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Lucas Mkenda

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Lucas Mkenda
Background information
Birth nameLucas Mkenda
Also known asMr. Nice
Born1978 (age 45–46)
Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
OriginKilimanjaro
Genres
OccupationSinger • Songwriter • Entertainer • Entrepreneur
InstrumentVocals
Years active1999–present

Lucas Mkenda popularly known as Mr. Nice[1] is a Tanzanian veteran singer and one of the most celebrated vocalists in East Africa dominating East African music in the early 2000s alongside Jose Chameleone of Uganda and Jua Cali of Kenya.[2]

Mkenda[3] went professional in 1999 with the release of his debut album, Kidali Po, and towards the end of 2002, he released his second album, Rafiki, also his songs; "Kikulacho", "Fagilia Wote"[4][5][6] and "Kuku Kapanda Baiskeli" were among major hit songs of his career. He was famous for his 'Takeu'[7] style, that comes from the initials of Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda respectively. It incorporates elements from all three countries.

Personal life

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Lucas Mkenda was born in 1978, a Chaga in Moshi, Tanzania. He currently resides in Kenya with his wife whom they have two daughters.[8][9][10] In 2021, Mr. Nice's mother who was living in Moshi, Tanzania passed away.[11]

Controversies

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Many controversies revolved around Mkenda as his music career went down.[12] Things went south when he visited South Africa, at Mzansi, Mkenda experienced an alarming downward spiral that was attributed to alcoholism[13] and hedonism. As he disappeared for a while, rumors had it that he raped a little girl and was arrested,[14] more word went around that he had died. On 13 December, one of East African websites sensationally claimed that Mkenda was dead.[15] A few hours later, it turned out to be just a rumour after the musician through his socials assured his fans that he was alive[16] and well.[17]

Mkenda has been struggling to revive his music career,[18] at some point he migrated from Tanzania[19] to reside in Uganda[20][21][22] where he complained about cyber and physical attacks[23] he faced that nearly costed his life. In 2013 he resided in Kenya and signing with a record label[24] before being dropped[25] just a few months later, also claims that he was HIV positive[26][27] and being broke[28][29][30] were everywhere however, he came out to deny all these claims publicly.

Mkenda had a long rivalry[31][32] with a Tanzanian rap artist, Dudu Baya[33][34][35] that lasted to more than two decades. The two Tanzanian musical artists reached a stage of putting on a fight[36] back in 2001, an action that was criticized by government and music supporters.

Discography

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Albums

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  • Kidali po
  • Rafiki

Singles

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  • Kikulacho
  • Fagilia[37]
  • Nakuita
  • Kidalipo
  • Awe mama we
  • Tabia gani
  • Mama[38]
  • Tuvumiliane
  • Kila mtu na demu wake
  • Kuku kapanda baiskeli
  • Mbona umeniacha
  • King'asti[39]

References

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  1. ^ "Meet Tanzania music legend Mr Nice on his career downfall, family, health status, controversies". The Maravi Post. 26 March 2020. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  2. ^ "Veteran Singer Mr. Nice thrown into mourning following mum's death". GhettoRadio 89.5 FM. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  3. ^ TZA, Victor Kileo. "Mr Nice kafunguka na kusema 'Sijutii chochote, vitu vyote nimeshafanya' (+Audio)". Millard Ayo. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  4. ^ "Fagilia wote! Maina Kageni hooks up Mr Nice with three top producers". Mpasho. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  5. ^ Mukei, Cate. "'Fagilia' hit maker Mr Nice's illness worries Chameleone". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  6. ^ admin (19 December 2013). "Tanzanian Fagilia Hit Maker, Mr. Nice Lands Filming Deal In Denmark". Diaspora Messenger News Media. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  7. ^ "Mr Nice rubbishes rumours". The Citizen. 2 April 2021. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  8. ^ SDE. "PHOTOS: Mr Nice introduces all-grown daughter". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  9. ^ "Mfahamu mtoto wa kwanza wa Mr Nice, ni mrembo kweli (Picha) – Bongo5.com". bongo5.com. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  10. ^ "Tanzanian Artiste Mr Nice Welcomes Second Child". Citizen Digital. 5 May 2015. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  11. ^ Muendo, Stevens. "Mr Nice mourns the loss of his mother". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  12. ^ Khasiani (Writer), Nwasante; Khasiani (Writer), Nwasante (17 April 2013). "What Happened To Mr. Nice? Why was He Completely Ruined? Find Out Here!". Ghafla!. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  13. ^ Gah, Cabu (19 September 2016). "REVEALED: How A Top Tanzanian Singer Is Living In Shame,Debts And Drunkenness In Kenya's Athi River Estate. (Photos)". Ghafla!. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  14. ^ "#TBT The Truth Behind What Really Happened To Mr Nice. – VarCity". www.varcity.co.ke. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  15. ^ Milimo, Dennis (18 March 2021). "Singer Mr. Nice Survives Grisly Road Accident while headed to Nyahururu (Video)". Pulselive Kenya. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  16. ^ Mukei, Cate. "I'm still alive- Mr Nice dismisses death rumours". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  17. ^ Muhindo, Clare. "Tanzanian Music legend Mr Nice still alive – Sqoop – Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos". Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  18. ^ "Legendary Tanzania Singer Mr Nice and How His Celebrated Career Ended [PHOTOS]". Ghanamma.com. 20 August 2022. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  19. ^ Kavii, Felix. "Mr Nice explains why he does not intend to go back to Tanzania". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  20. ^ "Mr Nice: I'm doing just fine and making money in Kampala". The Citizen. 22 October 2020. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  21. ^ "Broke and lonely Mr Nice 'stranded' in Kampala". Nairobi News. 2 September 2018. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  22. ^ Ray, Lee (11 May 2020). "Legendary Tanzanian Bongo Flava Singer, Mr. Nice Stuck In Kampala". Routine Blast : Gossip, Showbiz , Breaking News in Uganda. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  23. ^ "Mr Nice talks about his near death experience after he was poisoned". Mpasho. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  24. ^ Ruby, Josh (20 August 2018). "Mr Nice back in studio, working on big East African projects". MBU. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  25. ^ Watiri, Sue (31 August 2015). "Mr. Nice Reveals His Next Step after His Career Crashed and Burned In Kenya". Ghafla!. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  26. ^ Nyanga, Caroline. "I am not HIV positive, Tanzanian star Mr Nice rubbishes illness rumours". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  27. ^ Roberto, Muyela (7 November 2016). "Mr Nice: Look at me? Do I look HIV positive?". Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  28. ^ Iranzi, Fabrice (23 April 2019). "Singer Mr. Nice has denied claims that he is broke". RegionWeek. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  29. ^ "There is a God! Mr Nice shows off his sleek Mercedes ride after being branded dirt broke". Mpasho. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  30. ^ ""I drive with money in my boot" Mr. Nice refutes allegations he is broke". GhettoRadio 89.5 FM. 13 May 2020. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  31. ^ "Ukitaka kujua ustaa haudumu muulize Mr Nice, Dudu Baya". Mwananchi. 14 March 2021. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  32. ^ "Dudu Baya yupo katika matatizo makubwa- Mr. Nice | East Africa Television". www.eatv.tv. 7 March 2018. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  33. ^ "Mr. Nice Amchana Dudu Baya, Adai Hana Mhahali pa kuishi". Artists News in Tanzania. 24 November 2017. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  34. ^ "Mr. Nice na Dkt. Shika ni wale wale – Dudu Baya – Bongo5.com". bongo5.com. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  35. ^ Bugi, Rashid. "Mr Nice amchana Dudu Baya | Ishi Kistaa". Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  36. ^ "Dudu Baya "Nilimvunja Mr Nice Kiuno Baada ya Kuniletea Dharau"". UDAKU SPECIAL. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  37. ^ Misso, Amuna (11 May 2020). "Tanzania Fagilia Hit Maker 'Mr Nice' Still Making Money In Uganda". Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  38. ^ "Bahati and Mr. Nice teaming up for gospel hit (PHOTO)". 23 August 2017. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  39. ^ Kamau, Richard (12 February 2018). "Watch: Mr Nice Tells Off Haters in Second Music Video After Hiatus". Nairobi Wire. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
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