Bonding and bouncing it: From Nameless' to Nonini's: Celebrities unite families for charity

 Singer Nonini and son                 Photo: Courtesy

Even after the last whistle, the party went on into the wee hours of Sunday morning. DJs traded places on the decks. The music was dominantly Kenyan, the product of tens of celebrities who on this night had switched places with their fans, dancing with each other for their own fulfillment. What a reunion and rebirth!

The celebrity power couple of Nameless and Wahu drove in with their second born Nyakio Mathenge, Kanda King and his wife Lady Tasha were side-by-side with their celebrity son Kanda Junior, Pacho the producer also brought his son and Pilipili and his wife Emily Katony had their daughter in a pram.

Nonini and his son took to the court together as Vinnie Banton watched his son Terrence on the decks. Looking amazing, Xtatic played with her daughter as TV stars and BFFs Maureen and Milka flaunted their curves.

But above all, the kids from Bondeni and ABC children centres to whom this basketball charity event had been dedicated were there, having the time of their lives with the crème de la crème of Kenya’s showbiz industry.

They took selfies with rappers Collo, Timmy and singer Big-Pin as well as singer Vivian and popular Radio Maisha presenter Mwende wa Macharia.

DJs Kay D, Talia, Nessa and Scolly Cheruto as well as cheer girls Rubie Tonia, Colletah Rizler and Lillian Amanda were not left out.

“I love bringing my family to such gigs because there is a lot to learn about the industry. It is also a good chance to show goodwill” Kanda’s wife said.

Never has an industry been so united for a common cause like it was last Saturday when they all assembled at Sunrise Imara for the Valentine’s Edition of the quarterly basketball tournament whose proceeds always go to charity.

The tournament is one of the biggest platforms where industry players meet and mingle as they discuss issues that affect them.

With an array of sponsors among them Startimes and Ahadi Kenya as well as hundreds of well-wishers giving the event a big boost through their generous contributions, the day-long event lived up to its great hype as media personality Arthur K, the hype-man of the day kept the atmosphere electric with humorous jokes.

The teams in the different pools entertained and the battle between them was epic and so nerve-wrecking that the finals had to be postponed to another day.

“This was a great tournament. People came out in big numbers and the donations were overwhelming. We should continue with this spirit,” Maurice Okoth, the CEO of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) said as he thanked everyone for the support.

“Sometimes it’s good to take time out from our schedules and add value to the society. I am glad that some of these proceeds and donations will go to my former home ABC, and I hope those children will grow up to be great people,” gospel singer Bahati told Pulse.

“The industry is growing fast and such platforms are a great place to push a positive agenda,” Pacho noted.