Akothee

Esther Akoth, popularly known as Akothee, is a Kenyan socialite, songwriter, dancer, socialite and entrepreneur. She is the founder and CEO of Akothee Safaris, a tour company based in Kenya, and Akothee Homes, a real estate business.

Akothee was born Esther Akoth on 8 April 1980 in Kisumu County as the first daughter of her parents.She grew up in Migori, where she attended school. Akothee attended Nyabisawa Girls secondary school but dropped out one year later in form two (sophomore) before completing her high school program when she eloped with her boyfriend who was also in high school at the time and entered early marriage. After running away from home, her boyfriend went back to school and she was forced to start with her mother in law, for whom she worked as a house help for seven years.

It was while at her mother-in-law's home in Migori that she conceived and bore her first child. She was fourteen years old at the time. She gave birth to her second and third children at ages fifteen and sixteen respectively. However her second child, a daughter, died in infancy following an illness because she could not raise the money needed for her treatment. In 2000, she gave birth to her fourth child, at seventeen years of age. The same year, Akothee and her mother-in-law disagreed, and she left her in-law's home to fend for herself.

As result of their disagreement, Akothee moved to Kanga, where she worked as a fish hawker to raise money for upkeep. Meanwhile, her husband continued with his studies, and by this time, he was in the university. In 2003, he completed his university education and the two moved in together, at which point the two decided that Akothee would go back to school while her husband took care of the kids.

She went back to high school and, in 2004, at 21 years of age, completed her high school education at Gachie Mixed Secondary, finishing with a mean grade of C+. According to her result-slip, which she posted on social media, Akothee scored A in History and Government, D- in Mathematics. During this time, her husband had landed a job in Nairobi and moved there.

Akothee entered her first marriage at 14 years. She had her first three children at the age of 15, 16 and 17 years respectively, while living with her mother-in-law and her husband was in school. Akothee returned to high school and in 2004, after finishing school, Akothee moved to Nairobi to be with her husband. They lived in poverty and got donations of cooking sticks, cooking pots and mattresses from neighbours. Soon, their lives started getting better as they became increasingly wealthier because of her husband's job. However, on 6 October 2006, Akothee's husband left her with their three children and married another woman.

As a result of her divorce, she moved to Mombasa to be with her brother. She worked as a taxi driver during this time. While working as a taxi driver, Akothee carried a passenger from Zurich, Switzerland, who would become her boyfriend and take him with her to his home country. During her stay in Switzerland, Akothee conceived her fifth child with him. After nine months abroad, she broke up with him and moved back to Kenya with a desire to pursue music as a career.

She owns houses in Migori, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nairobi and Switzerland.

Akothee has released several successful songs. They include

Oyoyo featuring McGalaxy, Give It To Me, featuring Flavour, Sweet Love featuring Diamond, Benefactor, Yuko Moyoni, New Dance featuring Oc, Osilliation, Nimechoka, Pashe, Katika, Djele Djele, Shengerera, Mama Bougerie, and Tucheze. Her career in music started in 2008 and she has since released many solo titles as well as collaborations with popular artists, including Diamond Platnumz. She has also scooped several awards at home and abroad.They include African Muzik Magazine Awards, AFRIMMA – Best Female Artist (East Africa) 2016. African Muzik Magazine Awards, AFRIMMA – Best video. African Entertainment Awards USA – Best Female Artist.

Akothee is one of the most popular music artists in Kenya. With more than one million followers, her Instagram account is the tenth most followed of East African celebrities, behind Lupita Nyong'o, Diamond Platinums, Ali Kiba, Rayvanny, Harmonize, Eric Omondi, Huddah Monroe, Sauti Sol, Vera Sidika and Betty Kyalo. Because of her popularity and stances, she is frequently mentioned both in tabloid media and mainstream media. Mentions of her range from criticism of her dress-code and lifestyle, to praises for her music and charity work.

• AFRIMMA – Best Female Artist (East Africa) 2016
• AFRIMMA – Best video
• African Entertainment Awards USA – Best Female Artist