Cece costs organisers Sh30 million

By Stevens Muendo

During her visit last weekend, it is said American gospel singer Cece Winans cost the event organisers close to Sh30 million making the concert one of the most expensively organised shows held in Kenya in the recent past.

The decorated singer and her entourage burned Sh4 million on air tickets and other travel arrangements alone. Her performance fee was also something close to Sh4 million. She was booked in a presidential suite at the Hilton Hotel complete with luxurious treats.

The singer who has won numerous Grammy and Stellar Awards was accorded an A-list reception and attention.

During her show, she was accompanied on stage by her son, Alvin III, who co-writes most of her songs, and a nine-man band. Accompanying her also was her husband, Alvin Love, who CeCe said is her pillar of strength.

Cece Winams in action at Bomas on Friday night [PHOTO: Evans habil/standard]

red carpet for ida

The sold-out concert had its sideshows.

The emcee of the night Big Ted received a rude shock when he went back to his car after the function only to find that it had been broken into. The thugs had made away with all the valuables in the car. And the Prime Minister’s wife Ida Odinga was accorded a red carpet reception.

It is said that the red carpet honour had been organised for the Prime Minister who was expected at the Bomas show but did not show up.

With heavy security around her, Ida left the venue shortly before the show came to a close. And after her departure, the carpet was rolled away to confirm that it was indeed made for her.

The Prime Minister’s wife was among a number of prominent personalities who attended the sold-out concert among them Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru.