8 Kenyan celebs you wouldn’t believe are geniuses

Let’s face it, when most of us think of Kenyan celebrities, if you’ve been through the previous 8-4-4 system or you’re one of the unfortunate “alumni” of the CBC curriculum, then you automatically assume them dense.

The reason for this is the fact that for the most part, our education system puts an emphasis on academic excellence to the absolute dereliction of any other forms of intelligences or even talents. So you’re a footballer? Big whoop. Your teachers will drum it into the rest of the class or worse still, into you’re head that you’re nothing. The same can be said for actors and entertainers. Wait, I think there is a special bottom rung made entirely of comedians.

But what if I told you that while there are different cadres of intelligence, there are some -a precious few- who excelled in both the conventional way aswell as at the pursuit of their talent and craft? Some entertainers and celebs who were actually not just talented but also academically intelligent enough to juggle high level performance in all that was required of them?

And we all know what that mean. In both 8-4-4 and CBC, it takes a whole lot of cramming. Beyond simply being familiar with the material, you have to actually cram for the exams and often it involves some outdated and useless procedures (for most career paths) such as the Bosch Process (Chemistry anyone?) because let’s face it, I have never used that knowledge anywhere outside of my KCSE exam hall.

Even before we start, I need to actually clarify some metrics for you to fully appreciate the genius of these celebs. KCSE is graded on a scale with a maximum grade of A plain equivalent to an 80% score and above (to 100%) through to the minimum grade of E, equivalent to or lower than a 25% score.

Let’s take a quick look at the celebs who scored highly on their national O-Level exams (what we here in Kenya call KCSE). And I assure you that some of the characters who are certified geniuses will blow your mind.

Fena Gitu

Fena Gitu
Fena Gitu

This would surprise many but the Femcee cum LGBTQ advocate (though she does this on the sly) is a Precious Blood Riruta alumni who managed to score an A- (A minus) in her KCSE exam.

Fancy Fingers

Fancy Fingers
Fancy Fingers

Sauti Sol’s Polycarp who is an alumnus of Strathmore actually managed to score an A before he went on to pursue a degree in actuarial science.

JB Masanduku

Tina Kaggia’s ex-husband and comedian was actually a student at two “Ivy League” Kenyan schools; Starehe Boy’s Centre as well as Alliance High. And as if that isn’t impressive enough, he managed to score an A in the national exams.

Maureen Kunga

Maureen Kunga

One-half of the two ladies that make up the trio that is Elani (do they still make music anymore?) is an alumnus of Kianda School where she managed to score an A in the national exams. And as if that weren’t impressive enough, drum roll, please…

Wambui Ngugi

Elani’s Wambui Ngugi

The second half of the two ladies that make up the trio that is Elani (which at this point I have to state also includes Brian Chweya) also scored an A in KCSE.

King Kaka

Kenyan rapper, King Kaka

The rapper formerly known as Rabbit (isn’t that one of if not the worst name you’ve ever heard a rapper gave himself?!) made it against all odds. He was at Eastleigh High which if you know anything about Nairobi, isn’t exactly a bastion of education. And yet he managed to score an A- (A minus).

DJ Creme

The disc jockey too wasn’t in what we would consider a Kenyan “ivy league school” given he studied in some backwater secondary school before going on to score an A- (A Minus) in his KCSE exam.

Wahu

Come on, you already know this girl is smart. I mean, she went on to study mathematics in university. What more can I say? She too is an alumnus of Precious Blood and got an A.

I’ve purposely left out Babu Owino from the list. Google his grade yourself.

Clearly, a lot went into their academic prowess and this definitely includes (on the most part) not having to worry about their allowances. That is where Co-op Bank comes into partnership with you to avail to your child every possible advantage that you can afford them. One simple example of this is ensuring they always have their allowance/ pocket money at hand and not have to worry about it being jacked.

Allow your child to focus entirely on their national exams given they are in their third term. Whether they are sitting for KCSE or the primary school national exams, KCPE. How can you do that? I’m glad you asked.

Co-op Bank is here to partner with you to ensure your child focuses on what’s important -their education. You can also load up your child’s pocket money to their Co-op Bank Pre-paid.

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  • No need for your child to carry loads of pocket money as they head to school, you can simply load it in the Co-op Prepaid card which is safer than carrying cash.
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Elani with lovely love song dubbed Joto

Elani are back with a new song dubbed Joto. This jam is the fourth song of their single album, Colours of Love. To start with, the trio has released this song just on time.

Joto is a song that mostly talks of love and as we are nearing the Valentines season, you’ll realise that it is a perfect time.

Joto is a love song that talks of when people come together

First, Joto talks about a time when people are willing to come together and commit to being with one another.

To add on it continues the red phase of the journey of Colours of Love with deep, committed love.

At this juncture, it is a good thing that we focus on the lyrics to get the flow of this jam. You realise that the trio has great voices that compliment each other.

Elani with lovely song love song dubbed Joto

How sweet are the lyrics?

In the first stanza, they talk of how one is glued to a specific person.

“Wengi wamezaliwa duniani Nataka tu mi niwe nawe Nataka tu mi niwe nawe,” reads the first stanza.

Further into the Joto, one is pleading to be with the person they love in this world. She says that she has made a decision to stick to that love.

“Malaika nataka niwe nawe Kwenye dunia Siku zimepita  Milele na milele nimeamua Tuwe tu milele Mi nawe ni mi nawe Ni mi nawe,” reads the song further.

In addition to the powerful lyrics, it is good to note that Elani in the song has a new style. Dramatisation has been used here giving it a very unique style.

Also, repetition has been applied as you realise that most lines are sung more than once. Finally, the chemistry that lies behind the three beautiful voices is just great.

In conclusion, Elani have done a great job and this is just perfect for lovers. It is clear that their song is good for weddings as well.

Last but not least, Elani gets a rating of 7/10.

Video below