From fame to words: Celebrities who have authored books
Beyond the silver screen and the music stage lies a realm where stars unleash their creative prowess in an entirely different spotlight – the world of literature.
From memoirs that bare their souls to fiction that sparks the imagination, these iconic figures have delved into the realm of literature, proving that their storytelling prowess knows no bounds.
Here are the Kenyan celebrities who have authored books;
Lupita Nyong’o
The Kenyan-American actress authored the book Sulwe, a children’s fiction picture book. It follows the story of a young girl who wishes for her dark skin to be lighter.
Authored in 2019, Sulwe is the ultimate story on colorism and learning to love oneself no matter your skin tone. In 2020, the Kiswahili and Dholuo translations were available in East Africa.
The book is suited for ages 4-8 and has a total of 48 pages.
Akothee
Singer Esther Akoth alias Akothee launched her book last year at the same event she launched a new album after a seven-year hiatus. Titled, Akothee Quotes Sibuor Madhako in Luo basically means ‘Lioness.’ In past interviews, Akothee shared that Sibuor Madhako is who she is.
“This is a courageous woman who will do what it takes. It doesn’t matter how long it’s going to take, but I’m going to do what I’m going to do whether the world is falling or thunder comes,” she said.
The book is filled with quotes that Akothee shared that are a close look into her private and public life as an entertainer. It talks of the challenges she overcame before she finally got her break in the entertainment industry.
How she ran away from home as a young girl to go and get married to the father of her three daughters, Vesha, Fancy, and Rue despite her parents’ disapproval.
Janet Mbugua
The former news anchor in her book ‘My First Time,’ compiled 50 accounts from public figures on the pivotal topic of menstrual health.
Janet endured heavy and painful menstrual flow from ovarian cysts something that shaped the trajectory of her advocacy. Though she underwent a laparoscopy at 21 years of age, Janet in her book outlines the effects of periods and offers numerous examples of how women can cope with their menstruation.
During her past interviews, Janet revealed that the book brought about the dynamics of people sharing their experiences and encounters with menses.
Polycarp Otieno
Sauti Sol’s Polycarp Otieno aka Fancy Fingers launched his children’s book in 2021. The book titled Written in the Stars was the first publication of his upcoming Papa and I series and tells of relatable African content for kids.
“Allow me to present to you, ‘WRITTEN IN THE STARS!!’ First one of the ‘Papa and I series’ that is set to launch across the next several months. Written by my very good friend @mel_wakhu, Illustrated by @odwyre_artworld, conceptualized by yours truly,” he said.
During the launch, Polycarp shared that Africa needed to tell its own stories for which they are. He added that for the longest time, Africa’s history had been transmitted verbally from generation to generation.
“The downside of that is a lot of broken telephones and others taking advantage to misconstrue our actual truth, taking all the glory of our inventions and brilliance as African people,” he stated.
Lillian Ng’ang’a
The former Machakos first lady unveiled her book dubbed ‘Madam First Lady’ as a memoir of her life and times then. The book tells her truth from being catapulted into the limelight amidst a lot of chatter, to achieving a lot under the County First Lady’s office to the eventual stepping down.
It lays bare her private life to the public and serves as a mini-memoir.
Also read: EXCLUSIVE: Akothee’s sister Cebbie Koks reveals cost of her wedding ring