Kenyan Stars Who Began Their Careers At Phoenix Theatres.

So today I wrote about the new play at Phoenix theatres, and mentioned some big people whose careers were birthed at Phoenix theatres.

Well as I did that story I started to compile a list and the names are quite impressive. If Phoenix is the darkness kissed sky, then its offspring are the galaxy of stars permeating it!! Some of them I’ve met, but nonetheless, I have a rather long list. Bear with me.

1. Barbara Guantai: If you attended January’s version of B&W, then you know Barbara. She was holding her own against Suzanne Owiyo, Naomi Wachira and Micasa. Singer, songwriter, composer and arranger as well as a renowned painter, this girl is on fire! She’s a city girl however, armed with a  bachelor’s degree in Government and French Language from Saint Lawrence University New York State. She has several albums to her name, one of which was recorded when the globe trotter spent a year In France recording her music.

2. Caroline Nderitu: Does this poem need an introduction? Her Bio reads ‘t the age of 4. This year she marks 28 years on stage! She studied Bachelors of Home Economics in Foods at Kenyatta University, Nairobi. To her name are three books – Caroline Verses, Play Your Drum and Love Only. Having performed around Africa, Europe and Asia, she has now specialized in writing and performing at social and corporate functions. Being a motivation speaker, she also facilitates a children’s club and  runs communication/presentation skills workshops for professionals.

3.Charles Kiarie: While I couldn’t glean much about this accomplished thespian, he is currently a presenter at Capital Fm. He has been a media mainstay for a while now so you know he’s still on top of his name.

4. Chao Mwatela: Usha!!!!!!!!  Okay I’m calm. Chao burst onto the stage in 2003 when she clinched the leading role in the musical Sarafina, at age 21. She is arguably the best actress this country has ever had, and rumour has it that she can also outsing some of those people we hail as musicians. Yes, she was part of the Out of Africa team that was in Europe for three months. By the way anyone who can be in the same musical with Ameelina, Neema Ntalel, Antonesoul and Diana Mayonde is the ish. I said it.

5. Chris Bittok: If you haven’t heard this man play, then you have no idea how divine a saxophone can sound when placed in the hands of a master. This man, can do no wrong music wise. I wonder what an instrumental duet between him and Christine The Jazzist Kamau would sound like.

6. Karen Somoin Lucas: More popularly known as Kaz, this woman seemingly courts controversy like a bee is drawn to nectar. That said, she is so awesomely talented. Gorgeous voice, dashing looks, and to top it all off, has a show called Kenyan Woman that seeks to showcase the amazing tributes of women in Kenya.

7. Maqbul Mohammed: The leading character in Walking by Nanjira, is one of those articulate, witty people that just deserves to be on radio. He acts when he’s not wowing listeners at Capital Fm’s breakfast show.

8. Joy Mboya: This lean lady has that distinct shaven look with a couple of dreadlocks to add icing to the cake. One of the pioneer singers in Kenya, she now runs The Godown centre.

9. Ian Mbugua: Do you need me to give you his bio? I didn’t think so.

10. John Sibi-Okumu: This is another man who does not need an introduction. He is an extraordinary individual this one.

11. June Gachui: I’m gonna do a a full profile on this woman, because Lord!!! This woman has pipes! As in for real June is one of those amazingly versatile singers with a tone so sultry and a voice range so huge calling her a vocal powerhouse pays no justice to this woman’s talents. And yes, on top of being a singer and lawyer, she is also the chairperson of CAMP, the association that caters to composers, arrangers and music producers.

11. Lizz Njaga Konstantaras: This is another actress who is super talented!! I think she was or has launched Kenya’s first reality show.

Others include Cajetan Boy renowned playwright, Debbie Asila of tattuu and Venus Fm, Lorna Irungu and Suzanne Gachukia, who gave you Subsaharan Records and Camp Mulla.