Ever since Pulse in 2004 spotted Shaffie Weru as the next big thing, he has since risen to be one of Kenya’s Kings of FM radio – and brought as much fun as he has notoriety. Now ‘The Shaf’ turns to us with an exclusive to lay his truth flat out bare, writes Matilda Nzioki.
Let’s start with the playboy tag...
I’m not a playboy but a party boy. I would say I don’t run around with women, as was the case a while ago.
I know many people would want to know if I’m dating Debbie Asila and Joan at the same time. I would say that is really none of their business, but that makes me sound rude. The truth is, they are both a big part of my life.
Debbie is the mother of my daughter, I adore and respect her, she’s been there for me and has invested so much into this relationship.
Joan on the other hand is here now, and everyone just has to deal with it. I’m seen more with Joan, especially in the pictures that appear in the media.
So how do you manage?
My family lives in Upperhill, while Joan lives in Kileleshwa. I shuttle to and fro; sometimes I’m with Debbie and other times I’m with Joan.
It does strain me but I put myself in this situation; so I try and manage it.
Nothing lasts forever; I guess the shuttling to and fro will eventually come to an end. I take it each day at a time. Maybe I’ll end up with whoever hangs on the longest.
Balancing act
Are both Debbie and Joan fine with the sharing?
They are definitely not OK; they don’t see eye to eye. I however try to make each of them comfortable. It’s tricky, but I try my best.
Shaffie Weru has risen to be one of Kenya’s Kings of FM radio |
And by moving on you mean…
I don’t know if she’s dating because I’ve not seen any indication. But even if she was, I wouldn’t blame her. There are some things that I can’t ask her.
What’s your take on relationships?
Relationships are overrated. If anything, they don’t take centre stage in my life. My first priority is my baby, and my job. I work hard, because I hate being broke.
My relationships matter to other people more than they do to me. To people, its muchene (gossip), but to me, the two currently most important women in my life are Milan and my mum.
Relationship
How would you describe your relationship with Milan?
We are tight and have a normal father-daughter relationship. I go for all her school functions, I see her to bed, and I’m around most of the time. I would say that I’m the perfect dad.
Speaking of marriage, where do you stand?
Everyone is always on my case asking when I’ll ever walk down the aisle. What I would say is that anyone asking that should keep holding that breath. I will, but after I’ve made my money.
I just turned 30, what’s with everyone wanting to see me married? There are so many people who are not married, and I don’t know why everyone is on my case. There’s Kalekye, Caroline Mutoko, Maina Kageni and many others. I do not want to rush into marriage just because of society’s pressure, then I end up like Prezzo, Abbas or Gido.
People should not ask that question again. They should just wait for their Invitation cards.
You are rumoured to binge drink. Is it true?
I drink what I can afford. Just like many responsible people, I don’t drink on weekdays. If I drink a lot like it’s normally portrayed, I’d be fired, because I wouldn’t make it to work, and it would reflect in my performance.
Paparazzi only appear when I’m out with sagging jeans and I’m high like a kite! Of course, if I’m out I’ll be high, because I’m not drinking milk! Where are paparazzi now that I’m dressed formally and looking cool?
People should not believe everything that they read about me as gospel truth. Most of it is hearsay, which is like a broken down hearse. Broken telephone!
If I were such a drunkard, I wouldn’t be working at Radio Africa for ten years.
I report in the office at 9am and leave after the evening show. I manage music on Kiss TV and content on Classic TV, plus there are my MC jobs. I get really busy.
You are known to be a cars fanatic… Yes, I’m currently driving a Mercedes ML 320.My car insurance is Sh200,000 annually. I hope to treat myself next year (to another moti). I’m not a footballer, they are the ones who buy big cars, but if I hustle enough, I can afford. People are driving big cars, and I don’t want to be left behind.
I also got a car gift on my birthday this year. It was from Magnate Ventures and friends. It was a Vitz, which I sold and donated Sh100,000 to charity. It’s prudent to give back to the community.
At the same time a lot is reported about you getting into accidents ...
I’ve only ever rolled with my car once. It was the Land Rover; the most expensive of my cars. It was only two months old. The other accidents happen when I’ve given out my car. For instance, Debbie’s bro has bashed two of my cars.
I always have a designated driver when I’m going out.
Let’s talk Chelsea...
That’s my team for life! I love football. I used to be a Liverpool fan since 1996 when I was in Form Two because everyone in my class was a fan. When I joined Kiss 100, my football passion was re-ignited and ditched the club in 2001.
Losing a football match breaks my heart! I remember when John Terry slipped and we lost, I burnt all my (Chelsea) jerseys, and swore that I would never watch football again. Never mind that the following weekend I was back on the screen.
Tell me about your family...
I only have one sister, 26-year-old Hanisa. The other one is my kid brother. My mum is Nubian and my dad is Kikuyu. I understand Kikuyu but can’t speak it. I’m however fluent in Nubian.
You tend to be bold on air…
I’ve rubbed many people the wrong way and gotten a few warnings from the media council. I always apologise when I offend people.
An example is when I called flight cabin crew ‘waiters’, which is not wrong because they serve people. Maybe I overlooked the other aspects of their job.
