Lucas Mkenda

Last updated

Lucas Mkenda
Lucas Mkenda.jpg
Background information
Birth nameLucas Mkenda
Also known asMr. Nice
Born1978 (age 45–46)
Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
OriginKilimanjaro
Genres
OccupationSinger • Songwriter • Entertainer • Entrepreneur
InstrumentVocals
Years active1999–present

Lucas Mkenda popularly known as Mr. Nice [1] is a Tanzanian veteran singer and one of the most celebrated vocalists in East Africa dominating East African music in the early 2000s alongside Jose Chameleone of Uganda and Jua Cali of Kenya. [2]

Contents

Mkenda [3] went professional in 1999 with the release of his debut album, Kidali Po, and towards the end of 2002, he released his second album, Rafiki, also his songs; "Kikulacho", "Fagilia Wote" [4] [5] [6] and "Kuku Kapanda Baiskeli" were among major hit songs of his career. He was famous for his 'Takeu' [7] style, that comes from the initials of Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda respectively. It incorporates elements from all three countries.

Personal life

Lucas Mkenda was born in 1978, a Chaga in Moshi, Tanzania. He currently resides in Kenya with his wife whom they have two daughters. [8] [9] [10] In 2021, Mr. Nice's mother who was living in Moshi, Tanzania passed away. [11]

Controversies

Many controversies revolved around Mkenda as his music career went down. [12] Things went south when he visited South Africa, at Mzansi, Mkenda experienced an alarming downward spiral that was attributed to alcoholism [13] and hedonism. As he disappeared for a while, rumors had it that he raped a little girl and was arrested, [14] more word went around that he had died. On 13 December, one of East African websites sensationally claimed that Mkenda was dead. [15] A few hours later, it turned out to be just a rumour after the musician through his socials assured his fans that he was alive [16] and well. [17]

Mkenda has been struggling to revive his music career, [18] at some point he migrated from Tanzania [19] to reside in Uganda [20] [21] [22] where he complained about cyber and physical attacks [23] he faced that nearly costed his life. In 2013 he resided in Kenya and signing with a record label [24] before being dropped [25] just a few months later, also claims that he was HIV positive [26] [27] and being broke [28] [29] [30] were everywhere however, he came out to deny all these claims publicly.

Mkenda had a long rivalry [31] [32] with a Tanzanian rap artist, Dudu Baya [33] [34] [35] that lasted to more than two decades. The two Tanzanian musical artists reached a stage of putting on a fight [36] back in 2001, an action that was criticized by government and music supporters.

Discography

Albums

Singles

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Idi Amin</span> President of Uganda from 1971 to 1979

Idi Amin Dada Oumee was a Ugandan military officer and politician who served as the third president of Uganda from 1971 to 1979. He ruled as a military dictator and is considered one of the most brutal despots in modern world history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jose Chameleone</span> A Ugandan artist

Joseph Mayanja, better known by the stage name Jose Chameleone, is a Ugandan AfroBeat artist and musician. Chameleone sings in Luganda, English, and Swahili.

Radio & Weasel was a Ugandan music Duo that performed under their record label Goodlyfe Crew a Ugandan music group with lead performers being singers Moses Radio and [Weasel Manizo]. Moses Radio provided smooth RnB vocals while Weasel's contribution is a fusion of reggae, ragga and dancehall vibes. Because of their prominence, Moses Radio and Weasel formed their own duo known as Radio and Weasel. The Lead singer Moses and Vocalist Radio died on 1 February 2018 from brain injuries after an assault by a bouncer at a club in Entebbe. Radio's attacker threw him down about 3 metres (9.8 ft) onto a concrete pavement which resulted in massive intracranial hemorrhage. Radio and Weasel also formed The Goodlyfe Crew. The crew saw many changes in its set-up but at various times included Chagga, Lenin Briton, and Lawrence. Many of its members had their own solo projects and collaborations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diamond Platnumz</span> Tanzanian singer, dancer, philanthropist and businessman

Naseeb Abdul Juma Issack, professionally known as Diamond Platnumz, is a Tanzanian bongo flava recording artist, dancer, philanthropist and businessman. He is the founder and CEO of WCB Wasafi Record Label, Wasafi Bet and Wasafi Media. Diamond has gained a massive following in East and Central Africa. He became the first Africa-based artist to reach 900 million views on YouTube.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vanessa Mdee</span> Tanzanian recording artist and television personality

Vanessa Hau Mdee, is a Tanzanian singer, rapper, television personality and radio host. Mdee is popularly known for being the first ever Tanzanian MTV VJ. She later rose to prominence as a radio and TV host, hosting Epic Bongo Star Search and Dume Challenge for ITV Tanzania before signing to B'Hits Music Group in late 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eddy Kenzo</span> Ugandan musical artist and Presidential advisor on Creatives

Edrisah Kenzo Musuuza, professionally known as Eddy Kenzo, is a Ugandan singer, music executive, the president and founder of Uganda National Musicians Federation and a member of Big Talent Entertainment. He made his breakthrough after the release of his single Stamina. He received international attention after the release of his single, "Sitya Loss" in 2014 and an accompanying viral video that featured the Ghetto Kids. In total, he has released 4 albums, including Roots in 2018 and most recently Made in Africa in 2021. Kenzo has also won a Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award in 2018, a BET Award in 2015, and multiple All Africa Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pallaso</span> Ugandan musician

Pius Mayanja known by his stage name Pallaso is a Ugandan recording artist, songwriter, producer and videographer. His music genre specialty is Afrobeats, Hip hop, Dancehall, Afropop, and RnB. His musical journey started back in 2000 when he started out at Leone Island, a musical group owned by his older brother, Dr. Jose Chameleone. He later moved to the US, where he lived for 10 years, before returning to Uganda in 2014. Upon his return, he set out to establish his now very celebrated musical career, and formed the group, "Team Good Music" which seems to be working well in the Uganda Music Industry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ali Kiba</span> Tanzanian musician and songwriter

Ali Saleh Kiba, best known as Ali Kiba or occasionally as King Kiba, is a Tanzanian musician and songwriter. He is one of the most talented musicians in East Africa and mostly considered the King of Bongo Flava music Genre. He is from Kigoma and the owner of Kings Music label and the Crown Media Group. With hit songs such as Mwana, Aje, Chekecha Cheketua, Cinderella, Nakshi Mrembo, Usiniseme, Dushelele, Single Boy with Lady Jaydee, Mapenzi Yana Run Dunia,mahaba,mama with legendary yvone chaka chaka and Macmuga. Ali Kiba is usually regarded as one of the most successful Bongo Flava stars usually associated with close rivalry with Diamond Platnumz.

Zarinah Hassan, commonly known as Zari Hassan, alias Zari the Boss Lady, is a Ugandan socialite, musician, businesswoman and actress, who resides in South Africa, where she runs businesses.

William Nicholaus Lyimo, popularly known by his stage name Bill Nass, is a Tanzanian rapper of Chagga heritage, he was born in Tanga, Tanga Region. MTV Base named him among the "50 Artists To Watch For In 2017". He is currently based in Dar es Salaam. Months after the release of his debut single "Raha", Lyimo was nominated on 2015's Kilimanjaro Tanzania Music Awards (KTMA) as a "New Best Artist".

Mbwana Yusuf Kilungi, better known by his stage name Mbosso Khan is a Tanzanian singer and songwriter born in Kibiti, Pwani Region, he is currently based in Dar es Salaam and signed under WCB Wasafi record label. Mbosso is known for his songs "Nadekezwa" and "Hodari" which won Video of the Year at HiPipo Awards 2019. Mbosso released his debut studio album, Definition of Love, in March 2021.

Eric Omondi is a Kenyan comedian and actor. He made his comedy debut in Churchill Show, a comedy show that airs on NTV in 2008. He has since won three African Entertainment Awards USA for 'Best Comedian' in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barnaba Classic</span> Tanzanian singer-songwriter

Elias Barnabas Inyasi who is predominantly known by his stage names, Barnaba Classic and Barnaba boy is a singer, songwriter and performer from Tanzania.

Aslay Isihaka Nassoro known by his stage names Aslay, Dogo Aslay and Dingi mtoto is singer from Tanzania and a former lead vocalist for a music band, Yamoto.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lava Lava (singer)</span> Tanzanian singer

Abdul Juma Idd better known by his stage name Lava Lava is a Tanzanian singer signed under WCB Wasafi record label. His hit songs such as Saula, Nga'ring'ari, Habibi, Tuna Kikao and Tajiri have made a household in Tanzania. He is known for his signature Bongo Flava sound and Baibuda music style.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gigy Money</span> Tanzanian socialite

Gift Stanford Joshua known by her stage name Gigy Money is a Tanzanian singer, and internet personality. Gigy became a household after releasing Papa, a Bongo Flava song written by Marioo in 2017. Throughout her music career, Gigy Money has worked with different music heavyweights including Whozu, Tamimu, Rosa Ree, Lava Lava and more.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meddy (singer)</span> Rwandan singer

Ngabo Médard Jobert, known by his stage name Meddy, is a Rwandan singer and songwriter.

Marianne Namshali Mdee popularly known by her stage name Mimi Mars is a Tanzanian singer, actress and media personality.

Mwanahawa Abdul Juma better known by her stage name Queen Darleen is a Tanzanian singer signed under WCB Wasafi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">King Saha</span> Ugandan musician

Ssemanda Manisul, known professionally as King Saha, is a musician from Entebbe in Uganda. King Saha is an Afro-Beat / Zouk artiste and the executive director of Kings Love Entertainment.

References

  1. ↑ "Meet Tanzania music legend Mr Nice on his career downfall, family, health status, controversies". The Maravi Post. 26 March 2020. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  2. ↑ "Veteran Singer Mr. Nice thrown into mourning following mum's death". GhettoRadio 89.5 FM. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  3. ↑ TZA, Victor Kileo. "Mr Nice kafunguka na kusema 'Sijutii chochote, vitu vyote nimeshafanya' (+Audio)". Millard Ayo. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  4. ↑ "Fagilia wote! Maina Kageni hooks up Mr Nice with three top producers". Mpasho. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  5. ↑ Mukei, Cate. "'Fagilia' hit maker Mr Nice's illness worries Chameleone". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  6. ↑ admin (19 December 2013). "Tanzanian Fagilia Hit Maker, Mr. Nice Lands Filming Deal In Denmark". Diaspora Messenger News Media. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  7. ↑ "Mr Nice rubbishes rumours". The Citizen. 2 April 2021. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  8. ↑ SDE. "PHOTOS: Mr Nice introduces all-grown daughter". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  9. ↑ "Mfahamu mtoto wa kwanza wa Mr Nice, ni mrembo kweli (Picha) – Bongo5.com". bongo5.com. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  10. ↑ "Tanzanian Artiste Mr Nice Welcomes Second Child". Citizen Digital. 5 May 2015. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  11. ↑ Muendo, Stevens. "Mr Nice mourns the loss of his mother". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  12. ↑ Khasiani (Writer), Nwasante; Khasiani (Writer), Nwasante (17 April 2013). "What Happened To Mr. Nice? Why was He Completely Ruined? Find Out Here!". Ghafla!. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  13. ↑ Gah, Cabu (19 September 2016). "REVEALED: How A Top Tanzanian Singer Is Living In Shame,Debts And Drunkenness In Kenya's Athi River Estate. (Photos)". Ghafla!. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  14. ↑ "#TBT The Truth Behind What Really Happened To Mr Nice. – VarCity". www.varcity.co.ke. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  15. ↑ Milimo, Dennis (18 March 2021). "Singer Mr. Nice Survives Grisly Road Accident while headed to Nyahururu (Video)". Pulselive Kenya. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  16. ↑ Mukei, Cate. "I'm still alive- Mr Nice dismisses death rumours". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  17. ↑ Muhindo, Clare. "Tanzanian Music legend Mr Nice still alive – Sqoop – Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos" . Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  18. ↑ "Legendary Tanzania Singer Mr Nice and How His Celebrated Career Ended [PHOTOS]". Ghanamma.com. 20 August 2022. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  19. ↑ Kavii, Felix. "Mr Nice explains why he does not intend to go back to Tanzania". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  20. ↑ "Mr Nice: I'm doing just fine and making money in Kampala". The Citizen. 22 October 2020. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  21. ↑ "Broke and lonely Mr Nice 'stranded' in Kampala". Nairobi News. 2 September 2018. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  22. ↑ Ray, Lee (11 May 2020). "Legendary Tanzanian Bongo Flava Singer, Mr. Nice Stuck In Kampala". Routine Blast : Gossip, Showbiz , Breaking News in Uganda. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  23. ↑ "Mr Nice talks about his near death experience after he was poisoned". Mpasho. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  24. ↑ Ruby, Josh (20 August 2018). "Mr Nice back in studio, working on big East African projects". MBU. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  25. ↑ Watiri, Sue (31 August 2015). "Mr. Nice Reveals His Next Step after His Career Crashed and Burned In Kenya". Ghafla!. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  26. ↑ Nyanga, Caroline. "I am not HIV positive, Tanzanian star Mr Nice rubbishes illness rumours". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  27. ↑ Roberto, Muyela (7 November 2016). "Mr Nice: Look at me? Do I look HIV positive?". Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  28. ↑ Iranzi, Fabrice (23 April 2019). "Singer Mr. Nice has denied claims that he is broke". RegionWeek. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  29. ↑ "There is a God! Mr Nice shows off his sleek Mercedes ride after being branded dirt broke". Mpasho. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  30. ↑ ""I drive with money in my boot" Mr. Nice refutes allegations he is broke". GhettoRadio 89.5 FM. 13 May 2020. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  31. ↑ "Ukitaka kujua ustaa haudumu muulize Mr Nice, Dudu Baya". Mwananchi. 14 March 2021. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  32. ↑ "Dudu Baya yupo katika matatizo makubwa- Mr. Nice | East Africa Television". www.eatv.tv. 7 March 2018. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  33. ↑ "Mr. Nice Amchana Dudu Baya, Adai Hana Mhahali pa kuishi". Artists News in Tanzania. 24 November 2017. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  34. ↑ "Mr. Nice na Dkt. Shika ni wale wale – Dudu Baya – Bongo5.com". bongo5.com. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  35. ↑ Bugi, Rashid. "Mr Nice amchana Dudu Baya | Ishi Kistaa" . Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  36. ↑ "Dudu Baya "Nilimvunja Mr Nice Kiuno Baada ya Kuniletea Dharau"". UDAKU SPECIAL. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  37. ↑ Misso, Amuna (11 May 2020). "Tanzania Fagilia Hit Maker 'Mr Nice' Still Making Money In Uganda" . Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  38. ↑ "Bahati and Mr. Nice teaming up for gospel hit (PHOTO)". 23 August 2017. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  39. ↑ Kamau, Richard (12 February 2018). "Watch: Mr Nice Tells Off Haters in Second Music Video After Hiatus". Nairobi Wire. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.