Akothee Biography
Akothee is a Kenyan musician and businesswoman who was born in Kisumu County and brought up in Migori County, Kenya. She is widely known as the founder of Akothee Safaris, a tour company based in Kenya, the Akothee Foundation, a charity, and Aknotela and Akothee Homes, a real estate business. Some of her most well-known hits include “Oyoyo,” “Give It To Me,” “Sweet Love,” and “Mwitu asa.”
Akothee is also known for her wonderful afro-beat songs which are normally escorted by sultry dance moves, she made herself a name internationally by doing collabo’s with acts such as Diamond, Flavour, and MC Galaxy. She is one of the richest superstars in Kenya, and this is evidenced by her multiple expensive cars, the big homes she owns, and her considerable businesses.
10 Quick Facts About Akothee
- Name: Akothee
- Age: 41 Years (As of 2024)
- Birthday: 8 April
- Zodiac Sign: Aries
- Height: 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m)
- Nationality: Kenyan
- Occupation: Musician and Businesswoman
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Salary: Under Review
- Net Worth: $10 Million (Approx. ksh1.3 Billion)
Akothee Age
Akothee is 41 years old as of 2024. She was born on April 8, 1983, in Kisumu County, Kenya. She celebrates her birthday on 8 April every year and her birth sign is Aries.
Akothee Height
Akothee stands at a height of 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m).
Akothee Weight
Akothee Weighs 62 kg (136 lbs).
Early Life and Education
Akothee was born on 8 April 1983, in Kisumu but grew up in Migori. She is a daughter of an administrator father and a politician mother. She dropped out of Nyabisawa Girls Secondary School at 14 to elope with her husband. She returned to school and sat for her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2004 at Wasio Mixed Secondary School, scoring a C+.
Akothee publicized her KCSE results slip on social media, and you will be agreeably amazed to know that she was index number 34, and she achieved an aggregate grade of C+. Among the grades that stood out in her result slip is the A plan she scored in History and Government, and the D- that she scored in Mathematics.
Rise to Fame
Humble Beginnings:
Life Before Music: Akothee dropped out of school at 14 and married young. She went on to work as a taxi driver in Mombasa, juggling motherhood and earning a living. Entrepreneurial Spark: She also sold fish (omena) and ventured into dancing at events, showcasing her natural talent and business acumen.
From Dancer to Singer:
Finding Her Voice: While entertaining guests at high-end parties, Akothee was encouraged to pursue music. In 2008, she recorded her first song, “Tatu kwa tatu,” under her real name, Esther Akoth. Early Struggles: Despite initial challenges, she kept releasing music, showcasing her vibrant persona and catchy beats.
Viral Breakthrough:
2014: The Turning Point: Her song “Ojaber” became a major hit, garnering millions of views and propelling her into the national spotlight. The song’s success was attributed to its blend of Kenyan vernacular, contemporary sound, and bold lyrics.
Building Momentum: She followed up with hits like “Give It To Me” and “Yuko Moyoni,” solidifying her status as a force in Kenyan music.
Akothee Family, Parents
Akothee was born to her father Joshua Owino Kokeyo and mother Monica Yunita Kokeyo in Kisumu County. Her father, Joshua, is a former District Officer whereas her mother, Hon Monica, was the seating Migori MCA. The self-made millionaire originates from an esteemed family.
Akothee and Denis Schweizer
Akothee is currently possibly single. She was previously married to Denis ‘Omosh’ Schweizer, a Swiss national. The couple tied the knot July 10, 2023 on Easter Monday at the Windsor Golf Hotel in Nairobi and her bridal team included Lang’ata MP Phelix ‘Jalang’o’ Odiwuor, Milly Wa Jesus and her husband Kabi Wa Jesus, Azziad Nasenya, among others.
However, Akothee and her Swiss husband Denis Schweizer separated. She said “When I was on honeymoon, I found out some things that I could not keep up with.” “I walked out of that relationship back in June. We had to pack our bags out of that relationship because it was not a relationship. I’m one person who doesn’t force issues. When it is not working for me, it is not just working” she said.
Akothee Husband
Akothee was a Form two student at Nyabisawa Girls when she decided to slip away with a boy from the neighboring boy’s school. Based on her, the boy used to send her love letters which drove her absurd. Inspite of coming from a loving home, Akothee’s unruly phase forced her to slip away with the man. She was only 14 years of age. She then moved in with her mother-in-law in Migori County.
She served as a house girl to the mother-in-law for the next seven years. Her parents-in-law then dispatched her away in 2000, explanations unknown. After being sent packing by her parents-in-law whom she had attentively worked for the past seven years, Akothee moved to Kanga. It was in Kanga that she began her Omena (dagaa) trading trade in order to raise money for her school fees and her small family’s upkeep.
During the year 2003, her ex-husband completed his university education, and he and Akothee got back together to take care of their children. This gave Akothee the opportunity to go back to school. When she earned her education, she followed her husband to Nairobi, and they started a very lowly life together.
Based on her, their life in Nairobi was so simple and humble that they really received items such as mwikos and sufurias from their friends. In a surprising turn of events, Akothee’s husband left her in 2006 when he had just begun getting wealthy.
Akothee Children
Akothee is a proud mother of five children, three daughters named Vesha Okello, Celly Rue, and Prudence Apundo and two sons named Oyoo and Oj’wang. The three Akothee daughters are outcomes of her first marriage, while her sons were conceived from various relationships with foreigners.
Her firstborn was conceived when she was merely 14 years old. Her name is Vesha Shalian Okello. She then gave birth to her second child likewise a girl when she was 15 years old. Unfortunately, this child passed away because Akothee could not raise enough funds to take her to a hospital when she was sick.
Her ’s third born was born to sixteen-year-old Akothee. Her name is Celine Dion Okello, aka Celly or Rue Baby. It was in the year 2000 that Akothee gave birth to her last-born daughter, Prudence Apundo. Her sons are Oyoo and Ojwang, whom she warmly refers to as Prince Oyoo and Prince Ojwang.
Akothee Net Worth
Akothee has an estimated net worth of $10 million dollars (approx. ksh1.3 billion shillings) as of 2024. This includes her assets, money, and income. Her primary source of income is her career as a musician and businesswoman. Through her various sources of income, she has accumulated good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Akothee Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Akothee.
Akothee Wiki
- Full Names: Esther Akoth
- Popular As: Akothee
- Gender: Female
- Occupation / Profession: Musician, Businesswoman
- Nationality: Kenyan
- Race / Ethnicity: Luo
- Religion: Christianity
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Akothee Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 41 Years (2024)
- Zodiac Sign: Aries
- Date of Birth: 8 April 1983
- Place of Birth: Kisumu County, Kenya
- Birthday: 8 April
Akothee Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: Not Available
- Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m)
- Weight: 62 kg (136 lbs)
- Eye Color: Black
- Hair Color: Black
- Shoe Size: Not Available
Akothee Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Joshua Owino Kokeyo
- Mother: Hon Monica Yunita Kokeyo
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Not Known
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Husband/Spouse: Was married to Denis ‘Omosh’ Schweizer
- Dating / Boyfriend: Single
- Children: Sons (Oyoo and Oj’wang) Daughter(s) (Vesha Okello, Celly Rue, and Prudence Apundo)
Akothee Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $10 Million (Approx. ksh1.3 Billion)
- Salary: Under Review
- Source of Income: Musician and Businesswoman
Akothee Career
Akothee has released several victorious songs. Her career in music began in 2008 and she has since released numerous singles as well as collaborations with popular artists, including Diamond Platnumz. She has also won several awards at home and abroad. They included African Muzik Magazine Awards, AFRIMA-Best Female Artist (East Africa) 2016.
Akothee Houses
- The Akothee house in Mombasa has sixteen bedrooms and all the required facilities. This was revealed by Kenyan comedian Jalango, aka, Jalas, who visited the home. Jalango reported that when he was at the house, he used twelve white towels and fifteen bedcovers. Moreover, he was attended to by a personal masseuse and a private chef. He apparently slept on a 12×10 bed. Her house in Mombasa is worth approximately 120 million Kenyan shillings.
- Akothee owns another home in Rongo, Migori County, which is worth approximately 100 million Kenyan shillings.
- Esther Akothee house in Nairobi is worth 80 million Kenyan shillings.
- Akothee also owns a luxury apartment complex on North Coast.
- Apart from her luxury homes, She also owns a four bedroomed pad in Zurich, Switzerland worth about 50 million dollars. This amounts to about 83% of her net worth.
Akothee Collapses On Stage During Luo Night Festival
Singer Akothee on 1st December collapsed while performing during the famous Luo Festival, in a suspected case of fatigue. This comes barely a week after she was hospitalised in a case wheer doctors diagnosed her with fatigue. She collapsed at around 1am, bringig her performance to a halt.
Akothee Songs
Esther Akoth has dubbed herself ‘The Queen of Kanungo’, Kanungo refers to a series of beats and body-bending dance moves indigenous to the Luo community in Kenya. Most of her songs, which are done in Kiswahili, English and Luo, are associated with the afro-beat feel and this is just but one of the reasons why most people fell in love with her songs. These songs are;
- Oyoyo featuring McGalaxy
- Give It To Me featuring Flavour
- Sweet Love featuring Diamond
- Benefactor
- Yuko Moyoni
- New Dance featuring Oc Osilliation
- Nimechoka
- Pashe
- Katika
- Djele Djele
- Shengerera Mama
- Bougerie
- Tucheze
Akothee Taxi Business
With the small amount she had saved up, she enrolled in a driving school and became a matatu driver. She then moved to Mombasa where she became a taxi driver.
While a taxi driver she met a Swedish man who invited her back to his home country. Unfortunately, as fate would have it, things didn’t work out as hoped and the man kicked her out while she was 9 months pregnant and she had to return to Kenya. However, this time she had some money on her, enough to invest well in her taxi business.
While still going about her business, she got introduced to a French man who was then the French ambassador to Djibouti. This was the turning point of her life as she had hit the jackpot. The man was quite wealthy and showered her with lavish gifts and large amounts of money.
The man once gifted her with a brand new Prado on her birthday and gave her KSH 80 million to build a house for her growing family. The French man is the father of her last born, however, they are now separated.
Akothee Safaris
During her searching days and by her hard work together with God’s grace she now owns over 15 vehicles comprising of two 27-seater buses, mini-buses and 5 tour land cruiser vans.
She got involved in a lot of business pursuits that enabled her to set up business interests as evidenced in Akothee safaris a flourishing Tours and Travel Company, Morning Star Diani, an establishment that seeks to provide 5-star accommodations at 3-star rates and Akothe & Properties a real estate venture.
Akothee Lifestyle
She is more popular for her lavish lifestyle almost as much as she is for her music. She shops in the most fashionable stores in Europe, drive flashy cars and her kids get the best or rather most expensive education. She has homes in Mombasa, Nairobi, and Kisumu That is besides a luxury apartment complex in the North Coast and a four-bedroomed pad in Zurich, Switzerland.
Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
Travel:
- Akothee is a frequent traveler, often sharing glimpses of her jet-setting lifestyle on social media. She has visited numerous countries in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, including:
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Zanzibar, Tanzania
- South Africa
- France
- Switzerland
- Monaco
- Italy
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Turkey
- Qatar
- Her travels often inspire her music and fashion sense, incorporating different cultures and styles into her creative expression.
Events:
- Akothee is a sought-after performer and regularly attends events across Africa and beyond. Some of her notable appearances include:
- AFRIMA Awards (multiple years)
- KISIMA Awards (multiple years)
- PMVA Awards
- Ghana Music Awards
- Afrigo Music Awards
- Global Music Awards
- Various concerts and festivals in Kenya and other African countries
- She is also known for her extravagant parties and events, often documented on social media.
Experiences:
- Akothee has had a diverse range of experiences throughout her life, from her humble beginnings as a taxi driver to her current success as a musician, businesswoman, and philanthropist. Some of her notable experiences include:
- Overcoming challenges in her early life and education
- Building a successful career in music and business
- Using her platform to empower others and give back to her community
- Traveling the world and experiencing different cultures
- Her experiences have shaped her into the strong and independent woman she is today, and she continues to inspire others with her story.
Future Aspirations and Goals
Music:
- Expanding her reach: While already a household name in Africa, she might target international audiences with collaborations or performances worldwide.
- Genre exploration: She might experiment with new music styles or collaborate with artists from different genres, keeping her sound fresh and exciting.
- Leaving a legacy: She might focus on creating timeless music that resonates with future generations and solidifies her place in Kenyan and African music history.
Business Ventures:
- Growing her existing businesses: Akothee Safaris and Akothee Homes/Aknotela Real Estate have the potential for further expansion and diversification.
- Launching new ventures: She might tap into new industries that align with her interests, like fashion or entertainment.
- Building a business empire: Her entrepreneurial spirit might lead her to create a conglomerate encompassing various successful ventures.
Philanthropy:
- Expanding the reach of her foundation: Akothee Foundation’s impact could be amplified by supporting more communities and individuals, potentially even beyond Kenya.
- Advocacy for social causes: She might use her platform to raise awareness and advocate for important issues close to her heart, like education, women’s empowerment, or environmental conservation.
- Leaving a lasting impact: Her philanthropic efforts might focus on creating sustainable solutions that empower communities for the long term.
Personal Growth:
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Akothee prioritizes fitness and well-being, and she might continue inspiring others to do the same.
- Learning and self-improvement: She is a lifelong learner and might pursue further education or explore new skills and hobbies.
- Continuing to inspire: Akothee’s authenticity and resilience resonate with many. She might use her platform to empower and motivate others to chase their dreams and overcome challenges.
Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable and Community Involvement
Philanthropic Efforts:
- Akothee Foundation: Established in 2016, the foundation focuses on empowering disadvantaged communities and individuals in Kenya. It provides support in areas like education, healthcare, access to clean water and sanitation, and economic empowerment through skills development and small business grants.
- Examples of the foundation’s work:
- Building schools and providing scholarships to children from underprivileged backgrounds.
- Organizing medical camps and donating essential medical supplies to communities with limited access to healthcare.
- Supporting women entrepreneurs through skills training and microloans.
- Providing food aid and disaster relief during times of crisis.
- Impact: Akothee Foundation has touched the lives of thousands of people across Kenya, creating a positive and lasting impact.
Charitable Contributions:
- Beyond the foundation, Akothee regularly makes individual charitable contributions to various causes.
- She has donated to hospitals, orphanages, and disaster relief efforts.
- She also supports individual families and individuals in need, often documented on her social media platforms.
- Impact: Her generosity inspires others to give back and highlights the importance of helping those in need.
Community Involvement:
- Akothee actively engages with her community, using her voice to raise awareness about important social issues.
- She advocates for education, women’s empowerment, and environmental conservation.
- She participates in community events and initiatives, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration.
- Impact: Her involvement encourages open dialogue and inspires positive change within communities.
Akothee Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
Music Awards:
- 2014: Afrikan Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMA) – Best Female East Africa
- 2015: Kenya National Music Awards (KISIMA) – Best Female Artist
- 2016: Pulse Music Video Awards (PMVA) – Most Popular Pop Artiste (Female)
- 2017: Head of State Commendation (HSC) – President Uhuru Kenyatta – Recognition for her contribution to the Kenyan music industry
- 2018: Ghana Music Awards (GMA) – African Artiste of the Year
- 2019: Afrigo Music Awards – Best Female Reggae/Dancehall Artiste
- 2020: Global Music Awards – Outstanding Performance (Female)
Business Accolades:
- Recognition as a successful entrepreneur for building Akothee Safaris, a thriving tourism company.
- Akothee Homes and Aknotela Real Estate showcase her ventures into the property market.
Social Media Impact:
- Millions of followers across platforms like Instagram and Facebook, solidifying her influence and brand reach.
- Trendsetter, sparking conversations and inspiring others with her outspoken and authentic personality.
Philanthropic Efforts:
- Founder of Akothee Foundation, actively supporting underprivileged communities and individuals in Kenya.
- Recognized for her charitable work and dedication to giving back.
Additional Achievements:
- Brand ambassador for various companies and products.
- Owns a successful fashion line, “Akothee by Bosslady.”
- Featured in numerous publications and media outlets, solidifying her status as a Kenyan powerhouse.
Legacy
Music:
- Kenyan music icon: Akothee’s blend of contemporary and traditional influences, coupled with her catchy beats and empowering lyrics, could solidify her place as a significant figure in Kenyan and African music history.
- Inspiration for future generations: Her journey from humble beginnings to success might motivate aspiring musicians and artists to pursue their dreams with dedication and authenticity.
Businesswoman:
- Successful entrepreneur: Akothee Safaris and other ventures could serve as models for aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating the power of hard work, innovation, and strategic thinking.
- Advocate for female entrepreneurship: Her achievements might inspire and empower other women to break barriers and build successful businesses in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Philanthropist:
- Advocate for social change: Akothee’s work with the Akothee Foundation and various charitable initiatives could leave a lasting impact on social causes she champions, like education, women’s empowerment, and environmental conservation.
- Symbol of generosity and compassion: Her dedication to giving back might inspire future generations to embrace philanthropy and contribute to building a better world.
Social Media Influencer:
- Icon of authenticity: Akothee’s unapologetic personality and outspoken nature might resonate with future generations, promoting self-acceptance and challenging traditional norms.
- Empowering force: Her use of social media to connect with fans, share her journey, and advocate for important causes could inspire future generations to leverage online platforms for positive change.
Hobbies and Interests
Fitness and Wellness:
- Akothee is a fitness enthusiast who prioritizes staying healthy and active. She regularly shares workout videos and photos on social media, showcasing her dedication to exercise.
- She enjoys diverse activities like running, weight training, swimming, and dancing, encouraging her followers to embrace healthy lifestyles.
Travel and Exploration:
- Akothee is an avid traveler who frequently explores different destinations around the world. From luxurious resorts to adventurous excursions, she shares glimpses of her travels on social media, inspiring wanderlust in her fans.
- Her adventures often influence her music and fashion sense, incorporating diverse cultural elements into her creative expression.
Fashion and Style:
- Akothee is known for her bold and glamorous fashion choices. She enjoys experimenting with different styles and trends, often showcasing her outfits on social media, setting trends, and collaborating with fashion brands.
- Her love for fashion extends beyond personal expression; she owns a clothing line, “Akothee by Bosslady,” offering unique and trendy pieces.
Family and Friends:
- Despite her busy schedule, Akothee prioritizes spending time with her family and friends. She shares glimpses of their gatherings and outings, highlighting the importance of loved ones in her life.
- She often celebrates special occasions with them, showcasing her strong family bonds and love for close relationships.
Cooking and Food:
- Akothee enjoys cooking and experimenting with different cuisines, often sharing photos and videos of her culinary creations on social media.
- She incorporates her love for food into her travels, trying local dishes and sharing her experiences with her followers.
Giving Back and Volunteering:
- Beyond her official philanthropic endeavors through the Akothee Foundation, Akothee also enjoys volunteering and giving back to her community in personal ways.
- She might participate in charity events, support local businesses, or offer help to individuals in need, demonstrating her genuine desire to make a positive impact.
Personal Beliefs
Self-Belief and Empowerment:
- Akothee is a strong advocate for self-belief and empowerment, particularly for women. Her music, social media presence, and philanthropic work often convey messages of overcoming challenges, achieving goals, and embracing one’s individuality.
- She encourages others to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams, and not be limited by societal expectations.
Family and Relationships:
- Akothee prioritizes family and values strong relationships. She often expresses love and appreciation for her children, mother, and close friends.
- While she has faced challenges in her personal life, she emphasizes the importance of family bonds and navigating relationships with honesty and open communication.
Financial Independence and Hard Work:
- Akothee’s journey from humble beginnings to financial success underscores her belief in hard work and determination. She often speaks about the value of financial independence and achieving one’s goals through dedication and effort.
- Her business ventures and philanthropic work demonstrate her commitment to creating opportunities for herself and others.
Philanthropy and Giving Back:
- Akothee’s establishment of the Akothee Foundation and her various charitable contributions highlight her belief in helping others and making a positive impact on society.
- She advocates for social causes like education, women’s empowerment, and environmental conservation, suggesting a belief in contributing to a better world.
Importance of Education:
- Despite not following a traditional education path herself, Akothee emphasizes the value of education for personal growth and future opportunities.
- She encourages others, particularly young women, to prioritize education and utilize it as a tool for empowerment and achieving their goals.
Openness and Authenticity:
- Akothee is known for her outspoken and unapologetic personality. She embraces her individuality and expresses her opinions openly, regardless of potential criticism.
- This suggests a belief in authenticity, self-expression, and challenging traditional norms or expectations.
Quotes
Self-belief and empowerment:
- “If you can’t handle me at my worst, you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best.”
- “Don’t wait for opportunity. Create it.”
- “Don’t let people’s opinions stop you from being yourself. Love yourself first.”
- “Life is short, make it sweet. Don’t be afraid to take risks.”
- “A queen doesn’t wait for the king, she builds her own castle.”
Hard work and success:
- “Nothing good comes easy. Work hard, stay focused, and achieve your dreams.”
- “Don’t be afraid to hustle. Success doesn’t just come knocking on your door.”
- “Believe in yourself and your abilities. You can achieve anything you set your mind to.”
- “There is no shortcut to success. It takes hard work, dedication, and sacrifice.”
- “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do. Prove them wrong.”
Relationships and family:
- “Love your family with all your heart. They are your foundation.”
- “Friends are like family you choose. Cherish them and be a good friend to them.”
- “Don’t settle for anything less than you deserve in relationships. Love yourself first.”
- “Never lose yourself in a relationship. Always maintain your individuality.”
- “True love is based on respect, trust, and communication.”
Philanthropy and giving back:
- “It is our responsibility to help those in need. Make a difference in the world.”
- “Education is the key to empowering yourself and others. Invest in education.”
- “Be kind and compassionate. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.”
- “Leave the world a better place than you found it.”
- “We are all connected. Let’s uplift each other and build a better future.”
Humor and lightheartedness:
- “Life is too short to be serious all the time. Laugh, dance, and enjoy the journey.”
- “Don’t take yourself too seriously. Learn to laugh at yourself and have fun.”
- “Life is what you make it. Make it a party!”
- “I may not be perfect, but I’m real. And that’s what makes me unique.”
- “Don’t be afraid to be yourself. The world needs your unique spark.”
Final Thoughts
Akothee’s journey from humble beginnings to success as a musician, businesswoman, and philanthropist is an inspiration to many. Her outspoken personality, advocacy for social causes, and commitment to giving back have solidified her as a force to be reckoned with.
Akothee Contacts
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