Kenyan music icon Sanaipei Tande has long been celebrated for her soulful voice, authenticity, and longevity in the entertainment industry. But unlike many of her peers, Tande has remained notably absent from certain social media platforms particularly TikTok.
Speaking during a candid interview on Dr. Ofweneke’s podcast Lessons @30, the songstress opened up about her social media journey, revealing that she has consciously chosen not to join TikTok. “I don’t do TikTok. I’m not on TikTok,” she said firmly. Her main reason? The platform’s emphasis on dancing content. “Me, I don’t dance, so I’m just like, this not for me,” she added with a chuckle.
Tande was also taken aback upon discovering videos of herself circulating on TikTok, despite not having an account. “Who did this? How is this even happening?” she wondered, expressing concern about how easily content can be used without consent.
Her reluctance toward social media isn’t limited to TikTok. Sanaipei recalled how she initially resisted joining Instagram in 2015, only doing so after being nudged by fellow entertainer Oga Obinna. At the time, she questioned the platform’s purpose, saying, “You just take a picture and you put it there and people like? Where’s the substance in that?”
Nonetheless, she eventually recognized Instagram’s value, especially within the showbiz world. “Globally that’s what’s working. I had to get into it because I’m in the entertainment industry and that’s what people like,” she admitted.
Beyond her social media reflections, Tande also delved into her roots and musical beginnings. She rose to fame with the pop group Sema after winning the 2004 Coca-Cola Popstars competition. A shy pharmacy student at the time, it was her brother who encouraged their parents to support her music dreams. Her father even took her to the auditions.
Today, Sanaipei Tande stands as a powerful example of staying true to oneself in an increasingly digital world, carefully balancing her personal values with professional demands.
