Sanaipei Tande recently addressed Maina Kageni’s public revelation about her refusal to have his child years ago, putting the veteran radio host on the spot during an interview. Maina had previously shared that he asked Sanaipei to have his child, but she declined, stating she was still young and focused on building her career. Despite the passage of time, Sanaipei confessed that she continues to be reminded of this incident by others, as if it defines her legacy.
During their conversation, Sanaipei light-heartedly mentioned how people often bring up Maina’s comments, remarking, “You refused Maina, look at how far you could have been right now,” implying that her decision to turn him down might have somehow limited her success. This remark seemed to trouble her, as she felt that her achievements should speak for themselves. Sanaipei’s sharp wit and calm demeanor were evident as she responded to Maina’s reminders, telling him that his comments had brought her unnecessary attention over the years.
The topic then shifted to Sanaipei’s music career and the impact she continues to make in the industry. Maina praised her for her musical achievements, noting how she had managed to remain relevant in an ever-evolving music scene. Sanaipei humbly accepted the compliment, attributing her success to a genuine passion for her craft rather than the desire to compete with others. She revealed that she never made music to outshine anyone but to ensure her songs carried meaning and resonated with listeners.
In addition to her solo career, Sanaipei spoke about her time in the Sema group, a music trio, mentioning that she no longer keeps in touch with her former bandmates, Kevin and Pamela. This candid admission gave insight into her more private life and the dynamics of her past music collaborations.
The interview also touched on a funny incident involving comedian and politician MC Jessy, who once tried serenading her at the airport. Sanaipei shared how she covered her face and quickly walked away when Jessy began singing, leaving him bewildered in the process. It was an amusing moment that provided a glimpse into her more lighthearted and spontaneous side.
Reflecting on her career beyond music, Sanaipei shared her personal struggles after losing her job at Nation FM. She revealed that she had moved back in with her parents a year after her departure from the station, as her living expenses had become unsustainable. At the time, she had been renting an apartment worth KSh 55,000, but after losing her job, she returned to hosting karaoke gigs to make ends meet. The pay from these gigs, however, was inconsistent, often falling short of expectations, leaving her to navigate a challenging period in her life.
Through it all, Sanaipei remained resilient, demonstrating how she has overcome obstacles and stayed true to her art. Her ability to laugh at herself and face challenges head-on has been a hallmark of her journey, one that continues to inspire those who follow her career.
