Amos Robi

In the realm of showbiz, 2023 proved to be a year of intense rivalries and headline-grabbing controversies, none more prominent than the sizzling celebrity feuds that took center stage in Kenya.

From fiery social media exchanges to jaw-dropping public confrontations, the Kenyan entertainment scene witnessed a series of beefs that left fans buzzing with excitement and disbelief.

Among the most notable clashes that echoed across borders was none other than the lyrical showdown involving Kenyan rap heavyweight Khaligraph Jones and his counterparts from Tanzania.

The airwaves crackled with tension as these artists engaged in a war of words that transcended geographical boundaries, captivating audiences on both sides of the border and beyond.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg. This listicle delves into the no-holds-barred world of Kenyan celebrity feuds, uncovering the highs, lows, and unexpected twists that kept fans glued to their screens and social media feeds throughout 2023.

<h3>Khaligraph vs Tanzanian Rappers </h3>

The OG had a bone to chew with rappers from neighboring Tanzania, stating that most of them had slept and needed awakening to get back to their game.

Tanzanian rappers responded with diss tracks, most notably from Rosa Ree, who stood out by claiming she could school Khaligraph.

Kenyan rapper Breeder L.W also joined the fray, sending out a diss track to the Tanzanian counterparts.

This silent feud between actress Jackie Matubia and Milly Chebby unfolded discreetly in the entertainment space.

While not openly addressing the issue, it became evident that the two were not on good terms as they unfollowed each other on social media platforms.

Football star Michael Olunga took issue with musician Jua Cali's comments about his footballing career in Qatar.

Jua Cali initially suggested that Olunga's success was due to playing with amateurs in Qatar.

Olunga described Jua Cali as someone trying to bring others down, prompting an apology from Jua Cali later on.

A battle unfolded to determine the ultimate boss lady between German-based TikToker Nyako and singer Akothee.

Nyako criticized Akothee's failed marriages, while Akothee warned Nyako against mentioning her name on TikTok, dismissing her as an Akothee 'wannabe.'

Socialites Vera Sidika and Amber Ray engaged in a competition of who is the ultimate boss. Their beef extended to the naming of their children, with Vera naming her daughter Asia and Amber naming hers Africa.

The two had a public exchange over their baby showers and gender reveals, claiming one was copying the other.

Singers Fathermoh and Iyaani, both having a relatively good year, engaged in a nasty exchange of words over who was the best in their music space, especially in the genre similar to Gengetone.

Rapper Sylvia Ssaru and Music Copyright Society of Kenya boss Dr. Ezekiel Mutua disagreed on the content of Ssaru's music.

Mutua claimed it had no message and was misleading, urging her to produce better music. Ssaru didn't hold back, telling Mutua to choose other music to listen to.

6 Kenyan celebrity beefs that shook the entertainment space in 2023 [Pulse Picks]

6 Kenyan Celebrity beefs that shook the entertainment space in 2023

Pulse Mix

Kenya's pride in football is embodied by the Harambee Stars.

This squad proudly represents the nation under the aegis of both the African Football Confederation (CAF) and the East and Central African Football Associations Council (CECAFA) – an affiliate of the CAF.

Regrettably, the 2022 World Cup didn't feature the Stars. Here are 5 distinguished Kenyan football personalities:

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Born on 26 March 1994, Michael Olunga Ogada has donned the jersey for Al Duhail in Qatar and also for Kenya. He's colloquially termed "The Engineer" by Kenyan football aficionados.

His fame soared during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, where his goal contributed to a 3-0 victory over Ethiopia.

At the club level, he etched his name in history by scoring a hat-trick for Girona against Las Palmas, setting records in La Liga.

Some of his accolades include victories in Kenya Super Cup, KPL Top 8 Cup, Kenya Premier League, J2 League, and the Emirates Cup.

Mahmoud, often dubbed "Kenya One" for his impeccable skills, is revered as one of Kenya's premier goalkeepers. His affiliations include the AFC Leopards and the Harambee Stars.

Abbas' prowess in goalkeeping led Kenya to triumph in three successive CECAFA championships during the early '80s. His legacy remains untainted as Kenya's top goalkeeper.

His agile hands and swift reflexes became the cornerstone of many memorable victories.

John "Bobby" Ogolla made a name for himself as a formidable defender and later as a coach. With prior stints at Sofapaka F.K. and Gor Mahia F.K., he transitioned from playing for Kisumu Hot Stars to joining Gor Mahia in 1979.

Ogolla earned the nickname "The Six Million Dollar Man", a nod to a popular TV series. Representing Kenya, he showcased exemplary skills and later as a coach, led his teams to numerous victories.

Wanyama, the past captain, has affiliations with teams like Celtic and Tottenham Hotspurs. His participation in Tottenham's squad during the 2018-2019 UEFA Champions League Final was noteworthy.

He marked history by being the inaugural Kenyan in the English Premier League. Wanyama's club affiliations span from Beerschot in Belgium, Celtic in Scotland to Southampton and Tottenham Hotspurs in England.

His contributions in the Scottish Premier League and the Scottish Cup stand out. On the international front, he has donned the Kenyan jersey more than 60 times since his debut in 2007.

Kadenge's legendary status is commemorated in the popular football chant, "Kadenge na Mpira".

Many regard him as Kenya's finest football talent. His coaching journey spanned across FC Abaluhya, FC Tiriki, and Maragoli FC, with the latter marking a historical face-off against a Dutch team in Europe.

Kadenge's leadership was instrumental in Kenya lifting the CECAFA championship trophy in 2002.

#FeatureByTelecomasia

Top footballers in Kenya - Victor Wanyama, Bobby Ogolla, Michael Olunga, Joe Kadenge  and Mahmoud Abbas

Canadian Championship Final21 November 2021 - Montréal, QC, CANCanada SoccerCF MontréalVoyageurs CupVictor Wanyama and James Pantemis

Top 5 football players in Kenya

Genge singer Jua Cali has clarified remarks he made about Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga.

In September 2022, Olunga shared a video of himself scoring a goal in a Qatar league match, to which Jua Cali reacted by saying, "Buda unacheza na mafala," which losely translates to "Man, you are playing with fools."

These remarks sparked an online beef <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/jua-cali-flexes-on-a-lady-who-belittled-him-during-an-interview-in-2004/t11nmc7">between Jua Cali and fans of Olunga</a>, as well as Olunga himself.

Olunga initially responded by sharing a video mocking Jua Cali for the kind of music he has made over the years.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Buda unacheza na mafala 🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂🤣🤣 <a href="https://t.co/YdFdjFVBLL">https://t.co/YdFdjFVBLL</a>&mdash; JuaCali (@juacaliGenge) <a href="https://twitter.com/juacaliGenge/status/1568877727826219008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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READ: <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/jua-cali-says-his-parents-supported-him-since-he-was-21-when-he-started-doing-music/js81kpr">How Jua Cali’s parents went against the grain to help him succeed </a>

<h3>Jua Cali explains his viral tweet and clarifies intentions </h3>

Jua Cali has now clarified that he had no ill intentions when he shared the tweet, and he explained the meaning behind it.

In an interview on Iko Nini podcast, Jua Cali mentioned that during the World Cup, his remarks were supported by many fans who believed that the Arab teams performed poorly on the field.

He expressed his wish for Olunga to play alongside his peers in Europe, recognizing Olunga as a highly skilled player.

Michael Olunga (14) of Al Duhail reacts during the QNB Stars League between Al-Markhiya and Al Duhail on August 22, 2022, at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

READ: <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/jua-cali-reflects-on-genges-rise-to-grammy-recognition-after-24-years/5tk7ggx">Jua Cali reflects on Genge's rise to Grammy recognition after 24 years</a>

Jua Cali also shared that, just like fans wanting him to win a Grammy, he understands the desire for Olunga to excel on a global stage.

"Olunga ni player mdeadly sana, na mm ni mtu hufuatilia ball, kila mtu anataka uyu jamaa acheze na his peers Europe. Ni kama tu the same way mimi mafans wanaeza taka niende nishinde Grammys.

"[Olunga is a very deadly player, and I'm someone who follows football. Everyone wants this guy to play with his peers in Europe. It's like how my fans would want me to go and win Grammys,]" Jua Cali said.

READ: <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/jua-cali-flexes-on-a-lady-who-belittled-him-during-an-interview-in-2004/t11nmc7">Jua Cali flexes on lady who belittled him during interview</a>

Despite the viral tweet, Jua Cali has not had the opportunity to meet Olunga in person. However, he expressed openness to a meeting and clarified that there are no issues between them.

Genge singer Jua Cali has clarified remarks he made about Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga.

Jua Cali clarifies intentions in viral 'Unacheza na mafala' tweet to Olunga

Dennis Milimo

On Monday (Night), Harambee Stars striker <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/michael-olunga-list-of-things-you-didnt-know-about-michael-olunga/r33xb31">Michael Olunga Ogada</a> bagged his first hat-trick for his new club AlDuhail S.C, in Qatar.

Olunga who joined the club in early January, took home his first ball in Qatar after getting his name on the score sheet thrice, before the laps of 90 minutes. Following the win engineered by Olunga, AlDuhail S.C are through to the Emir Cup quarter finals.

Excited about his good form in the field, Olunga tweeted; “Onto Next Round Call. Happy with my first goal and hat trick for&nbsp;@DuhailSC, God above allFolded hands.”

Michael Olunga Ogada in Action (Courtesy)

On January 12, 2021, Olunga mentioned that he had completed his move to Al Duhail from Japan side Kashiwa Reysol Football Club.

Reports indicate that Olunga switched sides in a deal believed to be Sh800 Million, with the Qatar club confirming the deal on Twitter by sharing a picture of Olunga posing for the cameras while donned in their shirt.

Olunga moved to Qatar weeks after winning the Golden Boot Award in the J1 League in Japan as well as being named the 2020 Season MVP and the Best Eleven.

Olunga was awarded the Top scorer award after scoring 28 goals for his team.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/michael-olunga-joins-al-duhail-sc-in-qatar-from-japan-side-kashiwa-reysol-football/9dp80cv">Michael Olunga ditches the Japanese League for new contract in Qatar</a>

"Olunga won the 2020 season MVP, Best Eleven and Top Scorer! Congratulations, Mika 👏Thank you, Mika 👏👏Congratulations MIKA 👑👑👑 #olunga #kashiwa #reysol #kenya #J”&nbsp;Kashiwa Reysol Football Club.

The former Gor Mahia forward had a smooth run at the Japanese top league after again being crowned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) August 2020.

Olunga joined the Kashiwa Reysol back in August 2018 and since then his name never missed on scoring board. In July (2020) Olunga got his first hat-trick at the Club.

He became the first Kenyan footballer to play professionally in Japan.

In January 2018, while playing for Girona FC, Olunga made history after becoming the first Kenyan footballer to score a hat-trick in the La liga.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Onto Next round 🤙🏾 Happy with my first goal and hat trick for <a href="https://twitter.com/DuhailSC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DuhailSC</a> God above all🙏🏾 <a href="https://t.co/kzagX5wYjO">pic.twitter.com/kzagX5wYjO</a>&mdash; MICHAEL OLUNGA (@OgadaOlunga) <a href="https://twitter.com/OgadaOlunga/status/1353775815830482946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Congratulations Engineer

Michael Olunga bags his first Hat-trick for AlDuhail S.C in Qatar (Video)

<a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/michael-olunga-wins-golden-boot-award-in-japan-photos/v73360p">Harambee Stars Striker Michael Olunga Ogada</a> has completed his move to Al Duhail SC in Qatar from Japan side Kashiwa Reysol Football Club.

Reports indicate that Olunga has switched sides in a deal believed to be Sh800 Million, with an official statement from Al Duhail SC expected to be out soon. On Tuesday, the Qatar club confirmed the deal on Twitter by sharing a picture of Olunga posing for the cameras while donned in their shirt.

Olunga’s move to Qatar comes weeks after he won the Golden Boot Award in the J1 League in Japan as well as being named the 2020 Season MVP and the Best Eleven.

Michael Olunga joins Al Duhail SC in Qatar from Japan side Kashiwa Reysol Football Club

Olunga joined the Kashiwa Reysol&nbsp;back in August 2018 and since then his name never missed on scoring board. In July (2020) Olunga got his first hat-trick at the Club.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/sports/football/michael-olunga-wins-golden-boot-award-in-japan-photos/v73360p">Michael Olunga wins Golden Boot award in Japan (Photos)</a>

Michael Olunga wins Golden Boot award in Japan (Photos)

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Last day of 2020, a different year (season) but am thankful for all the blessings God has shown me this year. I hope for even better tidings next year. God above All🙏🏾 <a href="https://t.co/fb1V1YjRP5">pic.twitter.com/fb1V1YjRP5</a>&mdash; MICHAEL OLUNGA (@OgadaOlunga) <a href="https://twitter.com/OgadaOlunga/status/1344570486726959104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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All the Best Engineer Olunga

Michael Olunga ditches the Japanese League for new contract in Qatar

undefinedMichael Olunga is one of Kenya's most successful footballers. His career includes title as captain of Kenya's national football team Harambee Stars.

Michael Olunga

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