The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
By Sheila Kimani (@sheilakimm)
Lass with the golden voice could easily be used to describe Sanaipei Tande a.k.a Sana who built a career in music and radio on her sultry voice. Sana was lucky to get into the showbiz scene at an early age.
Born and raised in Mombasa, Sanaipei grew up within the Swahili culture whose influence can be seen in some of her works. She attended Loreto Convent Mombasa, and Mama Ngina High school. When her family relocated to Nairobi she moved to St Lucy Kiriri Girls Nairobi where she cleared her high school education. Despite being qualified to study Pharmacy at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) music came calling at the same time forcing her to defer school.
Her family encouraged her to try out the East Africa Coca Cola Popstars Talent Search, to which a rather shy Sanaipei emerged winner alongside 2 other competitors Kev and Pam. Together the trio formed the group SEMA which pushed them to the limelight.
After travelling to South Africa and working with some of Kenya’s top talent, the group put together a 17 track album which included their début hit single “Leta Wimbo”.
But their fame was short lived as they split, leaving Sanaipei to pursue a solo career.
Fortunately for Sanaipei her vocal prowess saw her collaborate with renowned artistes like Jua Cali on Kwaheri, Kidum on Mulika Mwizi, Chizi on ‘Not The one’, and Bigpin on ‘You’. At the same time she furthered her solo musical career with hits like “Mfalme wa Mapenzi” and her recent “Ankula huu”.
Navigating the music industry and staying on top has not been an easy feat and with many upcoming singers and presenters looking up to her, Sanaipei Tande has inspired many to become our WCW today.
