Entertainers delivered a perfect combination of quality, nasty and unpleasant moments provoking mixed reactions and opinions from fans in 2021.
We discovered new talents, we experienced the joy of ‘next levels’, we sang along to our favourite artistes, big and awful secrets were revealed. We also witnessed some unimaginable waves of breakups.
Here are some of the highlights of 2021 as sampled by K24 Digital:
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The good
For party lovers, some of our best moments in 2021 were the events that came in the last quarter of the year thanks to President Uhuru Kenyatta for lifting the curfew on October 20, during the Mashujaa day celebrations.
Kenyans, thereafter, experienced the best performances from both local and international artistes with all sold-out concerts that offered a glimpse of a bright future in the industry.
From Nyashinski to Adekunle Gold, Sauti Sol, and Joeboy among many other artistes, these legends filled the biggest concert venues alongside thousands of fans dancing to the rhythms of their African beats.
The rise of Terence Creative alias Papa Fred, vocally talented beauty Nikita Kering and the now BBC acclaimed top 100 most influential women of 2021 Lynn Ngugi was phenomenal.
What may have started as a mere short clip for fun turned to be Lawrence Macharia’s breakthrough moment in the industry.
His ‘wash wash’ skit depicting how fraudulent deals and money laundering schemes are undertaken took the internet by storm gaining massive popularity in such a short span of time.
His role in the skit has since earned him front row seats in big gigs where he gets to entertain people.
With an array of awards to her name, 19-year-old Nikita Kering has proven to her army of fans that she is indeed the brightest star.
Nikita offered Kenyans some of the most amazing musical moments and performances in 2021 that demonstrated her bright future and certainly show that she is one of the best artistes that generation Z has birthed.
Talk show host Lynn Ngugi surprised fans with her infamous exit before making a comeback with her own show.
With her established fanbase, Lynn continues to thrive on her new online media platform which earned her a nod by BBC alongside internationally acclaimed women.
According to BBC, the list highlighted women who are playing their part in reinventing society, culture, and the world.
Engagements, weddings and babies
A number of entertainers this year took the bold step of falling in love, walking down the aisle, and some even birthing a whole new generation.
Among the most popular new fiancees were the highly publicised betrothal of 51-year-old Esther Musila by gospel singer Guardian Angel, socialites Vera Sidika and Corazon Kwamboka who also welcomed their first daughters this year.
2021 also marked a 'happily ever after' for singers Nyashinski, Betty Bayo, Gloria Muliro, and Youtuber Muthoni wa Mukiri among many others who said ‘I do’ in colourful wedding ceremonies.
A number of personalities celebrated the joy of fatherhood including media personality Willis Raburu, Mugithi artiste Jose Gatutura and footballer Victor Wanyama who both welcomed their sons with their newfound lovers as well as comedy personality Mulamwah who welcomed his firstborn daughter before closing the chapter of their love story.
The bad
Comedian Eric Omondi allegedly had a good plan for the music industry but his approach failed him terribly; something that saw him being roughed up by the police before he agreed to follow the protocol.
At the same time, his infamous clout chasing move with upcoming singer Miss P saw him and his baby mama Jacque Maribe engage in a bitter online rant where they aired out their dirty linen before businessman Simon Kabu stepped in for negotiations.
Another baby mama drama was between Comedienne Jemutai and Professor Hamo whose fight was based on deadbeat claims raised by the former through blogger Edgar Obare.
These two dragged each other for a couple of days before comedy chief Daniel Ndambuki alias Churchill intervened and compelled them to hold talks and resolve the matter in private.
Lilian Ng’ang’a's breakup with Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua caught netizens by surprise. It hit harder when Lilian confirmed her new relationship with rapper Juliani a few days later.
A few weeks into their new dating life, Juliani reported that he was receiving death threats and Lilian later on in a press conference confirmed that Mutua had issued her with threats and had even taken away some of her properties including her car and shares which he transferred to his sister.
As of now, the matter remains in court.
The fight between city lawyer and politician Karen Nyamu and Mugithi maven Samidoh was a 'low blow' that cost him a show.
Tearful Karen took to Instagram in a live session where she announced Samidoh assaulted her while she was pregnant; a claim that he later rubbished saying ‘such is life’
The ugly
Singer Willy Paul's accusations of sexual assault remain one of the most unpleasant moments of 2021.
The allegations were first raised by upcoming singer Miss P before Diana Marua shared a video accusing him of attempted rape.
Willy Paul responded to both ladies denying the claims but the truth still remains unknown.
Famous blogger Edgar Obare experienced the wrath of his infamous exposè on the wash-wash racket.
Obare ran a blow by blow exposé on the ‘wash wash’ racket, a group of rich men and women believed to be making money through fraudulent deals and money laundering.
A few days later, his Instagram account was mysteriously deactivated and he resurfaced alleging that some unnamed persons were after his life.
The audacious influencer claimed that the said persons had kidnapped and tortured his brother in a bid to have him divulge information about his whereabouts.
Content creator and Youtuber Peter Kabi alias Kabi wa Jesus publicly denied his daughter before asking for a DNA test that actually confirmed he was the father.
Kabi recorded a video on Youtube after being blasted for being a deadbeat by his supposed cousin whom he sired a daughter.
After the DNA test, he wrote a statement regretting his previous behaviour and even deleted the previous video and accepted responsibilities.
