Kenyan musician and entrepreneur Akothee has urged fellow artists and celebrities to look beyond entertainment and invest in businesses that can secure their financial future.
Akothee made the call after gospel musician Guardian Angel showcased a massive onion harvest from his Waingo Farm in Machakos County.
The harvest, reportedly comprising more than 350 tonnes of bulb onions, has highlighted the potential of agriculture as a profitable venture for entertainers seeking income streams beyond music.
Akothee Praises Guardian Angel
Impressed by Guardian Angel’s agricultural venture, Akothee encouraged other artists to follow his example and build investments that can sustain them beyond their entertainment careers.
She criticised what she described as a culture of celebrities prioritising flashy lifestyles while struggling to meet their basic financial obligations.
“It’s high time artists and celebrities stop living a lie and start living a REAL LIFE. There is no glory in being the flashiest person in the room while struggling to pay your rent and meet your basic needs,” Akothee said.
She congratulated Guardian Angel for investing in agriculture and encouraged more entertainers to build businesses and prepare for life beyond the stage.
“I am very proud of Guardian Angel. More artists should follow suit—build something real, invest in yourself and secure your future beyond the stage,” she added.
Guardian Angel’s Sh19 Million Onion Harvest
Guardian Angel recently shared images and videos of the harvest from his Waingo Farm, showing the scale of his agricultural investment.
The farm’s latest harvest is reported to have produced more than 350 tonnes of onions. Based on an estimated wholesale price of Ksh55 per kilogramme, the produce could be worth more than Ksh19.3 million.
The achievement has sparked conversations about the importance of diversification among Kenyan entertainers, many of whom rely heavily on income from performances and endorsements.
Akothee on Building Sustainable Brands
Beyond farming, Akothee said artists need to improve how they approach their careers, particularly in areas such as branding, management and investment.
She noted that Kenya has plenty of talented musicians and creatives but argued that many struggle to turn their talent into sustainable businesses.
“The problem is packaging, management, investment and understanding our value,” she said.
According to Akothee, building a successful career requires more than talent, with artists also needing financial discipline and a clear strategy.
“Building and managing a successful brand requires money, discipline and strategy,” she added.
She believes the entertainment industry would transform if more artists recognised their value and approached their careers as businesses.
‘There Is No Glory in Being Flashy With an Empty Pocket’
Akothee also sought to reassure creatives that investing in businesses does not mean abandoning their artistic careers.
She said artists can continue being celebrated for their work even as they focus on building businesses and securing their financial futures.
“You will still be celebrated if the art is there,” she said.
She summarised her message to fellow entertainers with a blunt warning that has since become a defining part of her financial advice:
“THERE IS NO GLORY IN BEING FLASHY WITH AN EMPTY POCKET.”
For Akothee, Guardian Angel’s farming venture offers an example of how artists can use their earnings and influence to create additional sources of income rather than relying solely on the entertainment industry.