Sanaipei Tande's Journey: How Going Home Helped Her Restart Her Career

Kenyan singer, actress, and former radio presenter Sanaipei Tande has shared a deeply personal and inspiring account of her journey through the highs and lows of the entertainment industry.

Speaking during a recent podcast, Sanaipei reflected on the early days of her career, recalling how her brother convinced her to audition for the 2004 Coca-Cola Popstars competition—a moment that would change her life. “My brother told me I had to attend it since he believed in my talent,” she said.

Her love for music began at a young age, nurtured at home and later at school. “I started singing with my mum, and when I joined St Lucie Kiriri, I got into the school choir,” she shared. This early exposure laid the foundation for her future in the arts.

After winning the Popstars competition, Sanaipei joined the group Sema. Although the group later disbanded, the bond between its members remained intact.

“We’re still friends. Even after the split, we were invited to perform in Tanzania—not as a group, but as individuals,” she explained.

Sanaipei later transitioned into radio, working with prominent stations including Capital FM, Kiss100, and Nation FM.

However, in 2013, her life took a difficult turn when she lost her job at Nation FM, leaving her without a steady income.

Desperate to make ends meet, she turned to karaoke hosting gigs around Nairobi. It was a humbling and financially draining period, during which she faced mistreatment and struggled to stay afloat.

Eventually, she made the difficult decision to return to her parents’ home and start over. “After fighting for a year, I had to go back home. It was the only way to rebuild,” she admitted.

Throughout the conversation, Sanaipei was candid about the importance of setting personal and professional boundaries in an industry known for pushing limits.

“I have my own set of rules,” she said firmly. “When it comes to acting, I don’t do lip kissing—maybe on the cheek, but never the lips. I don’t care how much you’re paying me. I won’t do it... unless you’re Eminem,” she joked.

She also made it clear that she avoids roles that imply sex or nudity, stating, “I won’t do any of that, including the gay-for-pay roles. What would my parents or future children think when they see that? I just wouldn’t feel right about it.”

Offering words of wisdom to aspiring young entertainers, Sanaipei stressed the value of discipline and work ethic.

“Do your job. You’re an individual, and you came to work as one. Always give your best, because when you excel, people will keep coming back to work with you. When people see that you’re reliable and disciplined, they’ll trust you,” she advised.