Congolese music legend Koffi Olomide delivered a memorable performance in Nairobi as veteran Kenyan broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka celebrated five decades in the media industry.
The celebrated rhumba musician headlined the Machoka@50 Grand Concert, held at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday, October 10, 2026. The event attracted music lovers, media personalities and prominent guests who gathered to honour Machoka’s long-standing contribution to broadcasting and African music.
Olomide’s appearance was one of the major highlights of the celebration, bringing together his loyal Kenyan fans for an evening dedicated to rhumba music and the legacy of a broadcaster who has helped popularise the genre over several decades.
The concert ran from midday until midnight, with performers from different parts of Africa taking turns on stage. The gathering also highlighted the enduring relationship between Machoka and Olomide, whose connection dates back to the early years of the Congolese singer’s career.
According to TUKO.co.ke, Machoka considers Olomide a younger brother and credits himself with introducing the musician to Kenyan audiences when he was still building his reputation.
Koffi Olomide Delights Nairobi Fans With Popular Hits
Olomide, widely known by his nickname Grand Mopao, brought his signature performance style to the Nairobi concert, entertaining the audience with some of his best-known songs.
One of the tracks featured during his performance was Effrakata, a popular hit that has helped cement his reputation as one of Africa’s most recognisable rhumba performers.
The Congolese star was accompanied by his Quartier Latin International orchestra and singer Cindy Le Coeur, adding to the energy of the live performance.
Olomide’s distinctive dance moves, stage presence and interaction with the crowd helped create an atmosphere of celebration as fans enjoyed the music.
His appearance also reflected the enduring popularity of Congolese rhumba in Kenya, where the genre has maintained a strong following among different generations of music lovers.
Before the concert, the singer had expressed appreciation for his Kenyan supporters, acknowledging the special relationship he shares with audiences in the country.
His performance at Machoka’s anniversary provided another opportunity to celebrate that connection while honouring the broadcaster’s contribution to African entertainment.
Fred Machoka and Koffi Olomide Share a Longstanding Bond
Beyond the music, the concert carried personal significance for Machoka and Olomide because of their longstanding relationship.
Machoka began his media career in 1975 through the SANYO Juu SANYO talent show. Over the years, he established himself as an influential figure in Kenyan broadcasting, particularly through his efforts to promote rhumba music.
His work has helped introduce audiences to musicians from across the continent, contributing to the genre’s popularity in Kenya.
The broadcaster has said he played a role in bringing Olomide to Kenyan audiences during the singer’s early career. Their relationship has since developed into a close personal bond, with Machoka describing the Congolese musician as his younger brother.
Olomide’s participation in the anniversary concert therefore represented more than a guest appearance by an international star. It also reflected a relationship built over years of music, broadcasting and cultural exchange.
The celebration offered an opportunity to recognise the role Machoka has played in connecting Kenyan audiences with African musicians and sustaining interest in rhumba music.
Mbilia Bel, Sam Fan Thomas and Other Stars Join the Celebration
Olomide was not the only major performer at the event.
The concert featured an international line-up that included Congolese rhumba queen Mbilia Bel and Cameroonian music star Sam Fan Thomas.
Kenyan groups Les Wanyika and Them Mushrooms also performed, bringing a local dimension to the celebration and highlighting the country’s own contribution to African popular music.
The combination of established international musicians and veteran Kenyan performers reflected the broad musical influence of Machoka’s broadcasting career.
The event also attracted prominent personalities from Kenya’s media, political and labour sectors.
Among those reported to have attended were Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka and Central Organisation of Trade Unions Secretary-General Francis Atwoli.
Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion, which celebrated not only Machoka’s longevity in broadcasting but also his influence within Kenya’s wider public and entertainment landscape.
Ticket Prices and Venue for the Machoka@50 Concert
The grand celebration took place at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, with the programme running for approximately 12 hours.
According to the published report, tickets were priced at KSh 5,000 for advance regular admission, KSh 15,000 for VIP access and KSh 25,000 for VVIP entry.
Citizen TV Kenya promoted the concert, which attracted rhumba enthusiasts and supporters of Machoka’s broadcasting career.
The event brought together music, entertainment and recognition of a professional milestone that few broadcasters achieve.
For many attendees, the opportunity to see celebrated African performers share the same stage was an additional attraction.
Machoka’s Five Decades of Promoting African Music
Machoka’s 50-year anniversary highlighted the lasting influence of experienced broadcasters in shaping musical tastes and introducing audiences to artists from different countries.
Through his work on radio and television, he has played a prominent role in keeping rhumba music relevant to Kenyan listeners.
His association with the genre has also helped maintain cultural links between Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo, whose musicians have influenced East African entertainment for decades.
Olomide’s performance was particularly fitting given the history between the two men and Machoka’s contribution to promoting the singer’s music.
The anniversary concert brought these connections into focus, celebrating a career that has spanned generations while giving fans an opportunity to enjoy performances from some of Africa’s established musical names.
As the celebrations concluded, the gathering stood as a tribute to Machoka’s contribution to broadcasting and his continuing association with African music.
