Tonnie speaks to Jason Dunford (September 2007)

Jason Dunford

You guys have literally turned the page on Kenya’s swimming; it will never be the same again. How does it make you feel?

It feels great but my work is far from finished. What you have seen so far is only the beginning. I hope to continue with my career and bring more glory to Kenya but on top of that I want to see good young swimmers coming through and developing their talents to become the stars of tomorrow. This is something to which I hope to give more time and energy in future years.

How are you handling the adulations and excitements from your performances at the African games?

It has been rather overwhelming but I am beginning to get used to being recognized in public. The media support for Kenyan sportspeople in recent times has been phenomenal and I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks

Any limelight away from the pool? Do people come over to you guys for autographs and things like that?

I have signed a few autographs here and there as well as the occasional photo opportunity. People tend to recognize me more often when I am with my brother as they tend to couple the two of us together.

Did you have a hunch that you would do as well as you did in the tourney?

Well, I knew I had prepared well and was in good shape, having done a lot of hard training at my base in the US, so I went into the competition expecting at least a couple of medals. However to win 8 was beyond anything I had imagined. Things really fell into place. The final night of competition, when I managed to pick up three medals, was one of the best sessions of swimming in my career to date.

How do you cope with the pressure of a big competition especially the finals?

I try to stay as relaxed as possible and this has become easier over time as I have learnt to control my emotions. I make sure I arrive at the pool early, about one and a half hours before my first race, and get in a good warm up (about 2000 metres). I will practice a few sprints, then dry off, confident my body is ready to race. About 15 minutes before my race I put on my racing suit and make sure it is comfortable. I then try and find the mental zone that I know enables me to race fast.

Tell us about your early swimming days. How did you start and who influenced you?

My father was a big influence and started my brothers and me swimming at a very young age. I swam in my first competition at the age of five. At age eight I represented the Kenya junior team in Zambia and I returned to this competition every year until I was 13. I won over 20 medals at these competitions during this time. My coach from the age of 6 to 13 was Andrew Nderu, and he was the one who really developed my swimming talent. At age thirteen, I went to boarding school in the UK to a place called Marlborough College. It was there where I met a coach called Peter O’Sullivan. He himself had been an international swimmer in the early 1990s representing Great Britain at several major competitions including Commonwealth Games and European Championships. He spotted my ability and sat me down, explaining that with the right training I could go somewhere in the sport. I thus decided to give up the other sports I was playing (cricket, rugby, hockey, squash) to concentrate on swimming. My brother, David and I trained together at the school for 2 years, doing early morning session before class and coming back in the afternoon as well. Soon we began to see improvement and in 2005 I won 5 golds and silver at the South African Junior Nationals (Level 3).

Do you think good swimmers are born or made?

Certain people have more talent for swimming than others but a lot of training is still required. Thus I would say it is a combination of talent and hard work but hard work is the over riding factor.

Take us through your training routine and diet?

Mon: 6.30-8.15 amàswim, 2.30-5.30pm dry land training followed by swim

Tue: 2.30-5.30pm stretch followed by swim

Wed: 6.30-8.15 am swim, 2.30-4.00pm- swim

Thu: 2.30-5.30pm swim

Fri: 6.30-8.15am swim, 2.30-5.30pmà dry land training followed by swim

Sat: 7.30-9.30am swim

Sun: rest

DietàFor breakfast- Scrambled with bacon, a bowl of uji and some fruit. For lunch- salad or sandwich with some chicken usually. Pasta on occasion as well. For dinner- some sort of meat, chicken or fish, potatoes, vegetables.

Do you find it burdensome, juggling school and sports?

At times it can be but I get amazing support from my parents, girlfriend and teammates. They are always available to reassure me when I doubt myself and that really helps me to get through the rough patches. You also learn ways to adapt and prioritize your time. However it does take a lot of discipline and determination.

What are you studying at Stanford?

Human Biology (major, with a concentration in environmental science and public health) and Kiswahili (minor).

Are there any special sides of swimming that you can highlight to us (lay-men) so we can use to know if a swimmer is racing well or poorly?

It is all in relation to that swimmer’s best time in that event. In a major competition a swimmer will always be looking for a best time so that is how you can tell if they have swum well (if they get the time!!)

Any pleasant surprises awaiting Kenyans in the coming Olympics?

In swimming? We shall see. World swimming is very strong outside of Africa but I am currently 6^th in the world in the 100 metres butterfly. Thus I will really be gunning to make the final and once there who knows… everyone in the final has a shot at a medal.

Sato @ Dance Africa

Bustn’ Moves

Last Sato, when Harambee Stars were having a sunny picnic on the Guinean’s behinds, KICC had a dance competition that among other things, made me realize just how old I had become. Made me realize that a couple of weeks more and I’ll be a “youth” no more, but a “pseudo-youth” like half our legislative assembly members. (Only in Kenya can you blurt out on your 55^th birthday... “We, the young generation”...)

For a moment when Zach and I arrived at KICC, we thought the by-elections were being held there. Throngs (hope I didn’t miss the R this time round) had turn up to see the finest dance crews battle it out for hard cash. Had to scurry carefully and fast to the entrance just incase the Kids got excited and unleashed a human avalanche. The whole of KICC grounds was full of animated youngsters waiting to get into the Plenary hall... the crowd had spilled to City hall... I wondered where all of them were going to fit coz the Hall was already packed to capacity. Cops in riot gear had to be called in when the rest of the crowd turned nasty after been asked to go home... (Makes you wonder, why they didn’t organize the compe at the KICC grounds instead)

Anyway... back to the dance thingy, these kids made KTN’s dance 360 look like.... I don’t know... CRAP? (Maybe I am giving them too much credit but they were damn good!!)

Hip hop dancing at its best, complete with those “spin on the floor” moves that Shaba-Doo used to pull back in the day.... The winners, Dashy Crew... a group of three lads and a young lassie walked away with a cool 5,000 dollars from Malta Guinness and a slot in the continental contest. Had to chuck out fast and hit Wairimu’s... where my peers bust slower moves to slower music and transform to hardihood attitude as the night progresses.

(pics to follow)

Tonnie talks to Ted Josiah (April 2007)

Music Business

In the Eyes of Ted Josiah

Music is a business venture, and an exceptionally, money-spinning one at that. If you take a peek at the who’s who list of celebrities with the most buck, musicians ride at the very crest. Why then, one would ask, don’t most musicians in Kenya live the affluent lives that are characteristic of their fellow artistes in other countries?

HFM’s Anthony Nabiliki spoke to ace music producer Ted Josiah of BluZebra, one of the foremost authorities in the contemporary music scene on the Business of Music and the other auxiliaries that are pegged to it.

On nurturing musical Talent The first step is to find out if you are actually able to sing then take ample time to grow slowly. Listen to different music genres and take keen interest in them; learn how to play at least one musical instrument for your own personal growth; learn how to adapt to different environments and know who your target is; don’t be too wary of experimenting further and always put your heart and soul to your music.

On the Music Business It is not entirely true that Kenyan musicians do not make enough money. A good number of popular local artistes make up to Kshs 500,000 every other month. Just like in any other business, Music needs a well-defined Business plan and Career plan. Musicians should learn how to reinvest in themselves inorder to grow. Creative people tend to have “creative” ways of spending. After a good pay some musicians would want to buy flashy cars and clothes to simulate a “superstar” life while neglecting the music. It is important to have the two sides of it and view the business as business because it is literally self-employment. A simple plan can be to take a percentage of their earnings for whatever period and put it into your business account. The monies saved can be ploughed back into your business by investing in a new CD or VCD or going back to the studio to record an album; or buy some new music equipment.

The mushrooming of what I call “cottage studios” is not a negative development since it shows that there is a larger creative space now. But there has to be checks and balances and the people best placed to effect these checks and balances is society. If society chooses to embrace music with lewd lyrics and have even their children happily sing along then it is the same society that hurts in the end.

OnManagers There are no good managers in Kenya. The scenario in this country is that the manager depends entirely on the musician and does not go out of his way to invest in the artiste’s talent and time. The manager’s work does not start and end on getting gigs for the artiste. They are people who are supposed to help you grow and grow effectively. That is why most well established artiste’s in the west have people close friends and relatives working as their managers. A good example is Celine Dion whose husband Rene Angelil acts as her manager and at some point even sold their house inorder to invest in her talent. Beyonce’s Dad is her manager, Usher’s mum is his manager, this pattern shows that it is not just about business but a matter of trust and belief in ones talent.

On the Media In this world there are those people who are dream catchers and those who are dream killers. Some sections of the media for some reasons known to them are dream killers. They are in some way competing with the artistes for fame and in the end process shooting down the efforts put in by an artiste to build his dreams and ambitions. While on the other hand there are sections of the media that supports artistes and help in building the music industry in this country.

On Royalties Music is an Intellectual Property and there has to be regulations on how to safeguard this property. Artistes should be more informed on their rights and speak out as a unified voice. Satisfaction breeds content, and that is why musicians are not benefiting fully from their talent. The Music Copyright Society of Kenya collects monies on behalf of artistes from airplay and other avenues and the artistes should be more vocal about benefiting from these royalties. It is only them who can stand and speak for themselves

On project fame Project fame was a wonderful experience and I got a chance to meet great new talent that have the capacity to steer the music industry to a whole new plateau.

On his major achievements
I have had many moments but I can point out the time when a song I produced was really played on radio substantially. That was hardstone’s hit Uhiki. Then when Kalamashaka ruled had three of their songs toping the local charts. Then another memorable moment was when a song I produced for Necessary Noise was nominated for an Oscar award after being used as a soundtrack in the movie The Constant Gardener

Tonnies interview with Derrick (Survivor Africa)

Once a Derrick, Always a Survivor

We know him as one of the 12 who scoured the wilds of Pearl Island in a quest to return home $100,000 dollars richer.
But most people don’t know that Derrick Assetto who represented Kenya in Survivor Africa is actually a gentle giant, easy to talk to and a lot of fun to be around. He speaks to Anthony Nabiliki, pointing out the intrigues of Survivor Africa and his journey through life.

Describe for us the Derrick before Survivor Africa…
Just the typical guy next door, trying to do his thing. I was doing some modeling and acting. Derrick was basically a guy doing his best to break into the industry.

Had you ever pictured yourself to be at the Pearl Island in Panama, at some point in your life fighting it out with 11 other people for $100,000?
Frankly… I didn’t know about Pearl Island. The first time I actually thought it was the Pearl Harbour in Hawaii. When I was initially short-listed I still wasn’t sure that I would be picked. I never dwell on the negative, so I did not dismiss the possibility that I wouldn’t make it, although I was a little intimidated after seeing the guys I was up against. But I knew for me to have been short-listed this guys must have seen something in me, so I resolved to give it my all. After I was chosen I felt like a winner all through and said to myself…Derrick, have fun.

Hypothetically, lets say you won the cash… tell us three things you would have definitely spent it on?
I was going to give ten percent of it to a charity… it’s an Aids Orphans Charity. I would buy myself a house or a couple of houses since I believe you can always count on a house as a good asset. Then the rest of cash I would invest in various other ventures

Is reality TV the real deal or what we see is manufactured to suit our taste?
Talking about the Survivor series specifically, if it were aired live and uncut, viewers would actually be scared. Survivor is in reality rougher and meaner than what people get to see. What you get to see is the more polite sections when we were just chilling, arguing, planning something, the games, the trial council, but the bit in between is mean. You do not want to see the image of people who have gone hungry for nine days straight… it’s crazy. So what is seen is a bit polite.

What’s the most extreme thing you did at the island?
Eating snails. I remember there is a time when I nearly fought with someone because he’d eaten my snail. I remember one morning we were sleeping in our shack, and it had rained heavily the previous night. Then a snake was just slithering past, about two meter from where I was. So someone shouted, Derrick, a snake! So we are looking at the snake and the first thing Jaime asks… is it edible? It goes to show that it reaches a point when things like fear are replaced by more important and basic life needs, like food.

Could you spill the beans on any scorching details we didn’t get to see on TV? Like some hook ups we didn’t get to know about? Starting with yourself?
Of course… why not. I was so close to Tebby, really good friends me and her, some people hated us for that. We still keep in touch up to now. In fact the other day she called me and told me she was taking her mum to the UK for holiday. Leonard had a thing with Nike. Although she was so conservative thinking about what her folks would say if they saw her do anything. Ario was just crazy about everybody… her hormones went haywire, that’s why she hated everybody. Jeremy had a thing with Frieda, they were close. Nana was a player to the core. Yaga had a thing with Meti, they still have something going on and they keep in touch a lot. Survivor is a family show so some stuff just had to be kept under wraps.

What is the principal lesson you learnt at Survivor Africa
Never take life for granted. I have learnt to appreciate what I have in life. I might sleep hungry but at least I have a roof over my head and that is enough. I’ve also learnt never to give up.

You had a stint in a movie. Tell us about that?
It was a German movie called African Mourna Amor', which I was involved in after Survivor Africa. I was one of the Sedan carriers. It was shot in 3 months, in Samburu, Amboseli, Tsavo, Lamu, Nyeri then Nairobi. I am trying to look for some more acting jobs here and there. It is a bit hard in Kenya because you have to do it on your own, we don’t have agents. You have to hustle on your own.

People have always been talking about your distinct similarity to Djimon Hounsou, has this had any effect in your life or career?
Djimon Hounsou and I actually do look alike. I remember one time when I used to live in the UK, and AMISTAD was premiering; I got preferential treatment and ate at a restaurant for free, because they thought I was him. When I travel abroad many people still mistake me for him. It a nice thing though. Being a stuntman I might land a role as his double in a movie someday, you never know.

Which other countries have you been to?
I have traveled a lot. I’ve been to all the east African countries, a number of times to South Africa, I lived in England for ten years and came back in 2002, I’ve been to Spain, Scotland, Ireland, Costa Rica and to Panama during and after Survivor Africa.

All these other countries compared to Kenya, can you assert that our country is actually beautiful?
Kenya stands out as the best. As Kenyans we should be very proud of our country. It is a real jewel.

What are you mainly involved in presently?
Mainly modeling mainly AD campaigns, and acting. Am in the process of starting up a company in line with what I am doing right now. I want to take advantage of my status right now and try to make it bigger.

Given your personality and present status in the public realm, do you ever get advances from ladies?
Enough… oh yes enough. Unfortunately I am not as smooth as I would wish to be. So quite a number of such opportunities just slide by

Are you in a relationship?
At the moment, it is not that strong, but we are working on something more tangible, then I might be able to say I am in a relationship.

What are your strongest points?
I am a very confident person sometimes people perceive it as arrogance. I started traveling outside the country since I was 17 so I’ve learnt never to belittle myself or succumb to any form of inferiority complex.

Facts about Derrick

Favourite food
Chapatti and Madondo (beans)

Favourite colour
Brown and Baby blue

Fashion style
Authentic African with a bit of western touch to it

Favourite drink
Milk

Favorite Music
Garage, Rock, Classical jazz and Afro Fusion

Favorite Movie
I love thriller movies, I never watch horror movies and I hate romantic movies.

Keeping fit
The gym four days a week and a lot of swimming

Biggest hero
My Mum. Raising two boys and especially me, the hard head

Biggest extravagance
Traveling

Biggest fantasy
Become a force to reckon with in the movie industry, locally and internationally

Tonnies interview wth Redsan

REDSAN

THE PIONEER

Arguably the most refined dancehall artist in the region, Redsan, real name Mohamed Swabri, has over the years displayed superiority in his hits with a magical touch in narrative, beats and bass, hooks, chants and unique delivery. He truly is the pioneer and still going strong. He speaks to Anthony Nabiliki of HFM.

Your music has matured a great deal over the years and you are definitely on top of your game right now, what is the secret recipe
I have God to thank for that secondly my family and my fans for my music, it's been challenging actually trying to do a song that every one can relate to and love, i have a secret to that and i wont let it out just yet.

Could you break down for us some of your career highlights?
My career has been smooth sailing for the past four years, many reasons actually but I’ll go to the important one. My music is not local and this way I can reach a lot of people around the globe and get them to understand what message I’m passing out and these are the ‘highlights’ I hold close to heart. Seeing thousands of people appreciate my music around the world is a big blessing to me.

I know it hasn’t been an all-smooth ride, what are some of the challenges you’ve had to endure?
Challenges are there everyday it's just that now we have matured more and can make our challenges work for us rather than allow them to destroy what we have build. We don't dwell on or stress over challenges so much.

What made you come up with the title The Pioneer for your new album?
Pioneer was a name chosen by my managers overseas, reason is i have done great things for the Kenyan music industry and also promoted our music internationally i am the first Kenyan artist to brake through the international scene, and people see that out there and that’s how the name came up.

Some of our HFM lady readers consider you a sex symbol. What do you have say about that?
Sex symbol? I wouldn't let my girls down so I always look sharp, be intelligent know how to treat people and be your self and that’s sexy. So yeah we are proud of that.

Considering you are a good looking and successful musician, do you sometimes feel like you are getting a lot of negative energy from guys, or maybe an occasional envious look?
Not every one will like you and not everyone will hate i don't waste time on negative issues i believe being right is every human beings goal so if someone is negative towards what you do, that’s their beef. Live your life right and always concentrate on the positive things - that’s my drive.

Have you ever had ladies hitting on you and how do you politely tell them off
I’ve had moments when i couldn't control some invites that have been thrown towards me but you just have to listen you can't do anything about it, i just smile most of the time.

What is your ideal kind of lady?
My ideal lady has to be smart, funny, intelligent, out going, not so serious on petty matters, and she has to have a killer physique man. That’s just me I don't know about ya'll.

What special plans do you have this Valentines Day?
Valentines mmhh. Not really planned but I’ll let you know on the next issue what I did.

What special message do you have to your fans both in Kenya and outside the country?
My fans are my life and blood. Always keep it blazing, always support your boy. Know who you are to me because I love you all.

How do you spoil yourself?
I don’t, I let someone else do that for me, that ground is well covered.

What’s next for Redsan?
I have a new album coming out; fresh new singles and videos in the very near future. Things will be extremely sweltering for those who aren't in the red zone...

HFM QUICK FIRE

Looks or personality
Looks

Rain or Sunshine
Both

Staying in or going out
Staying in

Morning person or not
Depends

Drive or chauffeured
Driving

Love poems or flowers
All of the above

Tonnies interview with Shamilla. Miss Kenya 2006

SHAMILLA KHADIJA KIPTOO

A BEAUTY ON A MISSION

The reigning Miss Kenya is stunningly beautiful and yet so down to earth you would think you have known her all your life. Besides not being preoccupied by her glam, she is driven by a genuine passion to effect change and make the world a better place. She talks to HFM about her reign and the love she has for her family

Take us back to Khadija before clinching the title, how can you describe her in a few words?

I have always been a typical girl, the everyday ‘girl-next-door’ type. I was a customer care representative in a communication company here in Nairobi. Khadija has always been concerned with the everyday life issues that plague us and I’ve always been driven by a heartfelt urge to try and change the ills.

Has being in the reign changed you in any way? If yes, How?

I would say yes. Because I was kind of a tomboy (laughs). Although I had done some modeling before, I never quite took it seriously. Right now I know how to represent myself better. I have done a lot of growing up and have the confidence to face different groups of people and articulately put across my issues.

What do you think made you stand out from the rest and take the crown?

Everyone was tall and really pretty. So I guess my personality bailed me out. I am a very sociable person

Many people know Shamilla, the Miss Kenya, what else do you do?

I am involved in a lot of charities. I’d love o see smiles everywhere that is why I have seen the reason why we should have poor children and the orphans suffering. So I am happy to be part and parcel of changing all that.

You’ve been listed among other prominent entertainment figures as a top Muslim celebrity in the Answers.com wikipedia, how does that make you feel?

It makes me feel happy to be noticed and really honored. And maybe to try and change a wrong perception held about Islam.

What is love in your own words?

Deep understanding and caring about other people. Wanting to know how they are doing and how you can help to keep them happy

Are you in love?

(Laughs) I am in love with my mum, my family and my country Kenya. But I am not in any intimate relationship with a particular person

How do you plan to spend your Valentines Day?

I am planning a charity dinner to be held on that day. It is in aid of New-Life community center, a feeding programme that we aim will grow to cater for more than just the nutritional needs of the orphans. I am very optimistic about it.

Since becoming Miss Kenya, what have been your major accomplishments so far?

One overriding accomplishment is for me making my siblings know that whatever you put to heart and believe you can achieve, you can do it. As long as you work hard for it

What do you love to indulge in during your free time?

Me and my mum like to gossip about a lot of things, and I mean a lot of things (Laughs). I also love watching movies and sports. I am a sports lover. I am not the wild kind so I don’t go out much and opt to chill out at home most of the time.

Describe a perfect romantic night out?

My best choice will be the Malewa River lodge. It is in Naivasha. The place has a wide array of wild animals and there is some little nicely built huts with no doors and windows. The outdoor fee, good ambience and candlelight make it the romantic place of my choice.

What do you passionately aim to achieve as Miss Kenya before the end of your reign?

To make sure that people are knowledgeable about the effects of FGM. I think we are doing it wrong by educating women and girls only and leaving out the Dads while it is them who firmly hold to such traditions and customs. Part of my vision is also champion gender equality and girl child education.

Who or what always puts a smile on your face?

My family, especially my mum. Everyday when I wake up she comes to me and asks what she can do for me. My family means the world to me.

Quick-fire

Chocolate or flowers

Flowers

The beach or the wild

Wild

Good boys or Bad boys

Bad boys

Secretive or open book

Open book

Tonnies interview with Esther Passaris JUNE 2007

Esther Passaris

Driven by a rare and admirable passion to make and witness positive change, Esther Passaris has over the years proven that with the appropriate elements and the required drive it is indeed possible for one person to better the lives of millions. She speaks to HFM’s Anthony Nabiliki on herself, her vision and the road she has had to follow to become the successful businesswoman that she is today; plus some wise words to the budding in the business world.

What can you say are your strongest characteristics?

My ability to, not only equate solutions to problems but to also commit to them. Hardworking, focused and sincere.

What bred the idea for adopt a light and give us a short preview of the success story?

There was a problem in lighting and I found a solution through the Adopt A Light concept. This not only required dedication and pulling together of my resources but also required esteem and total dedication of all the time and energy I had which was a lot given that I am a single parent. The projects also came with its own challenges; which I had to and continue to deal with to achieve the objective of a lit city. The ability to convince clients to adopt lights was not enough it also required us to deliver, which is becoming increasingly difficult given the breaches by our partners. That’s why we have to put up a brave fight and we hope that when it is all over we shall still have brands that are proud to be associated with the project.

Tell us a little bit about the “Be one in a Million campaign”

The slums of Kenya need a lot of attention. Adopt a light took me into the slums and I realized that they need a lot more than just security. As advertising in the slums is not appealing to the various brands we needed to not only find an alternative source of funding but also find one that would see us address more then lighting. Adopt A Light and I are the founders of the Driving Kenya foundation where I have 9 other women whom I invited to be trustees and I look forward to firstly getting the one million supporters and then putting together the board of advisors, elders, agents, friends; all with the view to attaining our target a billion shillings for slum upgrading monthly. We need all the help we can get from Kenyans who care to make a difference because they either hate the poverty or care to make a difference because they know that poverty is detrimental to the future well-being of them and their own.

What are some of the challenges facing women business leaders including yourself?

The lack of support and goodwill majority of our leaders for women in business and of course the idea that a woman is good only for small business resulting to a lack of access to funding for big projects.

What do you do to ensure employee satisfaction?

I believe that a job in itself should give an employee satisfaction and motivation. You either have it or you don’t.

Being a mum is a full time job in its own right, how do you juggle between that and being a CEO?

Not easy but I try not to work weekends or take a holiday with the kids every three months as I don’t believe working for the children is enough reason not to be there for them. They see, hear and learn every day and if a parent is not careful before you know it you have strangers in the house. I fear that, and that’s why it is important that I am around them and if I cant then I leave them to my mother, my best friends who are also the godparents so they get the guidance needed to be good souls.

What drives you to work hard?

The future of my children and loved ones, the way I see it I have to be part of the process to make our country and our world a better place.

Do you have any people who have been an inspiration to your life and career?

Wangari Maathai and Rosa Parks for believing in something and going for it, Princess Diana for eliminating barriers between the classes and Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa for sacrificing for others.

What do you do during your ‘me time’ when you are not busy working?

I don’t have much “me time” at the moment but that’s the price I have to pay for having big dreams. One day maybe I will find the “me time”. I am a mother and a public servant for now.

What is your vision for Adopt a Light?

Being a public quoted company and offering all round solutions for insecurity

Any advice for young ladies who are getting into the world of business?

Believe in yourselves and if you fail, try again and again and don’t be scared to change course at any time in your lives. Life is short and it’s got to be meaningful. Don’t limit yourselves you are children of God and you can achieve anything you set your mind on with effort and the right mix of ingredients.

Tonnies interview with KAZ (August 2007)

KAZ

The Real Her

An award-winning artiste, a participant in the very first Project Fame reality-TV show, an accomplished actress and a lady who doesn’t stop at nothing to tell it as it is. That is Karen Lucas for you, better known as Kaz. Do not be duped by the pretty face and sweet smile and think that you can step on her toes, stand on her way and walk away smiling. Kaz is a fighter with a dream, and she has all the tools she needs to be dancing on the apex real soon. So step off her path, lest you get Mystified. She speaks to HFM’s Anthony Nabiliki

We’ve heard, read and seen a couple of both stormy and sweet references about Kaz. What’s your personality in your own words
Bubbly, Charismatic and Entertaining.

What were you like in school?
I was the one who was always in trouble. I was really naughty as a child.

Growing up, did you always know that you will be a performer or at what point did it hit you?
I always knew that I was going to be a performer. From when I could talk, I realized that I would be an artist, so I did everything in my power to become what I wanted and I always get what I want.

Your song Mziki saw you winning the ‘Most Promising Female Artiste Award’ at the prestigious KORAs. Did you see that coming and how was the feeling?
Yes I saw it coming. Winning the award was a great feeling. I was overjoyed, to be feted continentally, that was just amazing. It was really great considering the KORA awards are the African equivalent of the Grammies.

Taking you back to the times at the Project Fame Academy, would you do anything differently?
I would still be me. Having done it differently would mean having to act out of my genuine character. And I wouldn’t do that in anything in life.

From since you started out as a musician, what is the one significant lesson you’ve learned?
I can’t say that there is one particular thing that I have learnt. I have been performing for the last ten years now, so I cant say in that whole period I’ve learnt only a single thing. Every period of time has its own lessons. Every year, every month, every day I get to be taught something different. Over the years I’ve learnt to be thick skinned and be consistent, because if you want something you have to really… really want it. I was born knowing I would be a performer, went out and followed my dream, and nothing is going to stop me. There has been so many things and people that have tried to stop me, but if you let them stop you then that just proves that you are indeed weak. I am always gonna be a performer, I am always gonna be a musician, I am always gonna be on-stage. That is part of my lessons learnt.

What are you up to at the moment?
Finally after like two and a half years, my first album is done and I am now planning for the launch next month. I have been through a lot in the past two and a half years. The album is every single part of me, the real me in this past period.

Who have been your biggest influences in life and as a musician?
In Music, Angelique Kidjo. I see her and that is where I want to be, for sure. In life my biggest influence has been my mother. She’s a very strong woman. She has been through a lot and has been able to pull out and be strong for her children and herself. Being young, I’ve always complained of how I would get through some hard situations in life, then I remember how my mum was able to cope with such situations and derive strength from it. I admire her.

When was your very first gig, and were you paid for it?
My first time on stage was when I was fourteen years old. My first paid for gig was when I was 16, at the Choices Street Jam. I shared the stage with greats like INTU, K South Flava, Zanaziki and Kalamashaka.

Playing in front of an audience is nerve-racking. How long did it take you to get used to it?
It is nerve-raking. You never get used to it. the nerves never go away, they are always there. When you stop getting nervous, then you know its time to get off the stage.

Describe the type of music you do and what are your songs mainly based on?
My music is Afro Fusion and my songs are based on everyday life experiences, especially my life experiences.

What is ‘life in the limelight’ like?
I don’t know what it is like to live life outside the limelight. I have always wanted to be in the limelight and I have always been in the limelight. That is the only life I know. .

What is the biggest misconception about being Kaz?
I think everybody is entitled to his or her opinion, and as long as anybody has an opinion on me, I don’t mind. Whether it is negative or positive, it means that they are thinking of me in the first place. So there is no misconception, wherever perception one holds of me, it’s up to them. But the people who are near and dear to me, know the real me.

What is the biggest obstacle you’ve had to face in you musical career?
Life. Life is hard; it is my biggest obstacle and will always be my biggest obstacle. Having to wake up everyday and say to myself, ‘it is a brand new day – I have to get through it’. Life is a beautiful thing but it is also hard. I can’t pinpoint anything else as being an obstacle; my family is supportive, my friends are supportive, everything is there.

What is something about you that would surprise your fans?
Fans who don’t know much about me would be surprised by everything about me. The fact that I am a nice person is surprising. I meet people for the first time and after fifteen minutes together they go like… ‘Oh my God Kaz, I didn’t know you were so nice!’ Everything about me is basically surprising to my fans

Do you ever get tired of the whole entertainment scene?
Not ever. Never have, never will.

Were there any sacrifices you had to make for your dream?
Maybe I can say I have sacrificed being in a fulltime-employed job where I have a regular and steady income. Where you are sure of where your rent is coming from. I’ve had to sacrifice that for my life as an artist, which is a very bohemian lifestyle. Spending all my days in the studio and not knowing where your next batch of cash is coming from. I’ve had to sacrifice an easily comfortable life so that I can live my dream.

What movies and books would you recommend for our readers?
Books – Richard Branson’s ‘Breaking my Virginity’ and ‘The 48 Laws of Power’ by Robert Greene. Movies – The Perfect Stranger, NEXT with Nicholas Cage and a musical called RENT

What detests you the most?
I really don’t hate anything… for sure.

What’s your driving force in life?
The fact that I can visualize my future and know that I am gonna be a success story, that is my driving force.

Local and international musicians that you admire?
I admire very many actually. Locally Eric Wainaina is number one on my list. Others include Harry Kimani, Suzanne Awiyo, Abbas, Kanji and internationally Angelique Kidjo, Miriam Makeba, Richard Bona,

If you had to change something in the music scene what would that be?
Copyright. I think Kenyan musicians have the right to get what they work for because we work so hard, and spend so much time in the studio. With all the effort we are putting in our work, I don’t see why any musician has to live in anything less than a three bedroomed mansion in a posh estate like Runda. So if there were anything I would change it would be the copyright law. Many musicians would rightfully be millionaires if they got paid what they are worth. They should be getting six figure cheques from MCSK every month. We should be earning more than politicians.

What do you do for fun?
I watch movies… at home. I watch live bands and I socialize a lot. I am a socialite

What is your advice to up-and-coming musicians and performers?
Don’t stop

What are your Future prospects?
Near future is my album launch next month. After my launch, my next project is, project ‘BE RICH’

Tonnie talks to Somoina of Capital FM

a chat with Somoina

Programmes Director - Capital FM

By Anthony Nabiliki

Undoubtedly, Somoina Kimojino is one of the best known Radio personalities in Kenya. At the helm of the Programmes Department in Capital FM, the soft spoken Radio Executive depicts a refined and styled side of a Lady Manager.

Somoina studied Mass Communication at the University of Windsor in Canada and has been at Capital FM for the past five years now. She describes her times at the Station as “very good and very interesting at the same time”. “There has been the obvious Ups and Downs just like in any other organization...where you have to face some challenges. But all in all there’s been significant growth for both the station and to me as an individual.” She says.

Somoina became a director at capital FM two years ago, an accomplishment she describes as one of her personal greatest. Her beauty, easy charm and ready smile might serve to conceal the fact that hers is NOT an everyday smooth run at work. “Dealing with personalities is not always easy,” she says. “For example we’ve faced some situations in the past where we have no presenter for a prime time show. That is why we always have a plan B.” She explains that to be a good programmes director you have to think positive and think big, “No idea should be taken as ‘grand enough’ and everyday is a learning experience.” she says. “We are constantly putting in ADs for new talent and always training new talent. Sometimes the plan B... the person you’d never think would be able to host a show actually turns out to be stronger than the person who was there initially.”

“Being the pioneer FM station, Capital FM has grown bigger and stronger over the years. So what is the secret recipe,” I ask Somoina.
“The station is constantly reinventing itself. Sometimes people don’t understand it when we make the changes but it is actually what keeps us ahead. Listeners get bored with getting the same old stuff over and over. So reinvention is very important, that’s our secret recipe.” “I am proud of being part of the team that has taken the station to the top, now the challenge is maintaining that position,” she adds.

On the hue and cry from various quarters that FM stations favour content from outside the country to the expense of local talent, Somoina insists that local producers and artists need to up their standards. “We have sat down with music producers and artists and had talks on this subject to try and challenge them to come up with better Music in terms of content and quality. I mean there are just a few songs we can play and these means an improvement is needed sooner rather than later.”

Owing to her status as a celebrated radio executive, Somoina’s life is virtually under constant public scrutiny. I ask her if this has any effect on her personally or professionally.
“Not at all,” she asserts. “I just laugh it away... You have to be able to look at the situation and move on because half of the time the tabloids say things that are farfetched and untrue. As long as the people around you know the truth and what you are about then it doesn’t really matter.”

“In the present day and age do you think its true or it’s a wrong perception that women are not given the same opportunities as men in terms of career success?” I ask Somoina
“I think nowadays the opportunities and openings are there, but ladies still have to work twice as hard to be recognized. A career woman is probably juggling a lot more than her male counterparts and a whole more is expected of her. But then again I think a lot of the labour laws (maternity laws) have favoured women, which is a good thing but there is a catch 22 situation therein. The same women are looked at as a disadvantage in the work place. Some employers would now rather hire a man than a woman if they have the same credentials.” She answers.

In her life and career, Somoina derives her inspiration from various avenues. “I look up to God for my inner strength. My mother plays a big role in my life and influences me in many ways. I also have some mentors in the industry.” Persistence and a knack to keep on working hard is what makes her a strong woman.

Somoina @ a glance
Fascination with radio
It has a magnificently dynamic nature to it that nothing is the same on a daily basis, everyday brings with it a fresh beginning. Radio is instantaneous; you can get an immediate response to a cause or to an action as opposed to other media like TV or print.

Off - work
Radio is like the E.R., it is a 24 hour job so basically I am on duty throughout (laughs). But most of my free time is spent at home especially now that I have a little one. You will find me in the house reading a book and relaxing

Future
I am moving to TV. As you know we recently launched a TV station CBC (Capital Broadcasting Corporation.) It is a 24 hour business channel which we are doing in partnership with CNBC Africa. Through this we hope to show the potential of the continent in terms of business. We are also working on including new local business content, focusing mainly on Eastern Africa.

Advice to younger girls aiming to land into the career world
First and of major importance, Get an education. Work hard, stay true to yourself and make sure you stand for what you believe in.

Tonnies interview with George Waititu (MD Steadman) Nov 2007

One on One

With George Waititu

At the controls of Steadman Group, he stands out as one of the most luminous young business leaders in the country at present. His face has become synonymous with the political mood of the day, thanks to opinion polling. He speaks to HFM’s Anthony Nabiliki about himself and the recipe to make it to the top.

How developed would you say research is in this country?
You’ll find that there is no college or university at the moment that offers a degree in research despite it being a very crucial subject. There are quite a lot of institutions in the western world with specialized programs on different types of research. Having been in this business for nearly ten years, I’ve realized that one of the things that impede the continent generally, save for South Africa, is the low understanding and low appreciation of what research is. The best way forward is to sensitize people on research and help them adopt it. We have established the Steadman Centre for Applied Research Training where we train people, most of whom are working executives on application of research. Not the theoretical aspects that you would find at learning institutions. Our agenda is to mainstream research and make it known to the market. In this respect we have introduced the Research Club of Kenya in high schools and so far the results are encouraging.

As a young business leader, what motivates you and what are your everyday driving principles?
The desire to keep things changing, highly motivates me because I hate routine, I hate doing things that are mechanical. That is why I like research because everyday you are researching on different things, you are tracking things that are dynamic. If you don’t hunger for change the world would remain the same. This would not be beneficial to anybody whether socially and commercially. Of course when I talk about change I am referring to positive change.

Would you say there are any particular difficulties that young people face as they ascend the corporate ladder?
I could say the youth feel that they are too young and there’s still time to do all the other things later. The young people should project and present themselves in a way that inspires confidence from the older generation. Once they package themselves as people who can be trusted, responsible, and visionaries; it’ll be easier for them to go up the corporate ladder. Particularly because they possess the energies and have less commitment compared to the older people. I think the challenges are not a lot because the world embraces youthful management and companies now are looking at younger people to be at the top because that way they are guaranteed of a longer future in terms of performance.

Steadman group is one of the biggest entities in information services provision. Being at the helm of such a company what do you do to motivate your team?
What I do is enable a dynamic environment since people tend to get bored in doing the same thing all the time. A dynamic environment whereby we’ve got new products coming and services, changing the general ambiance of things. The other thing is that they have a lot of freedom in terms of how they work. Freedom here means that I have not encouraged a hierarchical type of management, it is more horizontal. This makes them to be their own managers since they plan and execute their work more proficiently. I don’t believe in money being a motivator because it’s never enough.

What does media monitoring entail?
Media monitoring is our heritage, it is how Steadman as a company grew. We set up the company to monitor the media as an independent watchdog. It involves watching that an advertiser is not being shortchanged and that his AD is not only being aired, but is also being aired at the right time and in a way that isn’t distorted. It also makes sure the messages are clear and coherent. Advertisers subscribe to that service, so we charge them a fee for monitoring to make sure that the money used in advertising doesn’t go down the drain. We also basically analyze all editorial content and classify them by different areas for use by politicians, scholars or any other party.

The Steadman Group is readily linked to opinion polling especially on the political front. How can a layman review the merit of an opinion poll?
It is quite a tough one because for one it takes a leap of faith for one to believe that a sample of two thousand or three thousand can represent a population of nearly fifteen million people. For validation first of all one needs to understand the dynamics that are used in sampling. He ought to pay attention to how the sample used in research is distributed with regards to the country’s population. Beyond that then one has to come over and be taken through how the entire process of how the interviewers were trained, how they interviewed, how the questions were framed. Because a question like “Who would you vote for?” would give you a different answer from “Would you vote for Kibaki?” the way an interview question is structured is also very important.

Do you have anyone you personally look up to as a role model?
I don’t look up to just one individual as my role model for everything. You find that whoever it is that I aspire to be like would have gotten there through an environment completely different from mine. There is also a difference on where they have reached in life and most importantly the path to it. I have a cocktail of role models since I have to be very dynamic, I have to maintain that flexibility. The same way I do a lot of research to make an informed decision is the same way I wouldn’t stick to one individual as a role model.

How different is George Waititu the Husband and Dad from George Waititu the MD?
The corporate environment sought of dictates that you have to behave in a certain manner. Lots of people here might think I’m a very serious, rigid, strict though dynamic kind of person; I am two totally different people here and at home. I as much as possible make my domestic environment very smooth and easy. With no rules at all, if I have to place my socks on the table, so be it. My wife and I would fight over the fact that I am too easy with the boys; I am not a disciplinarian at all.

Please give an example of what your daily routine must be like and what do you do for relaxation?
My life is not based on a routine kind of program. As I had told you earlier I get bored with anything very fast, rarely would you find me doing one thing for a long time. But then again I do not have that much time for leisure, but when I do I would do a couple of things like going out for a round of golf.

What would be the biggest 'real world from one young person to another' advice you could give to other fledging young entrepreneurs?
The first and very ultimate advice which tends to sound boring is about Vision. Never get into anything if you don’t have a clear vision about what the business is all about, whether the business is new or is an existing one. I can tell you that I have seen some brilliant CEOs failing because they lack a clear vision. They move from one company where they have been very successful to another and do not consume the vision of the new company. For that reason they do not execute their duties or perform as well. Vision is important because it dictates everything from the things you do, how you talk, the people you relate with, how you craft your strategy, how you brand your company... nearly everything. Personally I take a lot of risks because my vision is very clear. Before you write that business plan or that strategy, your vision has to be clear. When you start doing something then come up with your vision later, it wont work and if it does then it is purely out of luck.

Another piece of advice is that you should not take other people in similar businesses as yours as your competitors. The competitor at all times should be your client problems. Because if you cannot address a client’s problem or be able to anticipate how the problem is likely to occur tomorrow, then you do not have solutions for them and someone else would.

Tonnies interview with KATE Wainaina (Miss Commonwealth)

KATE

Make Way…world

Here come smiles on tiaras. Kate speaks to Tony Nabiliki

How was the feeling when you were announced winner? Emerging first among a bevy of other beauties to clinch the Miss Commonwealth crown?
First of all I could not believe my ears. For a moment there I thought that maybe the judges had made a mistake. I think it is because this was my first time being involved in pageantry or even modeling on the runway in general.

What do you think made you steal the show?
I think it had something to do with my confidence. I kept on a smile throughout the competition. Don’t be mistaken…, that is not as easy as it sounds. I think this fact particularly made the judges concentrate more on me. All the other girls were extremely beautiful so the challenge was enormous.

What are the chances of you coming home with the coveted Miss Universe crown?
I am very optimistic about it and I think I am ready to go. I know that I have got what it takes to hack it. But the final decision lies with the judges.

Tell us a bit about your background, growing up and schooling?
I was born and bred in Nyandarua at a small town called Nyahururu. That’s where I did my primary school, that was at Starehe Primary School. After that I went to St. Angelic Secondary School in Meru for my O-levels. Then I joined Daystar University in 2004 where I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in community development.

This might be cliché but still… If you are crowned Miss Commonwealth World what are the main activities you would focus on?
I would focus on the things that mainly affect women, such as domestic violence, rape, and the prevailing inequality in various components of society. I would also speak out compellingly on the issue of unemployment among the youth in the country. The other thing of similar importance is charity; because I believe that one can never go wrong with giving especially to the less fortunate in society.

Do you have any strategies you plan to unearth during the forthcoming pageant?
I plan on doing my best in representing my country and that basically entails being outgoing, attentive, confident and proud of where I come from. The rest will just flow flawlessly and by the time I come back they will know that a Kenyan was there.

Can you talk about some of the preparation that you guys have to go through before the D-day of a pageant? Is it enjoyable or draining?
It includes eating healthy, which in essence means avoiding oily junk, cat-walk training, beauty lessons where you are given tit bits on how to do your own make-up. We are also trained on how to approach and answer the questions. If one does not have a passion for modeling then it can be very draining to them. But if you enjoy doing it like I do… then it is loads of fun.

What is your greatest fear?
Failure… that scares me to the bone.

What has been the most significant accomplishment in your life? Why?
Having been able to reach campus level in my education and also being a model. What I am majoring in at the University is very much related to me being a beauty queen, plus I am doing what I love the most.

Do you consider yourself to be a giver or a taker?
I am a giver. I give a lot to the needy and trust me… I have never lacked anything.

In your own words, at what point in life do you think a girl becomes a woman?
I believe that the transition occurs the moment a girl discovers herself and realizes exactly what she wants for herself in life.

What else are you involved in apart from the world of glam and fashion?
Charity. On a normal day, you would find me at an orphanage having fun times with the kids.

What trait(s) in a guy would definitely have your heart racing?
He has to be hot! Intelligent, have a nice taste in clothes, a well arranged dental formula and a nice smile. Oh… and a nice cologne.

Personally, are you fascinated by the Bad Boy Image? Why?
It goes fifty fifty for me. What I like about them is that they are not pretenders; they do not put on an act of being too sweet, or too gentlemanly. No offence to the ‘too suave’.

Do you have a particular exercise or dieting regimen? Care to share?
Yes. I exercise in the house with a lot with aerobics videos, eat cereals for breakfast and take lots of water. Instead of fries for lunch, I eat fruits.

The festive season is just around the corner, any special plans?
I want to spend it with my family and my close friends at my house. I have always gone upcountry for Christmas.

Which holiday spots would you recommend to someone either within or outside the country? Why?
Maasai Mara. It is in Kenya of course and it is the most beautiful place to go on a trip.

What is the best relationship advice you can give to a friend?
Learn to forgive and forget, and most importantly, always be yourself.

Are you the superstitious kind?
Definitely not

Are you a noisy or quiet kind of girl?
At times I can be unbelievably quiet but then at other times I can be really noisy. It all depends on the context.

What about your personality do you think makes you more noticeable
I am very focused and ambitious

At the end of your reign, how would you love to be remembered?
As someone who was true to herself, fair to all and a helper everytime she was required to lend a hand.

Tonnie talks to Sellah Bogonko (Miss Tourism 2007)

Sellah

Making of a Tourism Ambassador

Speaks to Anthony Nabiliki

Sellah fondly reminisces how she would stir-up excitement during playtime as a child, by infusing some haramu (foul-play), just to keep her peers alert. “You’d think the other kids would keep away from me? on the contrary, everyone would want to be on my team because we’d always win fair and square!” she asserts the ironic twist of events. A seemingly contrasting personality, one would say. Sellah tells of her being an introverted kid, so much so that some of their old neighbours would readily remember her younger sister and at the same time ask her parents “When did you have her (Sellah)?”

That was then, now standing at 5’8, Sellah amiably combines grace, beauty, a ‘killer’ smile, a passionate vision, a smart mind and an easy charm that saw her being crowned Miss Tourism Kenya 2007 during the Miss World Kenya pageant where she’d emerged as the 1st runners up.

This beauty queen was born in Kisii District, “The land of the finest sweet bananas,” as she dotingly puts it. A year after she sprung onto earth, her mum and herself moved to Nairobi to join Daddy who was working and living in the capital. She went for her primary school education at Joseph Kangethe where she remembers that for some strange reason, she enjoyed amazing favour from most of her teachers. “It helped me discover my leadership potential at a very early stage in life and I was able to maximize on it.”
Sellah joined St. Georges Girls High School for her O-levels. “I had a great time in high school, I have loads of fond memories.”

She recently cleared her University education where she was pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Studies and Sociology, her inclination being Personnel Management and Total Quality Management. “I plan to commence my Masters later this year,” she says.

“My life keeps shocking me,” Sellah says after I ask her where she sees herself in five years. Like every other typical young campus student, she knew only too well that come last December, it was graduation, then on for the hunt for a permanent job. This notion however swung to an entirely different angle. “I realized that for me to make the best of my Title I will have to take it seriously and invest enough of my time and effort to it.” But that doesn’t dampen her bigger picture. Sellah, with not so many words rolls out her five year plan as being a masters holder, newly married, Managing Director of an East African fast growing and profitable Company as well as president and Founder of a charity-based organization.

As the reigning Miss Tourism Kenya, Sellah understands her role ever so clearly. She understands that her crown automatically gives her a leadership role, it gives her a voice to speak out on various issues that affect society, she understands that she is the face of Tourism in the country and her mandate is to promote tourism both locally and abroad.

Sellah’s road to pageantry wasn’t always a visibly premeditated one. In her mind, she actually used to scoff at beauty pageants as just some event where people were judged on their beauty. “I did not approve of the whole scenario and I must confess that this was based on my ignorance.” During her first and second years at the Kenyatta University, two close friends, Connie and Nase enlisted her to compete in the University’s pageant Miss KU, in 2004 then in 2005. In 2004 she completely refused to give it a try but the following year she thought to herself, “Better try and fail than not try at all.” “I was shocked when the MC asked…who’s the ‘flyest-chic’ in K.U? and the crowd unanimously roared... Sellah!!!!! I was totally blown away.” What followed were fun times, a huge impact on the campus community and many lessons during her reign as the University’s beauty queen. Biggest lesson of them all, “Take risks, they do pay off.” Two years later her eyes were on the Miss Kenya Crown. And there she was, 1st runners up, automatically been crowned Miss Tourism Kenya. She attributes all these to prayer. “I have a close walk with God and this has been and continues to be my main anchor in everything I do.”

Life in the limelight comes with a fair share of public scrutiny and a whirlwind of criticism both positive and negative. For Sellah, positive criticism is always a plus to her since it helps her check up on her weak points. In the case of negative criticism she has learnt that people will always talk and that there is no way to control that. “What I can control however is my response to the same.” She says. “I surround myself with people who will encourage me.”

With her crown, Sellah has been a busy girl. At the moment she is involved in various peace initiative programs such as the Pamoja Youth Initiative dubbed Jaza Lorry and several others whose aim is to assist people who were displaced owing to the recent post election violence. She is also working on several promotional strategies that are aimed towards restoring Tourist confidence in Kenya as a supreme destination . “My main upcoming project will be focused on promoting domestic tourism in Kenya.” This she says is vital because International Tourism alone cannot substantially sustain the sector. “Once a travel ban is issued, the tourism industry goes to a near collapse, which in my view should not be the case.”

SELLAH AT A GLANCE

Biggest passion in life
I’m very passionate about God. He has been and continues to be very central in my life. I have seen young people especially ladies make crazy choices in their lives; I have a passion to help them discover their purpose and live to maximize their potential

Hobbies
I enjoy hanging out with my friends, Networking, Reading motivational books, surfing the net, listening to music, shopping and photography.

Self Inspiration
I derive my inspiration first and foremost from the Bible. God through His word gives me revelation of the most amazing stuff and keeps reminding me that nothing is impossible through him. Secondly I am very privileged to be born into an amazing family, my parents (The Bogonko’s) and Siblings (Eric, Lilian, Judy, Willy and Tony) support and encourage me in everything I do. I’m also fortunate to be surrounded by people who are high achievers in life as well as God fearing. I happen to have several mentors and accountability groups and these keep me focused. I’m grateful to both these groups for their significant contribution to where I am today.

Best ingredients of a beauty queen
I believe everyone is beautiful in spite of the outward appearance. For you to bring out that inner beauty you have to start by loving and appreciating yourself. Confidence plays a key role in being a beauty queen. Contrary to popular belief, brains and beauty go hand in hand. Not all beauty queens are dumb-blondes. Another ingredient is discipline. Most of us have to watch what we eat and take good care of our skin, hair etc. That needs a lot of discipline. Beyond just being stunning, you need to possess a pleasant personality.

Beauty tip
Three things that every girl must own- Cleanser, Toner and Moisturizer…some can be improvised but these are a worthwhile investment. Steam and scrub your face weekly. Know what works best for your skin and invest in that. Having that perfect face does not necessarily mean spending a fortune.

Life’s most memorable moments?
The night I was crowned Miss KU, that was awesome. When I got my letter to join St.George’s Girls School, every time I sashay on the catwalk with the lights and cameras- especially last November during the Miss Kenya pageant.

Relationship
Just Family and friends, nothing romantic

Your take in keeping love alive in a relationship
I believe both parties have to WANT the flame to keep burning. Love is always about the other person so both parties have to be mindful of the partner. They must be willing to go that extra mile for the other person and sometimes, most times, sacrifice what they want for the other sake of their loved one. True love is sincere and trust is fundamental for any relationship.

Plans for Valentines Day?
Well I pray that the current tension in country will have cooled down by then, at least for the sake of all the love birds out there. As for me, being a Thursday I’ll definitely be working. I don’t have solid plans yet but I can not miss something to do.

Peace message
Our world renowned athletes can attest to the fact that even when you slip in a race, you still have the chance to win; it’s all a matter of attitude and choice. We have slipped but we have not fallen. There is Hope for our Nation!!! Let’s now more than ever find the solution to tribalism and not just sweep it under the carpet. Let’s focus on what unites
us and not what divides us. Like the words of our National Anthem…LETS ALL WITH ONE ACCORD together join hands in building Kenya. May God bring peace to Kenya, because only He can.

Best colour - GREEN anyday
Best movie - I’m not into movies but I enjoyed Transformers - that was cool.
Best drink - Fresh Juice-cocktail
Best food - Pilau
Best day of the week - Friday
Best style - Anything long and elegant