Kenyan content creator and actress Azziad Nasenya has opened up about the harsh realities that come with fame, revealing how viral success has also exposed her to cyberbullying, misinformation and emotional distress.
Azziad, who rose to national prominence in 2020 after the Utawezana Challenge went viral, says she has recently found herself trending for the wrong reasons.
Online reports alleged that her Sh20 million Nairobi apartment was facing auction over mortgage debts, while other claims suggested she borrowed money from friends to maintain a lavish lifestyle and later failed to repay.
Despite the growing speculation, Azziad insists she continues to thrive.
She clarified that she did not earn any money directly from the viral challenge but acknowledged that it changed her life by significantly growing her social media following and opening doors to interviews and brand endorsements.
The actress also reflected on her humble beginnings, recalling how she once lived in an almost empty one-bedroom apartment furnished with only basic essentials.
Although she had always believed she would one day be famous, adjusting to sudden popularity proved difficult, as it limited her freedom to live a normal life, including walking freely in public or visiting local eateries.
Azziad dismissed the perception that celebrities receive free things, explaining that most offers come with conditions that often benefit brands more than influencers.
However, she admitted that fame comes with advantages such as valuable connections.
One of her most disturbing experiences, she revealed, was waking up to viral news claiming she had died in a road accident.
The false video attracted millions of views and took repeated reports to be taken down.
She noted the stark difference between online hate and real-life interactions, saying people are generally warm in person.
While cyberbullying pushed her into depression in her early years of fame, Azziad says she has since developed resilience.
Reflecting on 2025, she admitted losing relationships and opportunities but views the experience as part of her growth journey.
By Newshub