Prominent entrepreneur, musician and philanthropist Akothee this week opened up about her endorsement deals, family and mental health.
Why did you choose to promote Ugandan tourism?
I have always been an advocate for tourism, recognizing it as a key driver of economic growth. Domestic tourism, in particular, presents a unique opportunity for us, especially since we don’t face challenges like winter weather. Uganda’s rich, yet largely unexplored culture has so much to offer. Although I had heard about Uganda, my visit gave me a deeper understanding that I want more Kenyans to experience.
While I am not usually drawn to rivers, my visit to Murchison Falls changed my perspective. The experience was therapeutic, leaving me rejuvenated, with all my negativity washed away. I would recommend that anyone visiting Uganda start there. During my trip, I visited various sanctuaries to learn about chimpanzees and rhinos. I also noticed that their local tour guides were well-dressed and professional, which contrasts with many self-employed guides in Kenya, who often dress casually.
In Uganda, local cuisine is celebrated, with dishes like Luwombo featuring prominently in itineraries. The highlight was visiting the Ndere Cultural Center, where I experienced a beautifully packaged representation of African culture for the first time. Our mission is to showcase Uganda and promote its attractions and vibrant city life. Although I didn’t get to explore the urban scene during this trip, I look forward to experiencing it in the future, including party bus tours.
I’ve heard Gen Z express concerns about limited employment opportunities, and I believe boosting tourism could significantly expand the job market. To effectively market tourism, we need to present it to a targeted audience, using strategic channels, whether media or influencers. However, not all influencers are effective; many gain attention without delivering real impact.
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I sell a lifestyle; what you see is what you get. As a frequent traveler, I specialize in safaris and know my target clientele and products well. Becoming a brand ambassador for Uganda’s tourism is a dream come true. While I’ve also sought to promote tourism in Kenya, working on various proposals at both county and national levels, my experience in Migori speaks volumes. I successfully negotiated the first domestic flight from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Migori and built the Migori terminus in just three weeks.
When Uganda approached me, I felt overwhelmed and grateful that someone recognized my potential. Now, I can combine my marketing and influencer skills to promote this incredible destination.
Do you consider yourself an influencer, a marketer, or a musician?
I am a musician and an artiste (which is different, by the way). I am also a person of influence. I sit on boards where we develop products together, conduct market research, and know how to position your product to gain space in the competitive business world.
So how did you transform from the Akothee of five years ago to what you are now?
Change is inevitable, and with age comes responsibility. There are things I did five years ago that I can’t do now, but those experiences have shaped my path. I definitely know what I want and where I want to be in five years. Even if you ask me about my future, I will share my goals when the time comes.
Ever thought of joining politics?
I am an empath and tell it as it is. I don’t think I can survive in politics, and I don’t like lies. Politics is not my cup of tea, and I don’t know many politicians either. Sometimes I meet them at the VIP lounge at the airport, and they catch feelings because I don’t know them. I don’t watch TV either.
How do you balance all these roles and family, and what is your advice to mothers?
First and foremost, I am in charge. I sit at the steering wheel of my life. I am the subject in this life of Esther Akothee, so I have to take care of myself before I can take care of others. I know when to be a mother, when to be Esther Akothee, when to be Madam Boss, when to be Akoth, the daughter, and when to be a wife. I am a good wife, and even my first ex-husband and Nelly Oaks can attest to that, as can all my baby daddies. And I would like to clarify that I have only been married once.
What about your marriage to Omosh?
I don’t know how to categorize that because it was a premature one.
What do you mean? You had a wedding.
It was a rehearsal; the wedding is coming now, and I am going to marry the man of my dreams. I am in a stable relationship right now, but I also need to leave room for disappointments because these sons of Pharaoh can show you dust.
But Nelly Oaks has been there, and you left him for Omosh. Was that fair?
People think that I left him. Nelly is a hot guy. Why do you think I am the one who left him? For us celebrities, we don’t put everything on camera. He has been there for me. He is the person who built this brand and has seen me through depression three or four times. He walked me through the breakup and looked after me.
How did you realize that you were depressed?
Depression came with the brand, as I didn’t know how to be Esther, when to be Akothee, or Madam Boss, but I knew how to be the mother of my children. So when I leave the house, I put on a different skin. When I meet fans, I feel obliged to say hi to them, but I can’t, and I don’t like walking with security. I am a human being. I found myself in a cage without realizing it. There was a time I almost died at a hotel in Nairobi, and thank God for Nelly, as he has saved my life several times, including when I collapsed in Kisumu at a show. I didn’t know I was suffering from depression until we started researching it. This is something I am willing to talk about so women can recognize when they are not okay and are experiencing a mental breakdown.
Recently, your brother-in-law died by suicide. What is your take on this and on people undergoing mental issues?
There is a saying that family is a group of people brought together by blood but who don’t know each other. I love my family to death. I don’t know why my brother-in-law made that decision, but we are yet to find out what happened. It could be domestic; it could be depression. People need to watch their mental space; there are many people with mental illness out there. We need to educate and advise people about mental illness because it is a pandemic.
Have you buried the hatchet with your sister?
That’s my family, and forgiveness does not mean reconciliation. I won’t reconcile with you if you don’t tell me where I wronged you because I might end up making the same mistake. If we are going to forgive each other solely because of emotional attachment to the family, we are going to hurt each other more. We need to address the elephant in the room and say, “You know what, I did this, you did that.” My family has never told me where or what I did wrong. I get punished for being a public figure and being empathetic. I was always told I was the bigger person, the bigger sister. I love my family to death but want to maintain boundaries to protect myself and them.
Do you see any chance of coming back together and being as close as you used to be?
Even your children will grow up and get married; you don’t have to live with them in the same house. We can be relatives without being friends. Once a relationship has ended and trust is broken, you cannot rebuild it.
Tell us about your school.
Akothee Academy is a project close to my heart. I want to create a holistic environment for vulnerable children. At the moment, I am funding the school myself, with only ten parents able to support their children. However, these parents are professors, and I hold them in high regard. We currently have 80 learners, out of which I support 62. I have been fortunate to have a few partners on board, like Broadways and Sunrise. I am renting a school van for Sh45,000 a month and using Sh17,000 on fuel per week. To run the school, it costs about Sh700,000, including teachers' salaries. I finished educating my children and wanted to give vulnerable children love.
Finally, about your music. What is popping?
I have my album out, featuring beautiful songs, one dedicated to single mothers and another for my love, Nelly. Check it out!