Mary Khavere, popularly known by her stage name Mama Kayai, was born in 1940 in Majengo, Nairobi, Kenya. Raised in the vibrant and culturally diverse neighborhoods of Eastlands, she was introduced early to traditional music and performance art.
Her passion for the stage grew from participating in community theater and traditional dances, which later led her to join the Black Golden Stars troupe in the 1970s.
Recently while speaking in a revelation, the actress said the pay reflected the realities of Kenya’s entertainment industry at the time, when structured compensation for actors was still developing.
Her career was on an upward trajectory. Mama Kayai and his on-screen husband Mzee Ojwang had a chemistry that many came to confuse for a true couple.
Mama Kayai told The Nairobian that she met Mzee Ojwang in 1985 “when we did the first Vitimbi show together and our stage chemistry led to the success that the show enjoyed over the years. This and the moments we shared will always remain in our memories.”
They quickly made Vitimbi a fan favourite. For her exemplary performance in the show, Mama Kayai, alongside other actors, won numerous awards.They not only won Kenyans’ hearts but were also the favourite entertainers of all three former Kenyan presidents.
Apart from Vitimbi, Mama Kayai also graced other shows, including the courtroom drama show dubbed Vioja Mahakamani and Jungu Kuu.
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