Celebs and their families

By Caroline Nyanga

Does being in the limelight mean you must change how you relate with your family or close friends just because society has placed you on a pedestal?

The late king of pop, Michael Jackson, once confessed that he was bitter with is father because he mistreated him.

In the famous 2003 Documentary Living With Michael Jackson, the star, idolised by millions across the globe and described as genius by many told journalist Martin Bashir that his dad was a slave driver who whipped him and his brothers.

He described his teenage years as extremely sad as his father wanted to make millions out of his popularity. Joe Jackson allegedly routinely called his son ugly. He said his father treated him as if he never measured up — from then on it was clear that the father’s sins were visited on the son. Perhaps the closest member of the family was his sister Janet Jackson with whom he often referred to as the most beautiful woman in the whole world.

It was obvious MJ was out to recapture the lost childhood he never had.

Locally the story is different, most artistes confess that their parents supported their choices and are their biggest fans Nonini

For a long time Nonini’s lewd lyrics was seen as a bad influence to the youth. In fact, his songs, Wee Kamu and Manzi Wa Nairobi were deemed graphic causing an uproar from the public. And now almost six years in the game, Nonini has come of age shunning the bad boy name. The singer who is working on his third album, Godfather says his family has always supported his music.

"They are happy that I was the first to tackle social cultural issues," he says.

Nonini’s mother Mrs Betty Maweu also defended his son saying that Nonini was educating the listeners. "It hurts me deeply when I hear people call my son controversial who sings ‘dirty’ lyrics. The truth is that he sings about realities of life," adding that Manzi Wa Nairobi and Keroro clearly relays across the message.

"The verse in Keroro that goes that umevaa chupi ngapi huko ndani (how many underwears are you wearing) are things more often said by patrons who frequent bars," she explains. Mrs Maweu adds that his son seeks her opinion whenever producing a song or video and is very close to his family. He has two sisters, his elder brother passed on when he was still a child. To show the love for his family he even recorded a tribute, Waliotuacha to his brother alongside other musicians who passed on and also serenaded her mum in the song Wanawake from his second album Mwisho Ya Mawazo.

"Athough she lives in Kangundo, we communicate on a daily basis. She is the only person I always run to whenever I have a problem," enthuses Nonini

Contrary to his celebrity status Nonini is seen as a hustler is struggling to make ends meet. His family gives him moral support by attending his shows depending on the crowd and location.

"I am very proud of my son Hurbert Nakitare who cooks for me the best dishes whenever I visit him. My family is one happy and always keep in touch," she said.Wahu

Award-winning singer Wahu says her family thinks of her as just an ordinary girl.

When contacted her parents Mr and Mrs Kagwi expressed joy at the fact that she has made them proud but insisted she

will always remain their child who needs to be taken care of.

To her hubby Nameless, Wahu is the loving wife and the mother of their child Tumiso.

" My mother is usually concerned about my welfare," she says. No wonder they recently paid them a visit for three weeks.

Even with her Masters in Mass Communication and Journalism Wahu says her parents have been supportive of her music career.

" My dad always told me to pursue music but to take precaution and not to let it interfere with my studies."

" I bet it is a connection that everyone else has with their mothers. My mum will always give me the comfort and try to make me feel like everything will be alright no matter how bad the situation may seem," she says adding that she is always loves to watch her perform. Amani

Songstress Amani is not a celeb when she is at home and always helps her siblings doing household chores.

"Most visitors are always shocked when theu see my parents treat me like a daughter and not a star," says the firstborn.

The musician who studied International Business Administration at United States International University (USIU) says her family were very supportive of her choice of career.

And although she has had a busy schedule she tries hard to spend time with her family.

Initially her family was always present for her shows and to date they view her music as a career and only choose to be in her concerts if they feel their presence will add value.

So then what of the gossip, does it affect her relationship with the family?

"My mother knows practically everything that goes on in my life," she explains.

Owen

Although the two brothers have been in the limelight for a while — it is Rufttone who paved the way for their success. For close to seven years he held on to the title of the undisputable King of Gospel as he mentored Daddy Owen

Their parents Mr and Mrs Mwatia reside in Kakamega, and see their success as a blessing from God.

"We have a special relationship with our children and we are very proud of what our two sons are doing. All we ask of them is to put God first in whatever they do besides investing wisely, " they told Pulse.

And contrary to speculations Rufftone and Daddy Owen are very close.

"I’m happy for my younger brother because the dream that begun when I first featured him in my Mwikhulu album has finally been realised."

The two say despite their busy schedule they visit their parents at least once in a month.

"It could be more times depending on the number of shows scheduled for us within Western Province."

But Rufftone recalls that things were not easy when he first begun singing as a secular musician. " My parents couldn’t understand why I had to do club music but things however, changed when I got saved and switched to gospel.

But even so Rufftone says when he finds himself in trouble the first people he would run to are his Bishop Ben Bahati or Pastor Stella Kabithi. Bobby Mapesa

Bobby Mapesa says although he is close to his family the issue of his lewd lyrics has never been a topic of discussion in the family.

"We hardly discuss my lyrics. But whenever I have a new song and show my family have always been supportive.

Bobby is a mummy’ s boy says his mother Jane Adhiambo " I know my son too well for he does not practice what he sings. At home he remains a shy boy who seeks my advice his career.

But Bobby recalls initially it wasn’t smooth when he started out. His parents were not happy with the fact that he chose music as a career. Nevertheless, with time they learnt to accept and became more supportive.

"Although my father works in Mombasa I see him occasionally and seeks opinion on my music. I also believe I have been an inspiration to my two brothers Felix and Richard who love and appreciate my music." Mariga

Celebrated football star MacDonald Mariga says his family comes first.

True to his words the footballer has already bought his parents a spacious beautiful house in Race Course while choosing to remain in Landi Mawe estate where he was brought.

"My father Noah Wanyama was a soccer player and a trainer. It is his success in the game that endeared me to it.

He says his mother and the entire family have been a great source of inspiration to his career — making them one close happy family.

Does his celebrity status affect the way he interacts with fans?

Mariga says he does not consider himself a celeb.

"We are proud to be associated with him because he has proved beyond reasonable doubt that he is a star."