Veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka's Golden Jubilee concert turned into one of the weekend's most talked-about events after a video showing a heated moment with Congolese Rhumba legend Koffi Olomide went viral. The Machoka@50 Grand Concert, held at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Saturday, 10 October, marked 50 years of Machoka's broadcasting career. The event brought together major names from East and Central African music alongside high-profile dignitaries.
The star-studded affair featured acts including Mbilia Bel, Cameroonian legend Sam Fan Thomas, Les Wanyika, Them Mushrooms, Alicios Theluji, and Freshly Mwamburi. Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna and COTU boss Francis Atwoli were among the dignitaries in attendance. Tickets ranged from KSh 5,000 for regular advance entry to KSh 25,000 for VVIP, with a table for six priced at KSh 140,000.
The drama unfolded when Machoka invited Koffi to cut the anniversary cake on stage as part of the celebrations. Koffi, who had just wrapped up an electrifying performance of his hit Effrakata alongside his Quartier Latin International orchestra and Cindy Le Coeur, reportedly declined the request. Footage circulating on social media captured the Congolese star throwing his hands in the air in protest and walking off the stage.
The incident reignited debate about Koffi's well-documented temper, with many Kenyans recalling his 2016 deportation from the country after a video surfaced showing him kicking one of his dancers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Despite the fracas, the show continued, with Machoka appearing to brush off the incident and carrying on with proceedings.
The event had already been making headlines before the Koffi incident. Earlier in the evening, Machoka ordered security to eject his niece, former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba, after she chanted the opposition slogan calling for President William Ruto to serve only one term. Machoka was heard saying, "Please, security, toa huyu msichana hapa. You can not screw up my job."
Sources close to the organising team later indicated that Machoka and Koffi reconciled backstage. Koffi had earlier praised Kenyan fans and authorities for welcoming him back, and his performance was widely described as commanding, complete with his trademark soukous footwork. Machoka has long referred to Koffi as his younger brother and credits himself with introducing the Congolese star to Kenyan audiences in the 1990s.
The Machoka@50 Grand Concert ran from noon to midnight, showcasing a range of musical acts and celebrating Machoka's five decades in broadcasting. The event was a testament to Machoka's enduring legacy in the entertainment industry, with many attendees and viewers taking to social media to express their appreciation for the veteran broadcaster's contributions.
Key points
- The incident between Machoka and Koffi Olomide overshadowed the celebrations, but the show continued and the two later reconciled backstage.
- The event featured a range of musical acts from East and Central Africa, and was attended by high-profile dignitaries.
- Machoka's Golden Jubilee concert marked 50 years of his broadcasting career, built largely on his beloved Roga Roga programme on Radio Citizen and Citizen TV.
