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Akothee
Kenyan musician and business woman From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Esther Akoth (born 8 April 1983), better known as Akothee, is a Kenyan musician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.[1] She is the founder of Akothee Safaris, a tour company based in Kenya; the Akothee Foundation, a charitable organization focused on education and poverty alleviation; Aknotela, a luxury fashion brand; and Akothee Homes, a real estate business.[2][3]
Akothee's music blends contemporary East African styles with Afrobeats,[4] and she has collaborated with artists such as Diamond Platnumz, Flavour (musician), and MC Galaxy. Her music videos and live performances are known for energetic choreography and bold stage presence, often described as audacious and charismatic.[5][6]
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Early life and education
Akoth was born on 8 April 1983 in Kisumu County, Kenya, to a father who worked as an administrator and a mother who was a politician.[7] She grew up in Migori County.[8]
At age 14, she fled home due to clashes with her strict mother and eloped with her first husband.[8] She lived with her in-laws and served as a house help while her husband pursued his education at Moi University.[8] By age 20, she had four children.[8]
Her mother supported her return to school multiple times, even renting a mabati house where Akothee could leave her children while attending classes.[8] After becoming pregnant again, she temporarily dropped out but later resumed her studies. Her mother ensured she was placed on family planning to help her complete her education.[8]
Akothee eventually completed her secondary education in 2004 with a grade of C+ in her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).[8] She later enrolled at Mount Kenya University, where she earned Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, specializing in Human Resource Management in 2023, fulfilling her mother’s long-standing wish.[8][9]
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Music career
Akoth began her music career in 2008, initially performing in local venues before gaining national attention.[10] Her music blends Afrobeats, Benga, and contemporary pop styles, often featuring themes of empowerment, love, and resilience.
She has collaborated with several prominent African artists, including Diamond Platnumz, Flavour, and MC Galaxy
In March 2020, she released "Mwitu Asa", a song written and performed in the Kamba language, which was praised for its cultural authenticity and linguistic diversity.[11]
Akothee has performed at major concerts across East Africa and Europe, and her music videos often feature elaborate choreography and high production value.[12] She is known for her bold stage presence and outspoken personality, which have contributed to her popularity on social media and in mainstream media.[5][6]
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Entrepreneurship
Akoth is the founder of several business ventures, including Akothee Safaris, a tour and travel company based in Nairobi, Kenya.[13] She appointed her daughter as director of the company.[14]
She also launched Akothee Homes, a real estate venture, and Aknotela, a luxury fashion brand.[15] Her investments include a palatial residence in Rongo, Migori County, which she describes as a symbol of financial independence and long-term wealth creation.[16]
In addition to her commercial ventures, Akothee is the founder of the Akothee Foundation, a charitable organization focused on education, health, and poverty alleviation. The foundation was relaunched after a brief closure due to administrative challenges, which she attributed to mismanagement and exploitation by associates.[17]
In 2023, Akothee was appointed Brand Ambassador for Homa Bay County by Governor Gladys Wanga. In this role, she promotes tourism, cultural heritage, and youth empowerment initiatives under the #ExperienceHomaBay campaign.[15]
Personal life
Akoth is a mother of five children from three different relationships.[14] After overcoming early challenges as a teen mother, she built a successful career in music and entrepreneurship. She owns homes in Mombasa, Migori County, and Zürich, and is known for her philanthropic work through the Akothee Foundation.[18][19]
In 2023, she announced plans to launch the Akothee Foundation Academy to provide free education to underprivileged children.[20] She has also supported individual students, including Milly Nafula, a medical student who received financial aid from Akothee.[21]
Akothee has publicly shared her health challenges, including migraines, fibroids, and a blood clot, which led her to prioritize mental wellness and self-care.[22]
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Awards and recognitions
Akothee has received multiple accolades for her contributions to music and entertainment. She won:
- "Best Female Artist (East Africa)" at the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) in 2016 and 2019[23]
- "Best Video" at AFRIMMA in 2016[14]
- "Best Female Artist" at the African Entertainment Awards USA[14]
She was also appointed Brand Ambassador for Homa Bay County in 2023 by Governor Gladys Wanga, where she leads tourism and cultural initiatives under the #ExperienceHomaBay campaign.[15]
Akothee has a strong social media presence and currently has over 3.6 million followers on Instagram, making her one of the most followed celebrities in East Africa.[24]
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Discography
Selected singles
- "Sweet Love" (feat. Diamond Platnumz)
- "Give It To Me" (feat. Flavour)
- "Oyoyo" (feat. MC Galaxy)
- "Yuko Moyoni"
- "Benefactor"
- "New Dance" (feat. Oc)
- "Osilliation"
- "Nimechoka"
- "Pashe"
- "Katika"
- "Djele Djele"
- "Shengerera"
- "Mama Bougerie"
- "Tucheze"
- "Mwitu Asa"[14]
See also
- Diamond Platnumz – Tanzanian musician featured in "Sweet Love"
- Flavour (musician) – Nigerian artist featured in "Give It To Me"
- MC Galaxy – Nigerian singer featured in "Oyoyo"
References
External links
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