Veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka has publicly praised the son who worked behind the scenes to make his golden jubilee concert a reality, describing him as the one person who never gave up even when everyone else had.
In a Facebook post shared on Tuesday, 20 October, Machoka credited his son as the driving force behind the Machoka @50 Grand Concert, which took place on Saturday, October 10 at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.
What did Machoka say about his son?
The 12-hour celebration drew thousands of rhumba fans and featured a star-studded lineup that included Koffi Olomide, Mbilia Bel, Sam Fan Thomas, Les Wanyika and Them Mushrooms.
“The man behind Machoka at 50. Hardly seen, but always present. How did you even manage, when all of us had given up!!!??? Thank you son. May the Almighty God bless you and your generation. Much love,” the celebrated radio personality wrote, alongside a photo of the young man at what appeared to be the outdoor venue.
The post was accompanied by a photo of a tall, well-built young man standing at the event grounds, though Machoka did not name him directly.
One commenter, Blessed Risper, appeared to identify him, writing that he was Victor, a former operations manager at Avanti Restaurant Kenya, calling him “the definition of a gentleman.”
The concert itself was no small feat to organise. Beyond the logistical challenge of coordinating international acts, the night was briefly disrupted when Koffi Olomide walked off stage following an unexpected confrontation.
The Congolese music legend delivered a two-hour performance with his Quartier Latin International Band, and Machoka subsequently thanked him publicly for showing up despite the drama.
Prominent figures including COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna were among the guests who attended the jubilee.
The Kenyan Senate also recognised Machoka’s five-decade contribution to promoting African music and culture, with the Media Council of Kenya partnering in the milestone celebration.
Kenyans react
Kenyans in the comments were quick to weigh in, with some calling for Machoka’s national honour to be upgraded and others expressing curiosity about who his son is:
Clayton Ogawa:
“Fred Obachi Machoka is the shujaa for today. Your award should be upgraded from OGW to EGH. Or what do you say?”
Berniqueh Rahim Nassorh:
“Hiyo part ya mwisho though sir do you mean he already has a generation”
Serah Maneno:
“Like father, like son, same same”
Vincie Vincy:
“Me reading with his voice congratulations”
Peter Ouma:
“Pls introduce him to us, not everyone knows him.”
John Singano Makau:
“A fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
Josphine Akuku:
Is he taken asking for my neighbour”
