Kenya's hot under 26

Radio and TV personalities have always dominated celebrity news and new players keep emerging and here in Kenya it's no different, writes STEVENS MUENDO

When celebrated news host Eric Latif paired-up with Ann Kiguta to make his debut on KTN Prime last Monday night, local Facebook and Twitter fans jammed the net opening a fresh debate on who is hot on Kenyan TV and radio.

Well… it’s a debate that has spanned nearly two decades and from the look of things, it’s not easing up.

First, there was Catherine Kasavuli, the adorable gorgeous news anchor — reputed to have pioneered the age of the sexy image in local TV news anchors back in the 1990s.

Two decades down, the sublime news anchor is still a household name and has remained a venerated personality on local TV and a mentor to many.

With time came the likes of Lilian Muli-Kanene, Janet Mbugua, Esther Arunga-Timberlake, Janet Kanini-Ikua, Grace Msalame, Lulu Hassan and Peninah Karibe whose fans engaged in a major battle on who was then the hottest TV girl.

Back then, the battle for the young, the hot and the sexy was not only limited to the spruced and adored TV girls. It went on to touch on celebrated male presenters, such as Louis Otieno, Swaleh Mdoe, John-Allan Namu and Mark Masai. Radio hosts, actors and actresses also got their fair share.

Now, there is a new generation of TV and Radio names, nudging the old guards away and taking over the mantle. Pulse has had its ears on the ground and yet again, we are breaking fresh ground.

There is Tero Mdee, the girly Str8up host, Sarah Hassan (Tanya), the much talked about ever smiling beauty in Tahidi High, Patricia Kihoro, the singing news anchor, Rachael Muthoni and Anyiko Owoko, the two sassy presenters from the national broadcaster and Joey Muthengi, now host of Hits not Homework at Capital FM.

Sarah Hassan (Tanya)

In the list also features Remmy Majala (K24), Willis Raburu (Citizen), Veronica Waceke (Actress, Higher Learning), Edith Kimani (KTN) and Nick Ndeda (Hot96) among others.

Pulse stirs it up by bringing you the hot ones under 25 on radio and TV in 2011.

Sarah Hassan (Tanya)

Born: 5 September 1989

Career: Actress

Claim to fame: Tanya, as many know her, burst into public limelight after featuring in the local TV drama series Tahidi High. She has since featured in several TV commercials and emceed major events.

Celebrity role model: Will Smith, as he is a leading actor who has kept his private life private.

Where she sees herself in five years: "I love three things; acting, hosting and maths. I have just cleared campus where I was studying actuarial science and I am sure I’m going far. Whatever it will be has to do with the three."

What being in limelight means to her: "I have to be a good role model. I love being able to influence someone positively through what I do."

Edith Kimani

Born: 25 January 1989

Career: News anchor

Claim to fame: At just 20, about two years ago, Edith Kimani, then a International Relations student at USIU won massive public admiration after beating two other finalists during the inaugural KTN sponsored The Presenter reality TV show. Since then, the vibrant beauty has proved to both her admirers and haters that her victory was not a fluke. She is the face behind KTN’s Morning Show.

Edith Kimani

Celebrity role model: Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook.

Where she sees herself in five years: "I am currently pursuing a degree in International Relations and I should be through with that next year. In five years, I expect to be through with my Masters degree. I plan to start an initiative for young girls. By then, I should have become a household name in the media industry so dominated by men."

What being on the limelight means to her: "It’s hard work…very overwhelming, at times."

Koi Gitei

Born:11 July 1986

Career: Radio presenter

Claim to fame: The radio queen became an instant hit after she joined Homeboyz Radio three years ago. Koi, has since moved to Capital FM as the Fuse presenter, and is fast becoming one of the big names on radio.

Many describe her voice as ‘irresistible’ and she says she just loves radio.

Celebrity role model: Oprah Winfrey. I think that is where any woman in the media would like to end up. Oprah has done it all.

Where she sees herself in five years: "I think I will have finished my Masters degree by then. I have been studying International Public Relations. Besides, I would like to be on radio and TV.

What being in the limelight means to her: "I’m humbled when people see me as a role model. It’s a good thing when you know people appreciate you."

Anthony Mwangi aka Antoneo-soul

Born: 9 November 1985

Career: Copy writer/poet/artiste/actor

Claim to Fame: After its launch in 2009, TV drama series Siri became a major hit. With it, came along young Anthony Mwangi playing Bob Majane, a spoiled brat. That was a major boost to Mwangi’s budding acting career and it propelled him further to another major role in the Mnet’s Shuga series.

Celebrity role model: Johnny Depp. He is a top actor who can play any role. Besides his fame, he has remained humble and his charity works inspire me.

Where he sees himself in five years: "I expect to have completed a masters degree in TV Production. At that point I would like to run an annual music festival event which could put Kenya in the international map, musically."

Anthony Mwangi AKA ANTONEO-SOUL

What being in the limelight means to him: "I have learned it’s a responsibility. When you are in the public eye, you realise whatever you do affects other people so I move around knowing I got to be a role model. At the same time, I avoid living a life full of fantasy."

Nick Ndeda

Born: 5 December1985

Career: Radio host/actor

Claim to fame: Nick will be the new voice at the Hot96 Hot Breakfast Show starting next week, making him the youngest radio breakfast show presenter in the country. He started off at Homeboyz where he gained his popularity. Last year, he moved to Hot96 as the Drive show presenter, a show which has won him many accolades. Ndeda, who is on his final year at USIU where he is pursuing Journalism and Psychology, is now a major actor in the TV drama show Higher Learning.

Celebrity model: "Leonardo DiCaprio. He is as passionate about acting as he is saving the planet. And gosh!! Doesn’t this planet need massive decluttering?"

Tero Mdee

Born: 13 November 1985

Career: TV and Radio host

Claim to fame: She started her media career at Homeboyz Radio hosting the interactive night Velvet show. In a showbiz career spanning less than five years, Tero has now become the face behind KTN’s award winning TV magazine show Str8up. Her ‘sly’ and witty humour has won her many admirers. Besides, she has the looks to show for it.

Celebrity model: Ryan Seacrest, the host of American Idols TV show. He is brilliant, hardworking, ambitious and rich. Besides the show, he has like six other jobs on the side.

Where she sees herself in five years: I think I will be holding an influential position in TV and radio.

What being on the limelight means to her: Its hard work. People view you as an idol and role model yet you want to go on with your life as an ordinary girl.

Adelaide Onyango

Born: 5 February 1989

Career: Radio show presenter/Open Mic hostess

Claim to fame: Adelaide hosts her own Open Mic poetry session in the city. She is also the Drive show host at One FM, an interactive show that has made her one of the most popular radio presenters. Besides, Adelaide is still pursuing a degree in journalism.

Where she sees herself in five years: "I love what I do as a radio presenter. I always wanted to work in a media-related profession so I guess I am right at home. Besides, I take one day at a time.

What being in the limelight means to her: "It is pretty humbling".