Media and Public Speaking
Gathoni appeared on *The Sandwich Podcast*, *Tuko Talks*, and *The Wicked Edition* with Dr. King’ori.[17][18] Her 2020 TEDxYouth@Nairobi talk, “My Dance Journey,” inspired youth: “Dance is my therapy.”[19]
Personal Life
Ajib Gathoni, 5’4” (163 cm), lives in Nairobi, known for bold hairstyles and fashion, including a striking back tattoo.[10][15] A Christian, she credits faith: “God keeps me grounded.”[17] Her family stays private, though she admires her polygamous father.[6] Likely single as of June 2025, Gathoni’s March 2023 breakup with Josh Wonder, a TikToker and Random Wear co-founder, was scandalous. Their “couple goals” status, built on joint content, crumbled when Josh alleged on TikTok Live and in interviews with Eve Mungai that Gathoni cheated with a friend and gym trainer, and tried evicting him from their shared home by altering the tenant agreement.[4][20] “I paid rent and handled everything,” he claimed.[21] Gathoni denied clout-chasing: “I don’t chase fame at my name’s cost.”[22] She hasn’t addressed the cheating claims, focusing on her career.
The drama escalated when Josh began dating Kendi Christine, Gathoni’s friend and frequent collaborator on dance videos, by late 2023. Fans accused Kendi of betrayal after the pair vacationed together in January 2024, with comments like “Kendi stabbed Ajib in the back” on X.[5] Josh countered: “I knew Kendi before Ajib; the rest is noise.” Kendi added: “I choose my friends freely.”[5] Gathoni stayed silent, but their friendship reportedly frayed.[23] By May 2024, Josh’s new girlfriend, Ashley, defended Gathoni online, urging fans to “move on.”[24]
In September 2024, Gathoni’s adenomyosis diagnosis sparked health advocacy: “Sharing helps others.”[14] Unverified sickle cell rumors lack evidence, and she’s alive, debunking 2021 death rumors.[16]
Comparisons and Controversies
Gathoni’s dance content draws comparisons to Azziad Nasenya, but they share no rivalry, both celebrating Kenyan culture.[25] Her collaborations with Sir Mario are amicable.[23] The 2023 Josh Wonder breakup, with cheating and eviction claims, and his relationship with Kendi Christine, marked her biggest controversy.[5] In 2022, a suggestive dance video drew backlash for being “too provocative,” but Gathoni defended it: “My dance is art, not your judgment.”[26] A 2021 social media hiatus sparked death rumors, debunked by her return.[16]
Awards
| Award | Category | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pulse Influencer Award | Best Dancer | 2021 | Won[1] |
| Pulse Influencer Award | Best Dancer | 2022 | Won[1] |
| Platform Best Influencer Award | Best Influencer | 2022 | Nominated[2] |
Legacy
Ajib Gathoni’s rise from Mombasa to TikTok stardom inspires Kenyan youth, especially women. Her dance celebrates African culture, while Random Wear and health advocacy empower others. “Find your dance, let it speak,” she urged in her TEDx talk.[19] Her resilience amid controversies shapes a vibrant legacy.[11]
External Links
References
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