In recent times, the entertainment industry in Kenya has seen new entrants replace the older ones. While some legendary names like Jua kali, Sanaipei, and Redsan have managed to maintain their celebrity status, some notable names have slowly faded into oblivion.
This piece highlights five names that were once famous but today have disappeared from the spotlight.
Prezzo
With a flashy lifestyle and a heavy pocket to match, Prezzo disrupted Kenya’s entertainment through a mix of high-end showmanship and charisma.
Besides engaging in musical feuds with other heavy weights in music like Redsan, today, his once larger than life celebrity status that featured helicopters and luxury cars is no more. Recent updates indicate that Prezzo maintains a low-key life, perhaps engaging in family-related business ventures.
Naiboi
Despite starting his music career in the 2010s, Naiboi achieved his peak years later with his ‘2 in 1’ hit. In 2020, Naiboi moved to the USA, citing contract issues with labels he was working with. Since returning to Kenya in 2024, Naiboi has remained silent, sparking speculation of a possible return to the music scene amongst his fans.
Gloria Muliro
In between 2000 and 2010, Gloria Muliro was among Kenya’s top gospel artists. Famed for her breakthrough tunes such as ‘sitolia’ which featured Willy Paul, Gloria was a force to reckon within Kenya’s gospel scene. By mid-2010, Gloria suddenly went silent. With a few songs being released, today Gloria focuses on personal ministry.
Elani Band
Comprising three talented musicians, the Elani band won AFRIMA awards in 2010s, subsequently topping charts with their hits. Around 2020, the group suddenly went mute. This was followed by romours about their possible separation. Since then, Elani has remained low-key.
Pili Pili
Pili Pili was one of the pioneer artists under Clemo’s Genge crew that ruled the airwaves in the early 2000s. During his prime, some of his notable collaborations included Jua Cali. By the end of the 2000s, Pilipili suddenly stopped releasing songs and withdrew to a private life. Perhaps he got caught up in other business ventures.
