Legends of Kibera: Kriss Darlin scores in Betika exhibition match

Refigah and Kriss Darling at Ruaraka Sports Grounds on Saturday during the Ronaldinho visit [Courtesy]

The famous reggae DJ Kriss Darlin is the talk of town after he stepped up to console the Kenyan football legends team against Kenyan Premier League side Sofapaka in an exhibition match organised by betting firm Betika last weekend.

Brazilian legend Ronaldihno Gaucho was present to witness the historic moment as some of the big boys who sprouted from Kibera slums to become household names in sports and entertainment took to the pitch. 

Kriss Darlin is widely known for his Dorty Family Group, where reggae music is brewed. But his football skills cannot just be brushed off. He scored at the packed KCB Sports Ground. Kriss Darlin has been keen on identifying and nurturing football talents in his hood, using his Kriss Darlin Super Cup tournament which entered its second edition this year. Maybe this effort was the ground on which Betika selected him to play for the football legends.

Then there was Refigah Heviweit at the same event. The man rose from the slum to become one of the greatest music record labels in the country with his Grandpa Records company. Through him, many prominent musicians have made it in life.  But he was at the football event dressed in a Betika-branded jersey. You can never question his presence, if you know his background. He loves and supports football, especially in his Kibera hood. Recently, he organised the Grandpa Super Cup tournament at Woodley grounds to mentor young talent.

We can’t talk of football without mentioning Dennis Oliech, who also lived in Kibera. His skills and dedication while on the pitch during his heydays made us proud. He was in the Betika legends team too.

One of the finest Kenyan hip-hop artistes, Octopizzo, is also a product of Kibera slum. He’s the hip-hop king in the hood and has stretched his hand to mentor talents outside music as well. He has a soft spot for sports and loves helping the needy.

There are many other legends from Kibera slum, who run the economy and transform lives countrywide. Legendary Omar Kasongo is another icon in the world of boxing. He won gold medals for Kenya at continental and global levels.