Veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka has thanked Congolese rhumba star Koffi Olomide days after the two were caught in a tense moment on stage at his Golden Jubilee concert in Nairobi.
Machoka chose to send warm words to Koffi Olomide, despite a tense on-stage incident that drew widespread attention online.
The broadcaster marked 50 years in broadcasting at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Saturday, 10 October.
He took to Facebook on Sunday, 18 October, to reflect on the night’s musical highlights.“When legends gather, history is made!” he wrote.
He extended a “massive thank you” to Koffi, singer Cindy Le Coeur and the Quartier Latin International Band. He described their set as an “unforgettable performance” full of “legendary rhythm and electrifying energy”.
Tension on stage after koffi’s setKoffi Olomide’s two-hour set with his Quartier Latin orchestra had the crowd on its feet. Fans sang along to hits including Effrakata.
The atmosphere changed once the music stopped. Machoka called the singer back on stage to cut a cake marking his 50 years in broadcasting.
Koffi raised his hands, appeared to decline and walked away.
Machoka went after him, seemingly trying to change his mind. Video shared online showed Koffi appearing to push him away before he left the stage. Organisers and fans looked stunned.
Tension had reportedly been building since earlier in the night. Koffi was due on stage at 10:30 pm. Mbilia Bel and her team insisted on going first, which pushed the schedule back.
Despite the awkward turn of events, Machoka’s post carried no hint of ill will. He focused instead on the quality of the performance Koffi and his band delivered.
Fans react
The comments section filled with messages of support for the veteran broadcaster.
@Dennis Naumu Ole Turere : “Congratulations 🎊🎉🎈, you’re a legend 👏 FRED Obachi Machokaa OGW”
Gill Tha Prince called him “the greatest of all”. His full comment read: “Uncle Fred you are a legend, the greatest of all 👏”
@Macharia Wa Gatanga : “But koffi has a pride of another continent”
Another commenter, Cornelius Clarence Wekesa Lupao wrote: “A very burning question: Do you have any plans of repeating this feat, in the foreseeable future?.. the consensus from all the attendees l talked to is that they would be more than ready to pay for another chance.”
