Here are nine Kenyan artists who came, saw and faded to oblivion

 These artsts have faded into obscurity Photo: Courtesy

Fame is fleeting and more dishonest than your regular gambling machine. Just when you think you are on top of your game, you realize, to put in legendary rapper Nas’ words, you’ve been ‘ethered’.

We go back into time to try and pull a Lazarus and revive these long-lost Kenyan musicians from the archives of obscurity.

Chantelle Remember Toklezea? That song that hit for no apparent reason with no message whatsoever in it. Well, Chantelle was the lass behind the song and soon after releasing it, she was never heard from again. Chantelle tied the knot with celebrated gospel producer J Blessing and just as fast as she had toklezea’d, she ‘potead’.

Shavey and Slice Before self-proclaimed OG (Original Gangster) Khaligraph Jones ruled the 19/60, Kayole had two kings commanding the streets – Shavey and Slice of the Gyal fame.

It was the ultimate dancehall club banger complete with raucous girls giving us unforgettable dance moves. So popular were the duo that the jam received adequate airplay in the home of dancehall music itself, Jamaica.

Shavey and Slice pushed the envelope but soon after the fame, the duo went MIA with Shavey reappearing, this time not in a hit video, but rather as a suspect accused of stealing meat from a butchery.

King Georgez ‘O hail the King!’ He ruled the throne with his hit ‘Unanijaz’ that men all over Kenya, me included, borrowed lines to woo women with.

“Unanijaz nimekua nikikufuata for long, unanijaz kila time ukipita along, unanijaz, I promise I’ll play you a special song’

The song was a decree upon humanity and topped Kenyan charts until the king vacated the throne without a goodbye.

Didge Boy isn’t this a good one.

Boy did he have a voice, with the looks to boot. He was the ultimate ladies heartthrob complete with dimples and fame.

Max Nyatome, or Didge if you like, was touted to be Kenya’s answer to the world’s question: Can the real RnB starts please stand up?” Somewhere along the way, Didge ditched music for a TV reality show with Mongolo (where, too, did he go?) before music dodged him and Didge was never heard from again.

Henrie Mutuku

Henrie Mutuku, the Kora award winner released mega gospel hits like Usichoke and soon after got tired.

She had just started making a name for herself and warming her way into Kenyans hearts before she went silent.

Last year, she attempted a comeback after what she said was a break to pursue education, then she got married in 2014.

 And just like that, the Usichoke singer, perhaps got tired.

Darlin’ P

Darling P was as hilarious as he was talented. In 4 in 1 he joked his way into the music scene with hilarious lyrics imitating four distinct Kenyan accents.

He reportedly moved to Australia for a couple of years, came back and just like a dry joke, Darlin’ P shriveled up.

Sema

Sema, the group was formed by trio Kevo, Pam and Sana and soon after debuted with the chart topping Leta Wimbo.

Well they brought the song to their fans but soon after they broke up in 2005 much to the chagrin of disappointed fans who had come to expect so much.

Apart from Sanaipei who still remains musically lukewarm, the other cast in the trio quit music to venture into other business. Too bad.

Meg C First let me start off by saying this chic was a hot! Meg C released Nipe and Usiku Mmoja that got many fans wondering when they will land their precious night only for her to flee in the thick of the darkness.

She was linked with Kenyan international football player Dennis Oliech.

Kendi Sassy lass Kendi was the real deal. Videos? Check. Beauty? Check. Talent? Check. Fans? Check.

 No sooner had she appeared on the music scene with Uko Freshi than Kendi pulled a fast one on us and in the snap of a finger we forgot her.

And her music. Either way, Kendi when you come back, if you come back, you have a lot to explain.