This archive report was first published on 4 July 2020.
Akothee Offers Support to Struggling Artists Amid COVID-19 Pandemic ¶
Kenyan singer Akothee has come forward to offer assistance to struggling artists, including providing food and accommodation, following the death of Churchill comedian Joseph Musyoki Kivindu, popularly known as Kasee.
On July 4, 2020, Akothee took to social media to express her sadness over Kasee's death, stating that she had learned he did not have a place to stay and that renting him a house for Ksh5,000 per month would not have broken her.
"I am totally broken today, I do not know the cause of his death, he must have died a lonely fighting spirit," she posted on her Instagram page.
Akothee went further to urge other struggling artistes not to suffer in silence, rather reach out to her for assistance.
"Please, to all celebrities who can't afford their lives right now, inbox me. I can provide food and accommodation until the pandemic passes. Don't struggle only to die when your careers are taking off," she added.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, artists have found themselves without commercial outlets for their work as galleries, auction houses, theatres, music venues, and art fairs remain closed.
The Ministry of Sports, Culture, and Heritage launched the “Work For Pay” Kshs100 million stimulus package for artists, actors, and musicians at the Kenya Cultural Centre.
However, on June 30, a section of Kenyan artistes appealed to President Uhuru Kenyatta over what they termed as lack of transparency of the funds as not many people had gained from the initiative.
