Kaz: The naked truth

She mesmerised many in the hit TV reality show Project Fame. However, Karen Lucas’ Achilles’ heel still remains her flirtation with controversy, writes STEVENS MUENDOStarring in Simon Neil’s comedy Last of the Red Hot Lovers, Karen Lucas aka Kaz takes seduction 101 to a new level as she takes hostage of a lovelorn man with her romantic touch.That was in 2005. She was 21-year- old ready to make it in the competitive showbiz scene. After all, she was one of 12 Africa’s emerging musical talents representing Kenya alongside Didge (Max Nyatome) — in the continental reality TV show Project Fame the previous year. And she did not disappoint with great vocals, although in the eyes of many, she blundered in nominating Didge for eviction as she saved her crush in the house, South Africa’s Tebogo — a nephew to legendary musician Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse. Instead of choosing national pride, love had broken national boundaries and conquered her, just like in her role in Last of the Red Hot Lovers. The controversial vote caused outrage among many Kenyans as Didge was booted out, but Kaz honed her skills in acting.She later left the house and starred in various productions including All Girls Together, Move Over, Rasta and Miss Julie.The press was there to cover the controversial talent and she obliged, revealing how she allegedly lost her virginity at 16 and was raped at 19. Kaz even added how she pursued her first crush to the end. That was long before mind boggling nude photos sufficed on the Internet.Kaz is a child of many worlds. She is a vivacious and charismatic singer and actress whose illustrious career has seen her win accolades and millions of fans across the continent. Born in 1983, her music career began at the tender age of 14 and went ahead to win the Queen’s admiration after scoring a top Piano exams grade at the Braeside School. In 2004, she went ahead to represent Kenya in the continental reality TV show Project Fame, before winning a Kora Award (Most Promising Female Artiste in Africa) in 2006. She had earlier been awarded a Kisima Award (Best Afro Fusion Artiste of the Year). Two years later, she launched her clothes line and her own monthly music show. Then news hit showbiz headlines that the soulful soft-spoken star was headed to Broadway, New York — the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, a haven for commercial theatre. Karen Lucas aka KazBut that was not to be. Since the news broke in September last year, Kaz has been in a frenzy trying to raise money for the two-year course. Her dream to join Broadway is slowly becoming illusive as she cannot raise the fee. "This is an opportunity of a lifetime. Broadway represents the highest level of commercial theatre in the world. I can’t afford to lose the chance," Kaz says."The school gave me a scholarship but even after that I was left with Sh2.4 million to raise. I am trying to raise money and I’m seeking help. So far I have only managed Sh320,000.She says her zeal to pursue music and an acting career is unstoppable. Yet, the stumbling block is enormous.Asked what her options are in case she does not raise enough money to get her to Broadway, Kaz was quick to reply: "I will go ahead and audition for a cheaper school, an option I am considering right now. But I still have up to February next year as the chance is still open for me." Kaz is currently hosting Amaya’s Kwachua Milioni Show on KTN.Admired by many for her showbiz fervour and celebrated success, Kaz, an otherwise jolly and social girl with a witty demeanour, has her fame intertwined between the good and the bad, with controversy ever stalking her every step.But still, from overcoming psychological trauma after a rape ordeal when she was 19 to battling public ridicule after her nude photos found their way to the Internet, Kaz has never been shy to speak her mind."I am not controversial even though I sometimes find myself trapped with issues that I can hardly run away from. I am an extrovert, and that to some is controversial enough," she says when asked why she likes attracting controversy."I have been branded a drama queen who has mastered the art of double-speak, but that’s not who I am. In every progress you make in life, there will be people who will always try to bring you down. Regardless, you can’t stand there and whine or cry about every bad thing that happens to you. You have to move on," notes the former Afrodizzia TV presenter.Like her or hate her, Kaz is not about to slow down in her quest to hit the big stage in the film and music world. In fact, she jokes that her career is just taking off."I have a big dream and I can say that my career is just on the take off stage. The best of Kaz is yet to come out. I have grand plans underway. I won’t disappoint my fans," she adds.At 14, Kaz broke into public limelight dazzling music fans after joining Grammy award-winning rapper Coolio on stage during her debut performance. She was soon dubbed the Kenyan queen of soul for the soulful afro-fusion genre she ascribes. With three albums, Somin, KAZ and the Naked Truth to her name, the petite singer is probably the only local female singer to achieve such a feat at her age. "Right now I am actively involved in giving back to society by working with Nairobi Women’s Hospital. I also have been actively involved with the Kenya Breast Health Programme, advocating for breast cancer awareness," she concludes.

Kaz: The naked truth

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