Lucas Mkenda

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Lucas Mkenda
Lucas Mkenda.jpg
Background information
Birth nameLucas Mkenda
Also known asMr. Nice
Born1978 (age 4546)
Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
OriginKilimanjaro
Genres
Occupation(s)Singer • Songwriter • Entertainer • Entrepreneur
Instrument(s)Vocals
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 come from the initials of Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda respectively 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

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References

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  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.
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  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.
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  18. "Legendary Tanzania Singer Mr Nice and How His Celebrated Career Ended [PHOTOS]". Ghanamma.com. 20 August 2022. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
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  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.
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  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.
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  38. "Bahati and Mr. Nice teaming up for gospel hit (PHOTO)". 23 August 2017. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
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