Akothee

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Akothee
Background information
Born
Esther Akoth

(1983-04-08) 8 April 1983 (age 42)
Kisumu County, Kenya
EducationMount Kenya University
GenresBenga Afrobeats Contemporary pop
OccupationSinger dancer entrepreneur
InstrumentVocals
Years active2008–present
Websiteakothee.com

Esther Akoth (born 8 April 1983), better known as Akothee, is a Kenyan musician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.[1] She is the founder of Akothee Safaris, a tour company based in Kenya; the Akothee Foundation, a charitable organization focused on education and poverty alleviation; Aknotela, a luxury fashion brand; and Akothee Homes, a real estate business.[2][3]

Akothee's music blends contemporary East African styles with Afrobeats,[4] and she has collaborated with artists such as Diamond Platnumz, Flavour (musician), and MC Galaxy. Her music videos and live performances are known for energetic choreography and bold stage presence, often described as audacious and charismatic.[5][6]

Early life and education

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Akoth was born on 8 April 1983 in Kisumu County, Kenya, to a father who worked as an administrator and a mother who was a politician.[7] She grew up in Migori County.[8]

At age 14, she fled home due to clashes with her strict mother and eloped with her first husband.[8] She lived with her in-laws and served as a house help while her husband pursued his education at Moi University.[8] By age 20, she had four children.[8]

Her mother supported her return to school multiple times, even renting a mabati house where Akothee could leave her children while attending classes.[8] After becoming pregnant again, she temporarily dropped out but later resumed her studies. Her mother ensured she was placed on family planning to help her complete her education.[8]

Akothee eventually completed her secondary education in 2004 with a grade of C+ in her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).[8] She later enrolled at Mount Kenya University, where she earned Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, specializing in Human Resource Management in 2023, fulfilling her mother’s long-standing wish.[8][9]

Music career

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Akoth began her music career in 2008, initially performing in local venues before gaining national attention.[10] Her music blends Afrobeats, Benga, and contemporary pop styles, often featuring themes of empowerment, love, and resilience.

She has collaborated with several prominent African artists, including Diamond Platnumz, Flavour, and MC Galaxy

In March 2020, she released "Mwitu Asa", a song written and performed in the Kamba language, which was praised for its cultural authenticity and linguistic diversity.[11]

Akothee has performed at major concerts across East Africa and Europe, and her music videos often feature elaborate choreography and high production value.[12] She is known for her bold stage presence and outspoken personality, which have contributed to her popularity on social media and in mainstream media.[5][6]

Entrepreneurship

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Akoth is the founder of several business ventures, including Akothee Safaris, a tour and travel company based in Nairobi, Kenya.[13] She appointed her daughter as director of the company.[14]

She also launched Akothee Homes, a real estate venture, and Aknotela, a luxury fashion brand.[15] Her investments include a palatial residence in Rongo, Migori County, which she describes as a symbol of financial independence and long-term wealth creation.[16]

In addition to her commercial ventures, Akothee is the founder of the Akothee Foundation, a charitable organization focused on education, health, and poverty alleviation. The foundation was relaunched after a brief closure due to administrative challenges, which she attributed to mismanagement and exploitation by associates.[17]

In 2023, Akothee was appointed Brand Ambassador for Homa Bay County by Governor Gladys Wanga. In this role, she promotes tourism, cultural heritage, and youth empowerment initiatives under the #ExperienceHomaBay campaign.[15]

Personal life

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Akoth is a mother of five children from three different relationships.[14] After overcoming early challenges as a teen mother, she built a successful career in music and entrepreneurship. She owns homes in Mombasa, Migori County, and Zürich, and is known for her philanthropic work through the Akothee Foundation.[18][19]

In 2023, she announced plans to launch the Akothee Foundation Academy to provide free education to underprivileged children.[20] She has also supported individual students, including Milly Nafula, a medical student who received financial aid from Akothee.[21]

Akothee has publicly shared her health challenges, including migraines, fibroids, and a blood clot, which led her to prioritize mental wellness and self-care.[22]

Awards and recognitions

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Akothee has received multiple accolades for her contributions to music and entertainment. She won:

She was also appointed Brand Ambassador for Homa Bay County in 2023 by Governor Gladys Wanga, where she leads tourism and cultural initiatives under the #ExperienceHomaBay campaign.[15]

Akothee has a strong social media presence and currently has over 3.6 million followers on Instagram, making her one of the most followed celebrities in East Africa.[24]

Discography

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Selected singles

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  • "Sweet Love" (feat. Diamond Platnumz)
  • "Give It To Me" (feat. Flavour)
  • "Oyoyo" (feat. MC Galaxy)
  • "Yuko Moyoni"
  • "Benefactor"
  • "New Dance" (feat. Oc)
  • "Osilliation"
  • "Nimechoka"
  • "Pashe"
  • "Katika"
  • "Djele Djele"
  • "Shengerera"
  • "Mama Bougerie"
  • "Tucheze"
  • "Mwitu Asa"[14]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Akothee opens up on health struggles". The Star. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  2. ^ Nyanga, Caroline. "Controversial Kenyan singer Akothee's secrets: Owning houses worth Sh 300 million and rolling in choppers". Standard Digital News. Retrieved 16 April 2019.[permanent dead link]
  3. ^ "Akothee flaunts palatial house, explains why home-ownership is key". Standard Media. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  4. ^ "Akothee's Biography: Career, personal life, net worth". Pulselive Kenya. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  5. ^ a b "Akothee's latest performance brings city to a standstill". Pulselive Kenya. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  6. ^ a b "Twerking Akothee breaks bones in her new hit alongside Nigerian star Flavour". Standard Media. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  7. ^ "Akothee's emotional letter to mother after earning 1st degree". The Star. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h "Why I decided to go back to school – Akothee". The Star. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  9. ^ "Brand Akothee Profile" (PDF). Aknotela. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  10. ^ "Singer Akothee's Biography: Career, personal life, net worth". Pulselive Kenya. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  11. ^ Mwangangi, J. (5 March 2020). "Akothee wows fans with new Kamba song Mwiitu Asa". Mauvoo News. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  12. ^ "Akothee serves hard tackles to critics of her raunchy concert in London". Nairobi News. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  13. ^ "Akothee flaunts palatial house, explains why home-ownership is key". Standard Media. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  14. ^ a b c d e Mwabishi, Pauline (21 August 2018). "Akothee's biography: Musician's husband, family, and house". Tuko.co.ke. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  15. ^ a b c "When passion meets purpose: How Akothee became Ambassador". Standard Media. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  16. ^ "Akothee flaunts palatial house, explains why home-ownership is key". Standard Media. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  17. ^ "Akothee relaunches charity foundation months after closure due to maladministration". Standard Media. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  18. ^ "All about Akothee's turbulent life as a teen mother". Nairobi News. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  19. ^ "How Akothee's philanthropy is changing lives". Daily Nation. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  20. ^ "Akothee announces grand plans to launch school for less fortunate". Nairobi News. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  21. ^ "Celebrity Akothee grants MKU medical student Sh50,000 for upkeep". The Star. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  22. ^ "Singer Akothee opens up on health struggles". The Star. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  23. ^ "Akothee crowned the best female artiste in East Africa at AFRIMMAs". Nairobi News. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  24. ^ "Singer Akothee opens up on health struggles". The Star. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
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