Like fine wine, the Kenyan entertainment industry only gets better with age, bringing forth a multitude of talent, creativity and a new generation of experts.
There is no doubt that the industry has seen growth and international recognition thanks to the hardworking entertainers who work day and night with great effort to place it on the world map. Considering that both the rising stars and the superstars have made us all proud after playing their roles enthusiastically. Some have more muscle than the rest of the pack. We’ve compiled a list of 15 of these types of celebrities who flex more muscle than others, in no particular order. See them below:
Maurice Okoth
Maurice directs and operates the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), which helps artists get credit for their work and licenses music rights to corporate and media houses. He is also Vice-Chairman of the African CISAC Committee. He was an attorney for the Kenyan Supreme Court which helped transform him into a specialist in copyright and related rights cases. MCSK has seen a gradual transformation under him, with a dramatic increase in membership from 600 in 2005 to over 7,000 now.
Martin Mule
The director of the now popular OLX Social MediaAwards (SOMA) is one of the most influential people in Kenya’s entertainment industry. His awards have featured prominent public figures, top companies and organizations, and the government. This year’s awards received a total of around 1 million votes and 5,000 guests.
Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o made Kenya proud. She put the country on the world map to win an Oscar in early 2014. She previously led in local productions before receiving one of the most prestigious awards in the world. She not only inspires young girls and women in Kenya, but all black women in general. She was named Most Beautiful Woman by People and Woman of the Year by Glamor last year. There is no denying that she is among the most powerful Kenyans in the entertainment industry.
Bruce Odhiambo
Currently the chairman of the youth enterprise Development Fund, Bruce is another superpower in the entertainment industry. He tasted success already in the 1980s and 90s, playing with the famous Safari Sound Band in Mombasa and The Spartans. The exceptional musician has worked with Johari Cleff, a music production, radio and television advertising company, for more than two decades. He also dines and drinks with Kenya’s decision-maker Uhuru Kenyatta, who always invites him to organize events.
big ted
Big Ted has also contributed quite a bit to the industry and is among the leading figures in the field. Born Thomas Kwaka, Big Ted once had his own events company called The Main Event, which hosted an event called BBQ Live every month. He is among those utilizing President Uhuru Kenyatta’s earnings and currently serves directly to the President.
Machel Waikenda
Machel founded Blackstar Entertainment and was selected as communications director for TNA in the 2013 Uhuru and Ruto elections. He helped increase the President’s online presence—Facebook and Twitter—and also served as Secretary of Arts and Entertainment.
Muthoni Ndonga
Popular for their event Blankets & Wine, which has made Muthoni one of the most successful Kenyan artists ever since it was renamed Africa Nouveau. Aside from local successes including collaborating with top Kenyan artists like Octopizzo and organizing one of the most popular events among Nairobi residents. The remarkable artist has also collaborated with top international producers.
Teddy B
Gospel music producer Teddy B is one of the top performers in the business. He produced most of Willy Paul’s and Bahati’s hits. He is also the recipient of the 2015 Groove Awards Audio Producer of the Year and is Executive Producer at Signature Scope Records.
DJ Pinye
DJ Pinye, also known as Peter Chuani, is well known for carefully nurturing Kenyan musical talent. In fact, he was the man who brought rabbits and octopizzo out of the confines and into the limelight. He has provided talented artists with a career ladder by providing them with the necessary training in singing and performance and airplay on television and radio. Not only is he one of the most influential figures in entertainment, but he is also the country’s most famous entertainment veteran.
Christopher Kirwa
The most in-demand entertainment expert in Kenya, Christopher Kirwa, known as Chris, is another powerful entertainer in the industry. He has lasted in the Kenyan entertainment industry with over 20 years of experience. He started his career as a promoter and has since made a name for himself. Chris is one of the brains behind the rise of Miss World Kenya and Miss Tourism Kenya and one of the biggest muscles in Kenya’s entertainment industry.
Chris Darlin
Kriss grew up in Kibera but didn’t give up on his vision. The star did everything to make his dream come true. As a reggae DJ he toured the world and started his own company, Dohty Family. He currently hosts reggae nights at various much talked about clubs and lounges in Nairobi including Tamasha Hurlingham and Changes in Westlands. In fact, the celebrity is the most famous reggae DJ in Kenya.
6 O’CLOCK IN THE MORNING. DJs
These guys are the organizers of the year premiere event called Earth Dance Kenya. The event is among the most exclusive and talked about and forms part of a larger series of Earth Dance events taking place around the world. They are also behind Sundance Kenya and Kikoy Culture events.
Rabar brothers
Alph, Mike and John Rabar are the core founders of Homeboyz Entertainment, a company that has established a notable presence in the country. They deal with music production, radio, mineral water production and many other things. The company produced ex-media personality Namtero Mdee, Capital FM’s Amina Abdi and produced music for various Kenyan artists such as Wyre and Jua Cali.
jaguar
Jaguar is rich, famous and never shy from showing off his extravagant lifestyle on social media. However, he is also one of the movers and shakers of the Kenyan entertainment industry. He plays with Kenya’s first family and many other lawmakers. He has gained a foothold in big countries like the UK, USA and across Africa because of his ability to entertain. His life story has influenced talented young aspiring artists.
big kev
Kevin Ombajo is one of the most well-known entertainment professionals in Kenya. He runs Trublaq Kenya, an experimental marketing firm he founded in 2001. The company organizes corporate events and offers a full entertainment experience. He has worked with major brands such as Airtel, Ciroc, EABL and the government. He is arguably one of the big shots in Kenya’s entertainment industry.