Azziad Waters Down Alai Criticism, Responds To Govt Appointment

Azziad acknowledged her appointment as a member of the Talanta Hela Creatives Technical Committee...

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Feb 13, 2023 - 13:56
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Azziad Waters Down Alai Criticism, Responds To Govt Appointment
Collage of Azziad Nasenya and Kileleshwa MCA, Robert Alai. /VIRALTEAKE

Kenyan TikTok star, radio host and influencer, Azziad Nasenya, thanked Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba for her recent appointment to a lucrative role in President William Ruto's government, three days after it was announced.

In a statement on Monday, February 13, Azziad acknowledged her appointment as a member of the Talanta Hela Creatives Technical Committee and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve her country at the age of just 22.

In an apparent clap back at Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai who expressed doubts over her appointment, she expressed confidence in using her role to maximize her experience in the creative economy for the growth of the new-generation sector.

"I sincerely thank H.E Ababu Namwamba and the entire Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports & the Arts team for nominating me to be part of the Creatives Technical Committee. I am a firm believer in the potential of the creative economy as a fulfilling career and source of income, and beneficiary of the same.

Azziad Nasenya at Soundcity Radio studios on February 13, 2023. /AZZIAD NASENYA

"I, therefore, commit to applying my knowledge and experiences gained in the digital space as a content creator to support the growth of the creative sector and ensure that the vision of Talanta Hela is realized," she stated.

Azziad added that she is willing to work with her fellow members of the committee to fulfil her mandate. 

"I am ready to work with fellow colleagues in the committee and all industry stakeholders to fulfil the mandate bestowed upon me.

"I believe that with your support, the future of the creative economy is bright. Together let us put money in our pockets," she added.

Taking to Twitter on Saturday, February 11, Alai noted that even though he appreciated and respected her three-year explosive rise to fame, he confessed to not knowing if she is competent for the government job.

In an apparent attack on CS Namwamba and by definition, President Ruto's government, Alai believed that there were better people suited for the role than Azziad, whose names he did not mention.

"I love and respect Azziad. However, I don’t know her competence. 

"Beyond TikTok dancing, I don’t understand what serious thing she knows about the creative economy or even identifying talent. We have enough Kenyans who know much more about this. I can share some names," he wrote.

His sentiments triggered an uproar, with Kenyans citing Azziad's accolades and experience with creatives in the current digital space, given that she has been a beneficiary of the period of the highest internet traffic in the modern era; during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Azziad was appointed alongside singer Wahu Kagwi, veteran radio and TV personality Jimmi Gathu, actress Catherine Kamau and Esther Akoth (Akothee) to the committee, which is chaired by Churchill Show host, Daniel Ndambuki, for a period of three years.

“I would like to express my gratitude to H.E. Dr William Samoei Ruto and Hon. Ababu Namwamba for the kind public responsibility appointment to Chair the much-needed Creative Technical Committee in the Talanta Hela initiative and Council. This is Divine. The future is here! Creative Economy.” Churchill reacted to the appointment.

The role of the committee will be to propose reliable systems for the seamless and accountable collection and distribution of royalties to all creatives. Additionally, it will propose implementation frameworks for the creatives economy plan.

The team will also manage the National Creatives Awards (Kenyan Grammys), deploy the digital space in talent search, identification, nurturing and exposure as well as establish a robust framework to monetize the creatives sector to expand employment opportunities and support Kenya’s economic growth.

The committee will also advise on the Masterplan for upgrading arts facilities and infrastructure countrywide to international standards, develop a framework to anchor and promote Kenya as a top film-making destination; and consider and propose legislative and policy measures for the growth of the Creative Economy.

Collage of comedian Churchill, Carol Radull and Azziad Nasenya. /VIRALTEAKE