ROBERTA KITHIMBA, 27, is an artistes’ manager at Ogopa Deejays production house. GARDY CHACHA gives us a glimpse into her life in showbiz

Describe the first time you entered the showbiz industry…

I was very excited that I was going to be working with celebrities from scratch, making them the big stars that they are now. It wasn’t easy at first, considering that I was fresh in the industry and didn’t know exactly how it works, but I am a fast learner. My passion for music and entertainment also helped me to quickly adjust. I was aware of the gossip doing the rounds.

How would you describe your work?

It’s about representing the company in official engagements, identifying opportunities for brand association — for the production house and the artistes signed to the label — managing sales processes for our products, and managing the artistes.

 Why is it important for an artiste to have a manager?

Managers play a pivotal role in accomplishing the artistes they represent. They handle their marketing, public relations and business affairs — basically all the day-to-day undertakings in their career. An artiste, therefore, gets time to focus on making music without the interruption of constant calls and dealing with negotiations. Every business needs a manager to ensure professionalism and smooth running.

Do you live by any principles?

Yes, three of them: What a man can do I can do better, work smart not just hard and always keep certain standards as a woman.

 How do you maintain your image and ensure that the Roberta people see at night events is principled?

It’s as simple as creating strict boundaries. I let everyone I work with know that when it’s work time, I mean business and they have to respect that. It’s one thing to put your word across and do the opposite. I make sure they clearly understand that I mean what I say. As a result, some people describe me as the chick with ‘glued undies’. This doesn’t bother me because it is better than being labelled a ‘panty dropper’.

Is it challenging for a woman to be in this industry?

It’s hectic because it is male-dominated. You have to constantly prove that you are capable of working as hard as them and not through sleeping around. As a newbie, you are like a new dog in a full pack; all eyes are on you and there are lots of bets on who will hit on you first. There’s also the stereotype that all the chicks in this industry have loose morals, hence many people hardly take you seriously.

Describe one tough moment you had to deal with in your line of work…

As many as they are, an event in Nakuru had to be my toughest. We were just done with the gig and guys managed to bypass security at the exit. They went on grabbing, squeezing and pulling our clothes. It was very painful.

Your educational background…

I went to Misyani Girls High School in Kangundo then to Digital Advisory and Learning Centre (DALC), a constituent college of Cambridge University, UK where I did an advanced diploma in Business Management.

 

Did you always want to be in the showbiz industry?

I tried working in a few offices, but I just couldn’t hack it. I quit after realising that my passion was not there. I once auditioned at Homeboys, but didn’t make. I did not give up and after some time, I met Lucas of Ogopa, who advised me to do an interview with the executive producer for a job as the face of Ogopa /brand ambassador, which I got. I later challenged them to allow me to manage artistes and here I am.

If you were not an artistes’ manager, what would you be?

I always thought of becoming a news anchor, so maybe that’s what I would be doing. I believe in achieving my goals and everything I put my mind to.

What are the challenges of managing artistes?

Big egos! Once they become super stars, they tend to forget that they didn’t get there by themselves. On the other hand, work is easier once they are big shots because they are on high demand. Unfortunately, some of them become uncooperative at this point.

Did your family (parents) support your career choice?

Totally. My dad and big sister always wanted me to try modelling, but I didn’t have the required height.

Growing up, what kind of a child were you?

I was a daddy’s girl (and probably still am), calm, obedient, teachers’ pet, and extremely shy.

What about in high school?

Oh my God! This is where all hell broke loose. I became stubborn, rebellious, and miss know-it-all. I was never in good books with teachers. I’m pretty sure they would be shocked how I turned out. But I guess all that was part of growing up.

Any unknown interests?

I am business savvy. I am registered with young entrepreneurs and I have just finished registering my own company, which is already up and running. I have recently developed an interest and passion for children with Down’s syndrome. I am trying to get more information about them — how they can be treated with love, respect and care. Also, if a chance opens up to impact the lives of young people positively, I think it would be a worthwhile venture for me.

 What do you love about your job?

I meet all sorts of people from different cultures and origins, shake hands with the high and mighty, travel the world and most interestingly, learn people management. I also don’t work on 8am-5pm basis.

You’ve been in showbiz from 2008, yet have managed to keep away from the limelight. Why is that so?

You can’t be everywhere all the time, otherwise, you will be termed a party animal and that doesn’t go down well with corporates; they will never take you seriously. I go where I will add value and vice versa. I also maintain a private life.

Take us through your typical day regimen...

Simple: I wake up, check and respond to mails, meet with clients and follow up on deals. Most of my work revolves around calls.

 

Do you have an icon?

That has to be Oprah Winfrey because of her humble beginnings and the fact that she worked her way to success, not waiting for a man to do it for her. Gone are the days when women sat and waited for a rich guy to marry them. You have to work hard and let him meet you when you are a smart cookie. That way, you earn the respect you deserve.

What next for Roberta?

I want to focus on running my business.

Is it possible that we might see you singing?

It’s not in my dreams, though some people have thought so just because I have been in the industry for long.

How do you spend your free time?

Chilling with my boyfriend and my dog, reading, catching a movie and going out of town.

Your parting shot to young women…

Enjoy your youth the right way. Don’t worry about life’s niceties; they’ll still be there in the future, but remember that you will have to work for them.