Sanaipei: A friend advised me to find a man to pay my bills. That hurt
Not all advice is created equal, as Kenyan songstress Songbird Sanapei Tande discovered in a defining moment of her life between 2015 and 2016.
During a period of financial struggle following the loss of her radio job, Sanapei turned to hosting karaoke events in Nairobi to make ends meet.
Little did she know that this venture would lead her on a path of resilience, self-discovery, and ultimately, success.
Facing financial adversity, Sanapei, known for her angelic voice, decided to host karaoke events as a means of survival.
However, the reality of the karaoke scene in Nairobi was far from glamorous.
She encountered mistreatment and even physical manhandling from customers, with some events concluding without payment for her services.
“I did it for a whole year in 2015-16, and I realized I could not sustain my lifestyle. I lived in Westlands in a 2-bedroom house, and it just wasn’t working out,” Tande revealed in an interview with Engage Talk.
With each passing day, the situation grew increasingly difficult.
At this point, Ms Tande made a difficult decision: to move back to her parents’ house and regroup. She confided in some of her friends, sharing her intentions.
However, one friend’s response left a bitter taste in her mouth.
Instead of offering support, the friend suggested that she should find a wealthy man to take care of her financial needs.
This unsolicited advice cut deep, particularly when she was seeking emotional support during her challenging times.
“I remember sharing my decision with my friends, and one said, ‘You are going backward in life. Why don’t you find someone to pay your rent and bills?’ I was offended, it was painful, especially when you are expecting to get support,” Sanapei recalled.
Despite the hurtful advice, Sanapei Tande made the bold decision to move back to her parents’ home until she could regain her footing. “I’m happy that I went through ups and downs and picked myself up today. I can happily say I have built my own house,” she proudly shared.
This remarkable journey of resilience and determination brought her to a place of success in her career and personal life.
Sanapei recently faced another loss when her father, Manasseh Lemaiyian, passed away.
Her late father had been an unwavering source of support throughout her musical journey, accompanying her to auditions and rehearsals during her early years as part of the Sema group, which emerged from the Coca Cola Pop Star competition.