Brainy Kenyan celebrities who ended up in showbiz

A number of Kenyan celebrities performed well in school [Photo: Courtesy]

There is a stereotype that most entertainers are not educated or were ‘academically challenged’. Well, some have made their way up the ladder with little or no education but others aced their examinations but still chose to entertain us.

Below we will look at a number of them who excelled in school and are still top achievers in the entertainment scene.

Fena

Fena Gitu is one A-list celebrity who was also an A student. The sensational singer revealed that she scored A- in KCSE. She still regrets not scoring an A. Just like any other smart kid in school, Fena had aimed for the stars as far as her professional career was concerned - she wanted to become an astronaut or pilot but with time, her passion for music won and she decided to fully venture into the industry.

Dj Crème de la Crème

Born George Njuguna, in Primary School, Crème was index one and later scored an A- in K.C.S.E. He later proceeded to Kabarak University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science (Second-Upper). He is not only a master of disc joking but also a seasoned entrepreneur.

Polycarp Otieno

Sauti Sol’s Fancy Fingers is the guitarist of the group and doubles up as a producer as well. Reports have it that the lad is as smart as it gets. He scored an A in high School and joined Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology where he graduated with a degree in Actuarial science but his love for arts won the day.  

Nadia Mukami

The petite singer is another beauty with brains.  Nadia managed to score a B+ in her K.C.S.E and proceeded to Maseno University for a degree in BBA- finance option. Although she is currently doing well in her musical career, Nadia has not completely shelved her finance background as she engages her fans and friends in a project dubbed Financial Discipline with Nadia Mukami aimed at cultivating the savings culture amongst the youth.

Holy Dave Muthengi

Gospel singer Holy Dave wears many hats. He is a singer, a host, a pastor as well as a lecturer. He is actually one of the most learned entertainers on Kenyan soil. Dave has a Master’s degree in Business administration from USIU. He is also a PhD student at the University of Nairobi.

Wambui Ngugi

A third member of the group Elani, Wambui holds a BSc in Actuarial Science from the University of Nairobi although she says she has never used her degree in any conventional way. She describes her entry into music as a ‘beautiful mistake’.

DJ Mochi Baybee

Born Anne Mong’are, Mochi is already one of the celebrated deejays in Minnesota, USA. She is the epitome of beauty with brains as she has a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. She once intimated that she also loves flying and was working on getting her license on the same.

Owago Owiro

His creativity and puns have seen him grace international stages but not many know that he was once a lecturer of Mathematics at St Paul’s University. Owago studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the Kenya Polytechnic. This saw him lecture for one and a half years before joining comedy. He believes comedy was his calling.

MCA Tricky

Many of his fans believe that he is a street boy who dropped out of school and tried his luck in comedy due to his performances…Born Fancis Munyao, Tricky graduated late last year with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kenyatta University.

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