PHOTO/AFP/VINCE BUCCI A file picture taken on February 8, 1994 in Los Angeles shows US singer Whitney Houston posing with the seven awards she won at the 21st annual American awards ceremony. Grammy-winning pop legend and actress Whitney Houston, 48, was found dead on February 11, 2012 in a Beverly Hills hotel, police said.
By JOY WANJA MURAYA jwanja@ke.nationmedia.com and AMOS NGAIRA angaira@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Sunday, February 12 2012 at 22:30
Posted Sunday, February 12 2012 at 22:30
News of pop legend Whitney Houston’s death on Saturday was received with shock and sadness among a generation of Kenyan musicians and fans who savoured her talent from the 1980s. (READ: Whitney Houston dead at 48)
Whitney inspired a generation of music fans with her soaring voice described by her contemporaries as nothing short of magical.
On KBC radio shows, especially “Sundowner” and “Late Date”, Whitney ruled the airwaves.
She had a rich repertoire of songs and to radio DJs such as John Obongo Jr, who had a huge following among youthful listeners told the Nation, “Whitney’s songs were gems played several times a day. The song How Will I Know? was among the most popular during request programmes on radio”.
Peak of her career
Whitney extended her career to acting, pairing up with Kevin Costner in the The Bodyguard.
Veteran DJ Sweet Njoro alongside colleagues Nijo and Kareez said they would remember her as one whose music inspired people.
At the peak of her career, Whitney’s songs were dance floor anthems in leading clubs in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru and Kisumu.
Kenyan Afro-fusion musician Achieng’ Abura said she was saddened and felt emotional by the passing of Whitney Houston.And when she couldn’t sing any more, many pitied her and felt sad about a great talent ruined by self-destructive behaviour.
“I have been attached to Whitney Houston not only as age-mates (born in 1963), but also because we got our children in the same year — 1993”.
Whitney’s daughter Bobbi Kristina and Achieng’s son Prince were born in that same year.
Veteran radio presenter and promoter Fred Obachi Machoka was equally saddened after learning the death of Whitney.
Machoka recalled sometime in 1991 during a tour of Paris, France, when he almost missed a flight while trying to attend her concert.
“It’s sad she has died before I ever watched her performing live or being able to bring her to Kenya,” he said.
Them Mushrooms Band leader John Katana said: “Let’s all remember her powerful and unique voice.”
On Sunday, many stars took to Twitter to voice shock after Houston was found dead, hours before a traditional pre-Grammys dinner which she was to attend.
“She had that voice that could just turn a story, a melody into magical notes,” said singer Lionel Richie, a contemporary of Houston’s.
Kenyans too, turned to social media networking sites Facebook and Twitter with tributes to the fallen entertainer.
Applaud your art
“Whitney Houston was a super diva, actress and music maestro legend! I will always love you, Whitney,” George Odhiambo Ogembo wrote.
“Whitney, you were a star, a legend and an inspiration to many. We will not to judge you, we applaud your art,” Paul Hawkins wrote.
The 48-year-old Grammy-winner was a huge star in the 1980s and 1990s, selling over 170 million albums with worldwide hits including I WillAlways Love You, before her career and personal life went off the rails.
In recent years she has battled to revive her career after a stormy 15-year marriage to singer Bobby Brown.
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