Kenyan singer and entrepreneur Tanasha Donna has caught the attention of social media users with a cryptic message shared on her Instagram account. The artist took to her stories to address a perceived divide between different types of successful women.
In a brief but pointed post, Donna highlighted the friction between those who receive financial backing and those who create their own wealth. The message has since been widely shared across digital platforms, sparking a conversation about self-reliance in the entertainment industry.
A Message to Her Millions
Donna’s post was short, consisting of only two sentences. She wrote: "Some women are funded. Others are built."
She followed this with a heart-shaped hands emoji, signalling a sense of pride in the latter group.
The core of her message focused on the social dynamics between these two groups. Donna claimed that those who are financially supported by others tend to be the most vocal critics of those who have worked for their achievements.
"The funded ones are usually the loudest about the built ones,” she added.
Defining the Terms
In the context of modern social media, "funded" often refers to individuals who rely on partners, family, or benefactors to maintain a certain lifestyle. Conversely, "built" refers to those who have established their careers and businesses through independent effort and personal investment.
Donna has frequently used her platform to promote a "self-made" image. As a single mother and independent artist, she often shares the challenges of balancing her music career with her entrepreneurial ventures.
The "built" versus "funded" debate is a recurring theme in Kenyan digital spaces. It often centres on the transparency of influencers regarding their sources of income.
Background and Career
Born Tanasha Donna Oketch, the 30-year-old first rose to prominence as a radio presenter in Nairobi. She later transitioned into the music industry, releasing hits such as Gere and Sawa.
Donna's personal life has often been the subject of public scrutiny, particularly her previous high-profile relationship with Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz.
Since their split, she has focused heavily on her brand, Tanasha Donna Hair, and her music. She has often stated in interviews that she prefers to distance herself from the "socialite" label, choosing instead to be recognised for her professional.
