Veteran Kenyan radio presenter Fred Obachi Machoka has opted to celebrate Koffi Olomide’s performance at his Golden Jubilee concert, despite a tense interaction between the two that took place in front of guests in Nairobi.
Machoka celebrated 50 years in broadcasting on Sunday, October 18, by hosting a concert at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. Among the headline performers was Congolese rhumba legend Koffi Olomide, who took to the stage alongside his Quartier Latin International Band and fellow singer Cindy Le Coeur.
The performers kept the crowd entertained for about two hours, delivering several songs, including their famous hit Effrakata. However, what was meant to be a joyful celebration took an unexpected turn shortly after the performance came to an end.
Veteran Kenyan broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka has shared a message thanking Congolese music star Koffi Olomide and his team following a tense moment during the celebration of his five decades in broadcasting.The incident occurred when Machoka invited Olomide back onto the stage to participate in a ceremonial cake-cutting marking the broadcaster’s career milestone. However, the musician appeared reluctant to participate, gesturing with his hands before walking away.
Machoka followed Olomide, seemingly attempting to persuade him to remain onstage. Video footage later shared online appeared to show the musician pushing the veteran broadcaster away before exiting the stage, leaving guests surprised by the exchange.Reports surrounding the incident suggested that disagreements over the event’s running order may have contributed to the tension.
Olomide was reportedly scheduled to perform at 10:30 pm, but the programme was disrupted after fellow Congolese musician Mbilia Bel and her team allegedly insisted on performing first. However, claims that the delay frustrated Olomide have not been independently verified.
Despite the incident attracting attention online, Machoka’s subsequent message focused on the music and the contribution made by the performers at his milestone celebration.In a Facebook post, the broadcaster wrote, “When legends gather, history is made!”
He went on to thank Olomide, Cindy Le Coeur and Quartier Latin International Band for delivering what he described as an “unforgettable performance” filled with “legendary rhythm and electrifying energy.”Notably, Machoka made no direct reference to the onstage confrontation, instead highlighting the musicians’ contribution to the celebration.
His post also attracted congratulatory messages from fans, many of whom praised his longstanding contribution to Kenya’s broadcasting industry and described him as a legend.One commenter even asked whether Machoka would consider organising another event, noting that those who attended would be willing to pay to experience a similar celebration again.
The concert marked a significant milestone for Machoka, whose five decades in broadcasting have established him as a familiar figure in Kenya’s media and entertainment industry.While the exchange with Olomide generated considerable online attention, Machoka’s public message remained focused on celebrating the music, his guests and his remarkable career.