After seven years, celebrated Congolese singer and dancer Koffi Olomide is back in Kenya for a mega musical concert.
He will be entertaining Lingala lovers at the ASK Dome Showground at the Ngong Racecourse on Saturday, December 9. Olomide will headline the peace concert courtesy of Radio Africa Group.
He arrived in the country on Wednesday afternoon, much to the delight of his huge fanbase in Kenya.
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How Does Koffi Olomide Feel Being Back in Kenya?
He told Classic 105 breakfast show host Maina Kageni that he missed Kenya so much because he has so much to thank Kenyans for.
“I missed Kenya. I missed my family and my fans. Seven years (away), nobody has suffered like I did, like not getting the opportunity to be back in this country,” he said.
Koffi Olomide in Kenya. Photo/The STar
He promised an unforgettable performance, pouring his heart and soul into each song. Having drawn inspiration from his Kenyan audience, who he credits with shaping his career, he feels a deep connection to the country.
His aim at the concert is to surpass his previous performances, delivering electrifying energy and dance moves that will leave the audience breathless.
“My plan is to bring more than I did before. I need absolutely to give the best of myself.” So, get ready to be swept away by the “King of Ndombolo” as he unleashes his musical magic on the Kenyan stage.
“I will give the best of my soul and my heart in each song. I need to see again these people who made Koffi. Like 60 percent of my country have been built in Kenya.”
Why Was Koffi Olomide Deported From Kenya?
In July 2016, the Congolese music legend was embroiled in a highly publicized assault incident that resulted in his deportation from Kenya. This dramatic turn of events occurred just hours after arriving in Nairobi for a scheduled concert.
The incident unfolded at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where Olomide was filmed kicking and assaulting a female dancer from his entourage. The video, shared widely on social media, sparked immediate outrage and condemnation. He then headed to a prime time interview at Citizen TV where Kenyan authorities apprehended him and held him for a few hours before deporting him.
Koffi Olomide. Photo/Hivisasa
The Kenyan government, citing zero tolerance for violence against women, declared Olomide persona non grata and deported him back to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Youth and Gender Cabinet Secretary at the time, Sicily Kariuki, emphasized that his actions constituted a blatant violation of human rights and women’s dignity.
This wasn’t Olomide’s first brush with controversy. He had been previously accused of assaulting his producer and receiving a suspended prison sentence in 2012. Additionally, he faced a ban from performing in France following similar allegations of assault and violence.
The Kenyan public, along with international audiences, reacted with anger and disappointment towards Olomide. Social media platforms were flooded with condemnation, calling for his arrest and denouncing his behavior. Kenyan women’s rights groups rallied against him, demanding justice for the victim.
The deportation proved a significant setback for his career. He lost the planned Kenyan concert and faced widespread criticism that damaged his public image. While initially apologetic, Olomide later attempted to downplay the incident, sparking further backlash. However, the Kenyan government maintained its stance, upholding its commitment to protecting women and upholding human rights.
It took him another seven years for him to return to one of his biggest fanbase in East Africa. It’s that ban that hurt him every day knowing he erred gravely.
Koffi Olomide Collabo With Kenyan Artists
Koffi Olomide. Photo/allafrcia.com
The Rhumb/Lingala maestro says he is open to collaborating with the best Kenyan artists out there.
“I’m ready for them. That’s my last dream to work with a Kenyan artiste. I am ready. I have like four day s in Nairobi. If any want to meet we talk, I’m ready,” he offered.
The Congolese has collaborated with Diamond Platnumz and Nandy from East Africa, and most recently, Nigerian artist Davido.
Does KoffI Olomide Have a Wife?
Koffi Olomide has a wife. Her name is Aliane Olomide. They have been married since 1990 and have three children together. They are Didi Stone Nike, Del Pirlo Mourinho, and Saint James Rolls.
