Veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka turned heads at his milestone celebration this past weekend, with his bold fashion choice drawing as much attention as the star-studded concert itself.
Machoka, widely celebrated as the “Blackest Man in Africa,” marked five decades in broadcasting at the Machoka @50 Grand Concert, held on Saturday, 10 October 2026, at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.
Thousands of fans, entertainment personalities and high-profile guests, including COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, turned up to honour the legend.
What Fred Obachi wore for his golden jubilee
The veteran journalist stepped out in a tailored crimson-red jacket featuring a high mandarin collar, structured shoulders with dark contrasting embroidery, and a front button closure.
He paired it with a matching red button-down shirt, completing the look with thin-framed glasses, a dark wristwatch, and a neatly trimmed beard with distinguished grey detailing.
The standout outfit was the work of Hellen Tolbert, owner, CEO and lead fashion designer behind the brand, Ellen Design.
Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, Tolbert described what dressing Machoka for the occasion meant to her.
“Fred, this means everything to me… all my life I have grown up listening to the legendary man on our airwaves… 50 years in broadcasting is no mean feast… congratulations Fred,” she said.
What happened at Obachi’s golden jubilee?
The concert itself was a celebration of Machoka’s contribution to broadcasting and his decades-long championing of African music.
Congolese rhumba star Koffi Olomidé headlined the night; Machoka has previously credited himself with introducing a young Koffi to Kenyan audiences.
Rhumba icon Mbilia Bel and Cameroonian musician Sam Fan Thomas were also among the international performers.
On the local front, Kenyan bands Them Mushrooms and Les Wanyika performed, with Them Mushrooms presenting Machoka a commemorative “Machoka 50” T-shirt and CD as a token of the milestone.
Not everything on the night went smoothly. Former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba, who is Machoka’s niece, grabbed the microphone during the celebrations and led politically charged Wantam chants, drawing a sharp response from the host himself.
Machoka called on security to remove her from the stage, making clear he had no intention of allowing politics to overshadow an event dedicated to his 50-year career. He told her directly that she owed him respect when attending an event he was hosting.
