Fred Machoka Reveals His Biggest Fears Before Golden Jubilee Rhumba Concert

Veteran broadcaster Fred Machoka has opened up about the worries that nearly overshadowed what he now calls the greatest Rhumba concert of the decade.

His Golden Jubilee celebration drew huge crowds and brought together some of the biggest names in the genre, but two separate dramas kept people talking long after the final song.

Speaking on social media after the event, Machoka thanked fans and revealed how anxious the organising team had been beforehand.

They feared that Ebola concerns might stop the event from going ahead, wondered how they would manage the crowd, and worried that rain could ruin the night. He said God took care of everything.

The music itself delivered. Congolese star Koffi Olomide performed a relentless two hour set that kept fans on their feet. Machoka also praised Koffi’s wife Cindy, Katilia, Mama Mbilia Bel, Makasi Man, Alicios Theluji, Them Mushrooms and Les Wanyika.

He said the collective effort proved that Rhumba could succeed where other concert formats have struggled. Special thanks went to the event’s MCs, Jeff Koinange, Mwalimu Churchill and Patrick Igunza. Machoka added that he would gladly do it again, but would be fine if it never happened.

Still, the evening had its share of controversy. The first involved Senator Gloria Orwoba, who was reportedly ordered off the stage while the crowd chanted Wantam, turning a celebratory moment into an awkward one.

The second was a brief disagreement between Machoka and Koffi Olomide, which surfaced during the celebrations and quickly trended online.

Many observers noted the irony of drama breaking out at an event meant to honour decades of musical harmony. Even so, Machoka stayed upbeat and grateful, choosing to focus on the positives of a night he clearly cherishes.

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