- Veteran broadcaster Fred Machoka shared a heartfelt message thanking his family after marking 50 years in broadcasting with a grand concert in Nairobi
- The Machoka @50 Grand Concert drew thousands of fans and featured international acts including Congolese legend Koffi Olomide at Ulinzi Sports Complex
- Behind the scenes, the celebration came with its share of drama and near-misses that almost derailed the milestone event
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Veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka OGW has paused to reflect on the people who made his Golden Jubilee celebration possible, and his tribute goes straight to the family who stood by him through every stressful moment leading up to the big night.
Source: Facebook
In a Facebook post shared shortly after the event, Machoka wrote:
"Behind every successful show, there's a family that holds everything together. ❤️ To my family: thank you for being my rock, my peace, and my biggest support system through every late night, endless planning session, and high-stress moment over these past months. I couldn't have pulled off #MachokaAt50 without your unconditional love, patience, and encouragement."
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Photos accompanying the post captured the family's presence on the night. Machoka appeared on stage in his trademark white suit with gold buttons, joined by his daughter in a matching yellow blazer and his son dressed sharply in a yellow and navy blazer, the clear theme colour for the evening.
The concert that almost did not happen
The Machoka @50 Grand Concert took place on Saturday, 10 October, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, marking exactly 50 years since the broadcaster first stepped behind the mic at the Voice of Kenya, now known as KBC. The event was billed as the rhumba concert of the decade, and by all accounts, it delivered.
Congolese legend Koffi Olomide headlined the night, performing crowd favourites including Effrakata.
He was joined by Mbilia Bel, Cameroonian star Sam Fan Thomas, Alicious Theluji, Les Wanyika and Them Mushrooms. Jeff Koinange and Churchill handled MC duties, while COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli and Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna were among the high-profile guests in attendance. Tickets ranged from KSh 5,000 for regular entry to KSh 25,000 for VVIP.
Yet the night almost never came together. In a video filmed after the show, Machoka revealed that fears over Ebola and heavy rains had threatened to derail everything in the planning stages.
"At first, we were worried that Ebola could cause the event not to take off... But God Almighty took care of everything," he said.
Drama steals a moment on stage
Not everything went according to script. At one point during the evening, Machoka had to call on security to remove his niece, former nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba, after she began chanting "Wantam" on stage. "Please, Security, toa huyu msichana hapa. You can not screw up my job," he said, keeping the night firmly on track.
Popularly known as Uncle Fred and the Blackest Man in Africa, Machoka built his reputation over decades through the iconic Roga Roga show on Radio Citizen and Citizen TV. He began his broadcasting journey in 1976, having previously served as a GSU officer.
Half a century later, Uncle Fred says the real credit belongs to the people at home.
Did Fred send message to Olamide
We also highlighted facts about Machoka’s message to Koffi Olomide after the Congolese singer performed at the veteran broadcaster’s Golden Jubilee concert in Nairobi.
The two-hour show drew an enthusiastic crowd, but a tense exchange on stage after the performance stunned guests and sparked online discussion.
Source: TUKO.co.ke