#TBT: 10 celebrities before and after money photos

1. Diamond Platnumz

No one doubts that the Tanzanian song-star is one of the most bankable acts of his generation. Nasib Abdul Juma, 26, is no stranger to matters silverware polishing, and boasts of numerous accolades to his name including the Best Worldwide Act Africa/India that he won October last year at the MTV EMAs.

Today, Diamond Platnumz is an outfit, an empire, a musical giant, and a brand.

The multi-million worth artiste was last year named Music Copyright Society of Kenya’s (MCSK’s) highest earner in royalties; a reported figure of Ksh 30.3 million.

In African Great Lakes region, no musician equals him in selling of ringtones by mobile phone companies. His net worth is not yet officially documented, but going by the investments he has made, Diamond is wealthy – for real.

His rise to grace, however, is a narrative that has its genesis from grass.

Before fame, endorsements and money dolled up his way, he sold second-hand (mitumba) clothes, worked as a filling station attendant and was also a freelance photographer which he did to raise studio session money in 2007.

2. Celina of Mother-in-Law

Mother-in-Law actress Celina, born Catherine Kamau, is a film producer; a director and a businesswoman.

In the Citizen Television local drama, Celina plays the role of a sassy daughter-in-law who does not take any crap from her stubborn Mother-In-Law, Charity.

Catherine, who boasts of eight years of acting experience, is a narrative of triumph over adversity.

In the #TBT photo above, she was 19-years-old, five months pregnant and was residing in Kampala, Uganda.

3. Nameless

Alongside Wyre, Nazizi, Amani, Wahu Kagwi, it would be criminal not to mention David ‘Nameless’ Mathenge as one of the pioneers of Kenyan local music.

The father of two, churned big hits like Juju, Ninanoki, Maisha among others at a time local music received admiration, respect and listenership from almost every quota of the Kenyan and East African society.

Back then, baggy jeans, over-size shirts and a cap would do for him – a fashion sense Nameless would not embrace in today’s vibrant industry where “the more the muscles shown, the more attractive a man is.”

4. Jua Cali

When I read about Paul Julius Nunda better known as Jua Cali, the name Genge automatically comes to mind.

The Mjamaa wa Ghetto aka California Records is a history icon when it comes to the revolution of Kenyan music.

With hits like Bidii Yangu, Kiasi, Niimbie among others – that made Genge music the talk of town – Jua Cali was at the time the top Kenyan artiste and is still accorded the respect to date.

Contrary to his trademark braided hair today, the singer back in the days had short hair as per the #TBT photo above.

5. Wema Sepetu

The #TBT photo was taken in February, 2007 in Cape Town, South Africa at an event dubbed Tanzanite Jewelry Show – a year after Wema Isaac Sepetu was crowned Miss Tanzania.

Madam, as she is fondly, known is currently a top showbiz queen and enjoys a huge following from Tanzania and beyond.

The celebrated actress has of late hit the headlines for her relationship with Big Brother big shot Idris Sultan. Wema sadly lost her pregnancy on February 17th.

6. Vera Sidika

A socialite who has used the title to make herself stunningly wealthy! She is famous, curvaceous and light-skinned – today.

The above #TBT photo shows Vera Sidika before fame and money came whistling – no comment.

7. Wahu Kagwi

She has many titles to her name: singer, wife, mother, mathematician and a brand ambassador.

Wahu Kagwi is one of the veteran artistes in Kenya and boasts of a huge repertoire to her name.

Hits like Sitishiki, Kibow-wow, Liar among others were household outfits back then.

8. Churchill

He is Kenya’s king of comedy today. I choose to be pin-point about Churchill and let the photo speak for itself.

9. Maina Kageni

Maina is an empire. He was a presenter at Kenya Television Network (KTN) when this #TBT photo was taken.

Today, the Classic 105 FM presenter is a darling to many, especially ladies; in a suit, he often looks dapper; in a Manchester United jersey he looks sporty.

10. Nonini

Do you remember his songs before Genge Love, Kata Hiyo? We Kamu, Keroro and Manzi wa Nairobi were the real deals.

Today Nonini says he composes “mature” content.