Pierra Makena's Honest Take on Single Parenting and Public Life

DJ Pierra Makena, a familiar face in Kenya's entertainment scene, is sending a message of resilience to fellow single mothers navigating through the not-so-easy journey of motherhood, while trying to balance it with hustling life.

Speaking exclusively to Mpasho’s Dennis Milimo during the launch of the new reality series, "The Mommy Club Nairobi", Makena, who was introduced as a featured cast member, as a single mother herself, sent a powerful message for women navigating similar paths.

Reflecting on her own journey, she shared, "It was not easy for me when I discovered I'm going to be a single mom".

However, she firmly stated, "I did not give up. Never. I did not give up".

Her core message is one of unwavering encouragement: "There is no woman whatsoever. If you ever find yourself pregnant, please do not give up."

Makena offered hope, emphasizing that even in difficult moments, things get better. She attributes this to faith, stating, "Because there's a God. I have experienced it. I've experienced the hand of God in raising my child".

She believes God is not biased and can support anyone feeling abandoned or fearing their life will become a mess. "It will not be a mess," she reassured.

She also shared practical advice based on her own experience. After getting pregnant, despite having lived comfortably in a large house, she chose to move back to a single room initially to "sustain" herself.

She encouraged others to “live according to your means" during challenging times. Makena urged women not to burden themselves with "guilt" or feel inadequate because they can't afford certain things during hard periods.

Her own story, from moving to a single room to getting back on her feet, serves as a testament to adjusting and persevering.

Navigating the Demands of Work and Motherhood

Balancing her high-profile career as a DJ, which often requires extensive travel and late nights, with being a present mother is a constant challenge for Makena. She confessed, "Let me tell you it's not easy".

This struggle frequently leads to fatigue and what she calls "mommy guilt".

 "Maybe I'm dying of mommy guilt because maybe I'm not spending so much quality time with my child because I'm either in Australia, like I'm always up and down," she explained.

Traveling with her daughter is difficult due to school commitments. She struggles with having to leave before her daughter is asleep and the guilt that accompanies it.

"I don't feel like I'm perfect, I'm not perfectly balanced, but I try, I really try," she said. Her goal remains balancing her career to make money while raising her child well.

Makena relies heavily on her family for support. She recalled her late father's advice that "family is everything" and to "always stick very close to your family".

This guidance shaped her, leading to a very close relationship with her family. When she became pregnant, they were the first to know and were "very supportive". She described her siblings as her constant "safety place".

Controversy, Love, and Being Scared of Marriage

Known for her sometimes controversial public persona, Makena admitted she enjoys "playing around with my fans" and "liking them guessing" about aspects of her life. This includes the speculation surrounding her sexuality.

"I know guys have been crazy about my sexuality. Oh, is she straight? Is she gay? Am I curvy? I mean, none of us knows that," she stated, hinting that "all these things" might be explored in "Mom's Club".

Regarding her love life, Makena offered a nuanced perspective. While some might assume she isn't happy or in love because she isn't married, she firmly asserted, "I am happy".

She added, "Just that I've not put a ring onto on my finger or some maybe somebody hasn't put a ring on it, but not that a ring is not everything".

She made a revealing distinction: "I am so scared of marriage, but I'm not scared of love". She clarified that she loves being in love.