Famous singer and entrepreneur Esther Akoth, popularly known as Akothee, has raised complaints after being included in Forbes magazine’s list of the richest musicians in the East African region.
In a statement on Wednesday, the outspoken mother of five demanded to be removed from the list, stating that she has already surpassed the stage of being listed among the richest musicians.
Akothee, who is known for her lavish lifestyle and extravagant performances, took to Instagram to express her discontent.
“Now who put me on this list? Remove me from this list completely. I was on the list of the rich for a while, brother, I manage my wealth. I don’t like small harm,” she said, clearly frustrated with being categorized solely as a musician.
The 43-year-old artist went on to explain that she has moved beyond just being a musician and is currently focused on managing her wealth.
She demanded to be included in the list of the richest people, emphasizing that there is a difference between simply balancing the bills and managing properties.
Akothee was the only female artist in the top ten of Forbes’ list, which was dominated by male musicians from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The list ranked Ugandan singer-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, as the richest artist in the East African region with a fortune of 9 million US dollars.
Diamond Platnumz, a Bongo star from Tanzania, secured the second spot with a wealth of 8.2 million US dollars from his media businesses, record label, and prediction company.
Akothee was listed in fourth place, preceded by music veteran Jose Chameleone from Uganda and followed by Professor Jay and Alikiba from Tanzania, and Kenyan politician Charles Njagua, also known as Jaguar.
Harmonize, the boss of Konde Music Worldwide, was ranked eighth, followed by Kenyan band Sauti Sol and Ugandan musician Bebe Cool.
Akothee’s complaint about being listed among the richest musicians highlights the complexity and diversity of her career as both a successful artist and entrepreneur.
She has ventured into various business ventures, including real estate, hospitality, and fashion, which have contributed to her wealth.
Her demand to be included among the richest people reflects her ambition and drive to be recognized beyond the realm of music.
