Esther Akothee loves attention. She thrives in the spotlight, bold, outspoken and unapologetically herself, with an 'I don't care' kind of attitude that often ruffles feathers.
When she first burst onto Kenya's music scene, she did what every artist must: fight for her space. She had her moment, releasing a string of notable hits, but then her music slowly faded into the background.
But her presence never did. Even now, in her mid-40s, Akothee is still as loud as ever.
People think I am loud because I live a very intentional life. To most people, I am loud because I address their insecurities through the way I live my life. But I am just living with clarity. Is it wrong to live life loudly?
If I post a picture of myself flying business class and you tell me that I'm showing off, how is that wrong? I have earned it through the work I have done over the years. If I can afford it and I want to be comfortable, what's wrong with that?
Musician Akothee with her daughter Vesha during the launch of Chateau Cellar Gastro Club at The Promenade, Westlands on July 29, 2023.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
I don't chase clout. What you see of me on social media is what you get. My currency in this life is purpose, and my purpose is to live life to the fullest and die with no regrets.
People forget that, besides my public persona, I am human. There's a girl inside me, a daughter to her parents and a mother to her children. I get hurt and beaten up. I fall, and I have to get up, just like everybody else.
I have been in several relationships, including a failed marriage. The journey of relationships is always ongoing. What I don’t want right now is a broken man. I want someone who has achieved self-actualisation and just wants to have fun and enjoy peace.
Well, I'm still young, and I need a man. Hang on! I'm not sure whether I need or want a man, but there should be one in my life one way or another.
I am looking for peace. I don't need someone walking into my life with expectations, which is why most relationships don't work out these days. Peace brings clarity.
If anything compromises my peace, be it my relationship, family or employees, I drop it immediately, regardless of whether the world will laugh at me or applaud.
Some Kenyans think I am a mistake. Is it because my marriage ended? My ex-husband fell out of love with me and fell in love with someone else. Was I supposed to cling on?
Singer Akothee.
Photo credit: Pool
If Kenyans loved me, they would support me. But I really don't care if I am loved or not. One thing I am certain about is that I entertain Kenyans. I entertain them, and I think that's a good thing.
Life has taught me that time doesn't wait for you. Your goals and achievements must have deadlines. I don't do tomorrows, which is why I end up 'fighting' with so many people. If you tell me to do something tomorrow, I will find another way.
I grew up in an environment of rejection. I have been rejected all my life, so it's only natural for me to operate on that basis. I have never experienced love. I was never shown love growing up, which is why I ended up becoming an empath. That is a story for another day.
