Akothee

Esther Akoth, popularly known as Akothee, is a Kenyan Musician and businesswoman.She is the founder of Akothee Safaris( a tour company based in Kenya), Akothee Foundation, Aknotela and Akothee Homes, a real estate business.[1]

Akothee
Birth nameEsther Akoth
Born (1980-04-08) 8 April 1980
Migori, Kenya
GenresBenga
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • Entrepreneur
  • Dancer
InstrumentsVocals
Years active2008–present
Associated acts
Websiteakothee.com

Background and education

Akothee was born Esther Akoth on 8 April 1980 in Migori County as the first daughter of her parents. She grew up in Migori, where she attended school. Akothee attended Nyabisawa Girls secondary school but dropped out one year later in form two (sophomore) before completing her high school program when she eloped with her boyfriend who was also in high school at the time and entered early marriage. After running away from home, her boyfriend went back to school and she was forced to start with her mother in law, for whom she worked as a house help for seven years.[2]

It was while at her mother-in-law's home in Migori that she conceived and bore her first child. She was fourteen years old at the time. She gave birth to her second and third children at ages fifteen and sixteen respectively. However her second child, a daughter, died in infancy following an illness because she could not raise the money needed for her treatment. In 2000, she gave birth to her fourth child, at seventeen years of age. The same year, Akothee and her mother-in-law disagreed, and she left her in-law's home to fend for herself.[2]

As result of their disagreement, Akothee moved to Kanga, where she worked as a fish hawker to raise money for upkeep. Meanwhile, her husband continued with his studies, and by this time, he was in the university. In 2003, he completed his university education and the two moved in together, at which point the two decided that Akothee would go back to school while her husband took care of the kids.[2]

She went back to high school and, in 2004, at 21 years of age, completed her high school education at Gachie Mixed Secondary, finishing with a mean grade of C+.[3] According to her result-slip, which she posted on social media, Akothee scored A in History and Government, D- in Mathematics.[4] During this time, her husband had landed a job in Nairobi and moved there.

Personal life

Akothee is a mother of five children [5]

Music career

Akothee has released several successful songs. They include

Oyoyo featuring McGalaxy,[6] Give It To Me,[7] featuring Flavour, Sweet Love featuring Diamond,[8] Benefactor,[9] Yuko Moyoni,[10] New Dance featuring Oc,[11] Osilliation, Nimechoka, Pashe, Katika, Djele Djele, Shengerera, Mama Bougerie, and Tucheze.[11] Early March 2020, Akothee released Mwitu asa, a song written and sang in the Kamba language. Since Akothee is not a native speaker of the Kamba language, this was considered intriguing[12] and popular among her fans; especially those from the Kamba ethnic group.

Akothee's career in music started in 2008 and she has since released many solo titles as well as collaborations with popular artists, including Diamond Platnumz. She has also scooped several awards at home and abroad. They include African Muzik Magazine Awards, AFRIMMA – Best Female Artist (East Africa) 2016. African Muzik Magazine Awards, AFRIMMA – Best video. African Entertainment Awards USA – Best Female Artist.[4]

Popularity

Akothee is one of the most popular music artists in Kenya. With more than one million followers, her Instagram account is the tenth most followed of East African celebrities, behind Lupita Nyong'o, Diamond Platinums, Ali Kiba, Rayvanny, Harmonize, Eric Omondi, Huddah Monroe, Sauti Sol, Vera Sidika and Betty Kyalo.[13][14][15]

Awards
  • AFRIMMA – Best Female Artist (East Africa) 2016
  • AFRIMMA – Best video
  • African Entertainment Awards USA – Best Female Artist[4]

References
  1. Nyanga, Caroline. "Controversial Kenyan singer Akothee's secrets: Owning houses worth Sh 300 million and rolling in choppers". Standard Digital News. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
  2. "WCW: 9 things you didn't know about Akothee, 8 is interesting". Citizentv.co.ke. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
  3. SDE. "Akothee unleashes KCSE results slip, laughs at D- score". Standard Digital News. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
  4. Taji, Pauline (21 August 2018). "Akothee biography: husband, family and house". Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
  5. "WCW: 9 things you didn't know about Akothee, 8 is interesting". Citizentv.co.ke. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
  6. Akothee Kenya (29 March 2018), Akothee ft McGalaxy Oyoyo [ Official Music Video ], retrieved 16 April 2019
  7. Akothee Kenya (20 March 2016), Akothee ft Flavour – Give It To Me [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO], retrieved 16 April 2019
  8. Akothee Kenya (14 January 2016), Akothee – Sweet Love ft Diamond Platnumz [OFFICIAL VIDEO], retrieved 16 April 2019
  9. Akothee Kenya (3 December 2016), AKOTHEE – BENEFACTOR, retrieved 16 April 2019
  10. Akothee Kenya (8 July 2016), Akothee – Yuko Moyoni [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO] [Skiza 8540052], retrieved 16 April 2019
  11. Akothee Kenya (8 June 2017), Akothee X Oc Osilliation – New Dance, retrieved 16 April 2019
  12. Mwangangi, J. (5 March 2020). "Akothee wows fans with new Kamba song Mwiitu Asa « Mauvoo News". Mauvoo News. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
  13. Akinyi, Apollo (23 January 2019). "The money shot: Most followed East African celebs on Instagram 2019". Mpasho News. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
  14. Mwarua, Douglas (8 April 2019). "Akothee claims she is now saved, promises she will not change raunchy wardrobe". Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
  15. Nyasio, Venessa (18 February 2019). "Akothee leaves fans speechless after spreading legs wide open while on stage". Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
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