Koffi Olomide Headlines Machoka@50, Then Walks Off Stage

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Congolese rhumba icon Koffi Olomide headlined the Machoka@50 Grand Concert in Nairobi on Saturday, October 10, 2026, a 12-hour celebration of veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka's 50 years in media. The night was a hit with the crowd, but a tense moment between the two men on stage has since gone viral. The concert ran from noon to midnight at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, according to Tuko, drawing a packed crowd of rhumba fans. A two-hour headline set Known across Africa as Grand Mopao, Olomide performed crowd favourites including his hit "Effrakata," backed by his Quartier Latin International orchestra and joined by Cindy Le Coeur, Tuko reports. His soukous footwork and stage presence kept the audience on their feet. Machoka later described it as "one of the finest shows, two hours of action nonstop," thanking Koffi's fans and "his wife Cindy" in a social media post quoted by Tuko. Ahead of the show, Olomide thanked Kenya's authorities and acknowledged his deep connection with fans in the country. The walk-off The moment that trended came after his set. Tuko reports that Machoka invited Olomide to cut the anniversary cake on stage. Olomide reportedly declined, and footage shows him raising his hands in protest before walking off, leaving the audience visibly stunned. Machoka, in his trademark red shirt and black hat, can be seen trying to reason with him and urging him to stay. One report described Olomide as saying he was too exhausted to continue with the ceremony. Sources close to the organising team later indicated that the two reconciled backstage, according to Tuko. A separate incident earlier in the evening also made headlines. Tuko reports that Machoka asked security to remove his niece, former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba, from the stage after she chanted "wantam," an opposition slogan. Key facts Event: Machoka@50 Grand Concert Honouring: Fred Obachi Machoka, 50 years in broadcasting Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026, noon to midnight Venue: Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi Headliner: Koffi Olomide with Quartier Latin International and Cindy Le Coeur Tickets: KSh 5,000 advance regular, KSh 15,000 VIP, KSh 25,000 VVIP; table for six KSh 140,000 Promoter: Citizen TV Kenya A continental line-up Olomide was not the only star. Tuko lists performances from Congolese rhumba singer Mbilia Bel, Cameroonian star Sam Fan Thomas, and Kenyan veteran acts Les Wanyika and Them Mushrooms, with Alicios Theluji and Freshly Mwamburi also on the bill. In his post, Machoka also praised Katilia and Makasi Man. The MCs included Jeff Koinange, Mwalimu Churchill, Eric Latiff, Dee and Patrick Igunza. Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna, Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka and COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli were among the guests. Fifty years of Roga Roga Machoka launched his media career in 1975 through the SANYO juu SANYO talent show, Tuko reports, and built his name largely on his Roga Roga programme on Radio Citizen and Citizen TV. He credits himself with introducing Olomide to Kenyan audiences and considers the Congolese star his younger brother. After the show, Machoka revealed the team had worried about an Ebola scare, crowd management and rain. "God Almighty took care of everything," he wrote, adding: "If possible, we shall do it again, and if not possible, it is okay." An old controversy resurfaces Kenya Breaking, which also reported the walk-off and the backstage reconciliation, says the brief dispute revived discussion of Olomide's past controversies. Both it and Tuko recall his 2016 deportation from Kenya after a video showed him kicking a dancer at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Kenya Breaking stresses that the show continued after the incident, and that Olomide's earlier performance was praised for its energy. What's next Machoka has left the door open to another edition but has not committed to one. For now, the night will be remembered for both its music and its drama. Explore ndombolo and wider African music on Entzopedia, or see our latest events . Sources: Tuko (performance) | Tuko (walk-off) | Tuko (Machoka speaks) | Kenya Breaking