Kenyan Celebrities are broke : Otile Brown and Alex Mathenge
By: nelvin Polvin Nelvin
Posted on Thursday, April 21, 2022
Have you ever wondered why some of Kenya's respected celebrities sometimes turn to their fans for financial aid? Well, you could just get your answer from what Kenyan ‘cop’ comedian, Alex Mathenge has said.
According to an insta story shared by the comedian, Kenyan celebrities are broke, and maintaining their lifestyles is tough. Citing the proverbial culture of brands supporting creatives with merchandise among the reasons backing his argument, Alex Mathenge has painted what may seem as the real picture of our celebrities.
“Corporate wanasupport talent by giving out hoodies and freebies!” he said in an instagram story.
He also added that, “Celebs hawana kitu wanaishi rental, gari ni loan na haina fuel ama amepewa lift tu.”
From time to time, we hear stories of Kenyan celebrities dancing on the thorny dance floors of poverty, although they were household names during their glorious days. The question of whether the industry or the celebrities are to be held accountable for going from grace to grass has played on several heads, and the answers are debatable.
Some people feel like with good financial advice, investment and responsible behavior, celebrities can manage their wealth well. On the other hand, there is the question of whether the Kenyan entertainment industry pays well. Furthermore, critics going by this school of thought suggest that the industry does not sustain creatives, and so it should be approached as a side hustle. If this is true, then most of the celebrities who went broke, did not consider investing in other income fetching projects/ activities.
A close to home case is Kenyan actor Kamau Kinuthia (Omosh Kizangila, Tahidi High). Omosh Kizangila’s case is one of an actor who once graced our screens, cracking us up in the local TV drama, Tahidi High. A superstar, he was a name to respect. Fast forward to years when he was not acting, Omosh was asking for financial help from Kenyans. A lot of drama followed this, and Kenyans were so disappointed by him.
Back to Mathenge's claims. Otile Brown has responded and shared his sentiments. The popular RnB musician came forward to condemn such arguments, saying that Kenyan artists are the most successful, not only in Kenya, but also in Africa. While terming them as one of the most successful artists in Africa, Otile Brown said, “I know it might sound funny, but I am giving you the blueprint…” He went on to clap back at Alex Mathenge and any other person saying Kenyan celebs are broke by saying, “Just shut up your mouth bro. Fix the game.”
An angry Otile said Kenyan acts do not understand the game, yet they are busy trashing others. In words which could have been directed to comedian Alex Mathenge, Otile Brown said he should zip it because he has done nothing for the entertainment scene. However, his comment, “Do you know how you look on the other side? Some of you do not even travel,” echoes what Alex Mathenge was saying earlier on; that celebrities do not have money.
While this might be seen as a game creatives play, there is indeed some truth in both of their sentiments. However, even without statistics to back up Alex Mathenge’s claims, historical checks reveal his truth.
Article By: Brian Khavalaji
