Big Kev’s big reunion

For the first time celebrity couple Big Kev and his wife Tracy talk exclusively to Pulse about their separation and re-union, reaffirming their newfound love and commitment to each other, writes CAROLINE NYANGA

There is a saying that goes that marriage is not a bed of roses. And true marriage has not been a bed of roses for Big Kev and wife Tracy Mwende — a former Miss Kenya winner.

Dressed in a dark blue jeans with matching shoes, Big Kev (Kevin Ombajo) looked elated by the fact that his marriage is now back on track. Looking relaxed, Big Kev who runs Tru Blaq Entertainment recently released a 28 tracks album, Kesho Pia Ni Siku was eager to clear the air. Speaking exclusively to Pulse the former MC and musician reveals that he and his wife Tracy Kamene are back together and this time for good after separating for a year.

"After three years of speculations and inaccurate reports we would like the world to know that no one is perfect. Every marriage has its ups and downs and that is a normal thing. Nevertheless, we have since learnt our lessons and decided on the best way forward," he says.

However, six years ago Big Kev was not in the least prepared into marriage life. And hardly a few years into their marriage things begun falling apart. Critics even went as far as to suggest that their marriage had sunk into an abysmal quagmire.

But like they say, nothing comes easy and perseverance is the best way forward. Back in 2005, Kev and Tracy had a private wedding at Karen Dairy Farm with only 100 people in attendance. It was considered the most private and intimate celebrity wedding of the year with most of their friends feeling left out.

Celebrity couple Big Kev and his wife Tracy

"We wanted to avoid too much hype on our big day. Any case it was a matter of choice."

Terming it a super private wedding, the two feel there are many more ways of celebrating with friends other than them being at their wedding.

A few months later, the couple was blessed with a beautiful baby girl by the name Shana (meaning God’s gracious gift) and had their strong bond renewed. It’s no wonder Big Kev abandoned everything just to be by his wife’s side at the delivery room giving her all the necessary support.

"I recall every moment shared with my wife as special. Seeing our new-born baby and holding her in my arms meant more than the world to me." Well, that was then.

Hardly a year later sources revealed to Pulse that the couple could hardly see eye to eye.

When things got out of hand, Big Kev was forced to move out of his matrimonial home and concentrated on running his business. His estranged wife on the other hand decided to keep a low profile, which raised speculations all over.

"I kept myself busy managing True Blaq Entertainment besides working on my album. The songs were recorded at his studio Flix and Audio situated along Ngong Road. Shaki of Mandugu Digital was the lead producer. Others included Ibra, Clemo and DJ Klash.

With time the separation became apparent and was soon the talk of town. "Let’s just say that our expectation of married life was slightly different from the real thing. As a result we started off on a wrong foot," confesses Big Kev.

But even so, the two kept in touch more often only hoping that things would turn out well in the end. Big Kev says that after months of soul searching he realised that what they share was much more.

"I realised there was no one else for me out there. My wife has all the qualities I need in a woman. I want the world to know that I am more in love with my wife now than I ever did." So now that they are back together what are their plans?

The couple now says they are more focused and committed on ensuring that their relationship works this time around.

"As parents we realise we have more responsibilities and a daughter who looks up to us. Ours is to ensure that she grows up within the right atmosphere and that she will be proud of us."

Referred to as ‘my daddy’ by his daughter. Big Kev says some of his special moments include going places with the young one and ensuring that she gets to enjoy herself to the maximum. So then do they plan on having another baby? "We have not yet decided on that. We will let nature take its course."

Kev and Tracy first met in 1997 during a function held within Nairobi.

At the time Tracy was running a model agency dubbed Mode Models where Big Kev did auditions and also did advertising for FIDA.

"We rarely saw each other at the time considering we were acquaintances as opposed to friends. She later went out of the country where she lived abroad for many years."

But as fate would have it they later met three years ago after she returned from abroad and it was love at first sight.

"It was at a gym situated within Visions Plaza. We soon became friends and spent time going out to watch movies besides talking and getting to know more about each other," he says.

According to Big Kev, Tracy was different and loving.

One thing led to another and soon they tied the knot.

With a career spanning 10 years of MC-ing, Big Kev seem to have garnered both fans and haters. While there are those who feel that he has done a pretty good job as far as this goes. However he has sometimes come under fire from critics who are of the opinion that he is a dull MC.

But Kev sees no cause for alarm saying he is in the process of grooming new talent to take over. "They include Shaffie Weru and DNG who I try to give most of the opportunities that come my way." Big Kev expounds that the job of MC-ing is one that requires a lot of energy and confidence.

"The last event I participated in was the Idols party event which was more of a material set up as opposed to hype."

Although he does not MC any more he would not mind doing so when called upon. "It all depends on the nature of the event. As long as the party concerned is ready to pay me between Sh100,000 and Sh150,000."