Fred Machoka, one of Kenya’s most beloved broadcasting veterans, was left visibly emotional on Saturday, 26 September, as a Congolese music group surprised him with a special honorary award at his retirement celebration.
The moment was captured in a video filmed during what appeared to be an indoor interview segment on Citizen TV, intercut with stage footage showing the award presentation.
Warmly lit and celebratory in tone, the clip quickly captured attention online.
Congolese community honours ‘Uncle Fred’
The groupmade the journey to Nairobi specifically to recognise Machoka’s decades-long contribution to the promotion of African rhumba and Congolese music in Kenya.
A spokesperson for the group delivered a heartfelt address, expressing gratitude on behalf of the Congolese diaspora spread across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and beyond.
“We have come to give him an award to thank him for the work he has done for us, the Congolese people, wherever we are in Kenya,” the spokesperson said, as the group presented trophies and an honorary plaque to the veteran broadcaster.
Band leaders from across Nairobi were also present at the ceremony, underscoring just how deeply Machoka is respected within the rhumba and African music community.
50 years behind the microphone
Machoka, affectionately known as “Uncle Fred” or “The Voice of Rhumba,” began his broadcasting career at the Voice of Kenya, now known as KBC, in the 1970s. He later joined Royal Media Services’ Radio Citizen, where he hosted the iconic Roga Roga programme for over two decades, turning it into a staple for rhumba lovers across the country.
His retirement marks the end of a 50-year career that helped shape Kenyan airwaves and gave African rhumba a platform at a time when the genre needed a champion.
Watch the emotional award presentation that moved Fred Machoka to tears:
The sight of the seasoned broadcaster tearing up during the ceremony resonated with many Kenyans, who have grown up listening to his distinctive voice on their radios.
For the Congolese community in particular, the moment carried deep meaning a long-overdue public thank-you to a man who gave their music a home in Kenya.
