The golden era

By Stevens Muendo

In a ceremony flush with the cream of Kenya’s showbiz celebrities, the return of CMB Prezzo was the main talking point among hundreds of fans who gathered at Florida 2000 on Saturday night for the Golden Mic Awards gala.

In fact, the rapper’s sideshows were more prominent than the pompous awards moment, which lived-up to its great hype.

First, he showed up with a new girlfriend, Joy Wanjohi formerly of Phat Magazine to the shock of many. He went ahead to talk about their relationship of one-and-a-half years before journalists as the two stuck hand in hand, sipping drinks and exchanging glances for the better part of the night. Neither his wife Daisy was in the vicinity nor was there any mention of her in his chit-chat. This is coming barely weeks after he was quoted professing his love for his wife Daisy at a concert at Carnivore.

Swagger

Accompanied by the new flame, the self-styled King of Bling then took to the podium where Nairobi Town Clerk Philip Kisia was waiting to present him with an award. He took a dramatic bow in front of Kisia before extending a prolonged hug to him as the ecstatic crowd cheered on.

So equally thrilling was his performance, which was significantly meant to mark his return to showbiz after a two-year hiatus. With energy and swagger, he thrilled the crowd with his new hit Fo Sho Fo Shizzle that brought the ceremony to live after a rather slow start.

Performances by the rapper and sassy award-winning songstress Size 8 were just some of the thrills of a night characterised by pomp and colour.

"Florida 2000 is Kenya’s oldest entertainment spot. The Florida Group is hosting Golden Mic Awards honour artistes who started their career at the club’s Jam Session," said the Florida 2000 Entertainment Manager Michael Katana as he opened the ceremony before ushering radio presenters Shaffie Weru and Jalang’o to emcee the party.

The ceremony kicked off with top entertainers getting trophies for their work.

Alongside dozens of artistes and media personalities, Standard Group Senior Editor Charles Otieno aka CEO and creative writer Stevens Muendo were honoured for their exemplary contribution to the growth of showbiz in the country.

The all night gala ceremony saw singers Wyre, P Unit, Avril, Size 8, Trapee, Jimw@t, Proff and Collo go home with prestigious gongs. Others included are veteran deejays Babuu and Kareez, radio personalities Jimmy Gathu and Shaffie Weru as well as writer John Muchiri. Events organiser Big Kev, Fred Omondi and Phillip Etyiang were also awarded.

CONFUSION

There was confusion after Ogopa Deejay’s stable member Kenzo failed to feature in the list of those who were being honoured even after he had been tipped to win an award.

"It was just a little confusion. We will surely present him with an award as he deserves it," Katana told Pulse on Tuesday.