Over the last ten years, there has been a spike in the number of women in the local entertainment scene. These are not just women with a fleeting presence, but those who have blown their way to the top and are using their star power to earn top shillings. They are signing million-dollar deals and running top businesses. We unveil the female entertainers who are in the big money and show no signs of stopping any time soon:
Caroline Mutoko
Hosting one of the most listened to shows in the country, the Programmes Controller at Radio Africa and Kiss 100 radio presenter — who has managed to keep a low profile from giving interviews touching on her personal life — let the cat out of the bag as she opened up about her wealth. Throwing us a curve ball, she says she would not respond to that question when I asked what she was worth. ‘’I don’t even tell my banker that so how can I tell you?’’ She answers as we break into a light laughter. Still unsure of whether or not to continue with the interview, I convince her to open up in celebration of International Women’s Day and in honour of women like herself who have made it considering she is one of the highest paid media personalities. Playing down her influence in the country and entertainment scene, we go back and forth until she eventually reveals that she has investments even though she is fully employed. ‘’Yes I have businesses. I have two salons and I’m a shareholder in a catering business. I also have other business interests,’ she says. She sits in high profile influential national panels like the charity Safaricom Foundation and runs a number of charity activities. She is a top mover. Recently, she was featured on CNN’s African voices. However, she never shows off nor talks about her great gains. “I am not a celeb, I am not even flashy neither do I like talking about money,” says Caroline who many girls look up to as a role model.
Sarah Hassan
The actress, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science from the Jomo Kenyatta University, is currently a top earner in the entertainment industry. After her role as Tanya on Tahidi High, Sarah has taken that small opening into the entertainment industry and in the last two years, catapulted herself to one of today’s most versatile entertainers. Since then, she has also acted in Saints, Demigods and Changes. She has also acted in a British NGO film called I am Slave and House of Lungula. She will also appear in two new television series; The Samaritan and Jane and Abel this year. Apart from acting, Sarah is an emcee and is the face of the Wambui Mukenyi clothing line. She is also the host of the regional entertainment show Mashariki Mix on DSTV’s channel: M-Net, and the new host of The Wedding Show, which airs on Citizen Television. Additionally, the actress says she is the new face of a brand, which she cannot disclose yet. She says the advertisement was shot in India late last year, and will hit our screens soon. When asked how much she has amassed for herself in the last two years, she laughs and says she is no billionaire, but she is in a good place. Her advice to those trying to make a name for themselves in the industry is: “When you first get started, it is not easy, but you have to be strategic and create a brand for yourself. Be selective about what jobs you take on even though it may mean less money, but in the long run, it pays off.”
Joey Muthengi
Gracing TV screens on the new Twende Kazi show after filling Sheila Mwanyigah’s shoes as a host in Tusker Project Fame, Joey means business and is taking the local media by storm. The talented beauty who is a respected rapper, a Channel O VJ, actress and radio personality had a stint on Capital FM’s Hit’s Not Homework before she walked out in search of new beginnings and challenges as she posted on her Facebook page. “Why do you want to talk about money? I don’t want to talk about money. I believe more in giving,’’ she says as she muffles a laughter. Currently living her dream of doing charity work, together with her mother they have opened an NGO in Machakos that helps under-privileged women by teaching them life skills. Working on closing some endorsements, which she chooses not to disclose, the poet and blogger reveals that she lives comfortably. “I can’t complain about money. Let’s just say I am comfortable and no man is paying,’’ she says. Driving a Mercedes many dream of, she admits to liking it but not driving the car of her dreams. She has invested in assets including land and a music studio she co-owns with fellow artiste and brother Holy Dave. To cap it all, she gives in and establishes that she is indeed rich when we ask what she is worth. “Let’s just say I’m a self-made millionaire,’’ she says as she laughs.
Jacquey Nyaminde
Jacquey who plays Wilbroda the wife of Papa Shirandula in the TV show Papa Shirandula— a role that has made her a household name — has managed to use her star power to attract huge endorsement deals. Apart from acting, radio, singing, being an MC and running a clothing business with her sisters, she has managed to score lucrative endorsements such as Molo Milk and Unilever. Last year, Wilbroda also landed a lucrative deal that saw her feature in a two -minute cooking show for 12 episodes with nutritionist Lina Njoroge to showcase how to cook Sossi/, and pocketed a good amount of money for herself. “I do not think of myself as wealthy, but as comfortable. God has been good to me,” she says. Besides, she also has a number of investments in the city.
Janet Mbugua
The soft-spoken TV personality who joined Citizen TV after a rumoured million shilling contract that saw her leave South Africa’s ETV, caused an uproar in social media after it was claimed she would be bagging Sh803,000 per month.
“I don’t know where people got that from. It is a complete rumour. If I was earning that much, I would be in the Bahamas every week,’’ she says. The budding musician, poet and actor — who landed a role in a new TV series titled Rush is one excited lady. “Yes I am doing both acting and singing, but I am under contract and can’t give details until I get the go ahead,’’ she explains.
She has put on hold her clothing line that was launched some time back. Living a comfortable life from her various ventures, she refuses to be termed as rich. “Rich? May be in two years…you can ask me that then,” she challenges.
Kalekye Mumo
The Radio queen whose drive show in collaboration with Shaffie Weru, is one of the most popular shows on radio, also wears many other hats. She is a TV host, an actress, a musician and businesswoman. As one of the highly ranked radio presenters, Kalekye has risen the ranks to become one of the most influential ladies in the media industry. Her show, The Couples Show that airs in K24 commands great following. She runs an entertainment recording and deejay outfit with a number of employees under it. She also doubles as an emcee. She has made a number of investments in and out of Nairobi.
Muthoni The Drummer Queen
They don’t call her “boss lady” for nothing for Muthoni has managed to curve a niche for herself as an East African entrepreneur. The singer has created a billion dollar shilling investment that few can rival. She is not only a successful musician, but also the brains behind East Africa’s premiere and most consistent live music experience, Blankets and Wine. The event has attracted top corporates who fight to sponsor the monthly shows, which now has a continental command. And yes, she ranks highly in the big money league.
Teacher Wanjiku
Caroline Wanjiku Tharau aka Teacher Wanjiku may not have had a successful pilot show a few weeks ago, but in the last one year, the Kenyan female comedian has been doing well for herself. The comedian managed to make a name for herself and riding on her popularity, mobile service provider, Airtel, made her the face of one of their campaigns. She allegedly pocketed about Sh6 million from the deal. The actress is also rumoured to have signed another deal with a leading bank and Blue Band.
Sheila Mwanyigah
Sheila Mwanyigah has been in the entertainment industry for a while now, and over the years, this beauty has learnt how to leave a lasting impression and to position herself. Sheila is not only a radio presenter and singer, but also a businesswoman and television host.For the first five seasons of Tusker Project Fame, the singer managed to nab for herself the well paying job as the show’s host. Last year, she was unveiled as the brand ambassador for Vaseline. Mwanyigah is, however, no stranger to the brand having worked with Vaseline in 2010, during the Vaseline Cocoa Butter re-launch.
Angela Angwenyi
Besides being a senior presenter at Easy FM, she consults for one of Africa’s mega showbiz labels; Chocolate City, that boasts of the regions big signings like Ice Prince, Nosa and Kenyan beauty Victoria Kimani. She is also an emcee, karaoke hostess and owns several businesses but not make a fuss about her money. “I am not rich. But I am rich in God,” she says, laughing. Even though she had a short stint on Zuku’s Ladies First, she states that she is not wealthy even though she has had big well-paying opportunities like being a judge at Mnet’s Pop Star Idols where rumours had it she made several millions. She is also a partner at Nimo’s closet, a ladies designer apparel store.
Liz Njagah
The Kenyan actress commands a big continental following thanks to her many roles in popular continental TV drama shows. She is ever on the road between Nairobi and Nigeria where most of her shoots are done. Together with her husband Alex Konstantaras, the award-winning Tinsel star runs a film company, Jitu Films, which has produced great films like The Return of Lazarus, House of Lungula and Otto the Blood Bath. The two are labelled the Konstantaras thanks to their upcoming Kim Kardashian look a like reality TV show.
Wahu
We all know her as a musician, but Wahu is a businesswoman behind a number of investments in the city. Together with her celebrity husband Nameless, she runs the Alternative Company, a film and commercials company. She also runs a beauty parlour and salon in uptown Nairobi. Her big cash also comes from her celebrity product endorsements.
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