Meet Machel Wakienda, TNA’s Director of Communications & Secretary of Arts and Entertainment. He is the man who opened up Uhuru Kenyatta’s Facebook and twitter accounts.
Machel is not new to show business. He is the owner of Black Star Entertainment which is a
company comprised of a DJ unit called the Flava Unit Dj's, an events co-ordination unit called Blackstar Events and a film department unit called Blackstar Films.
He spoke to pulse magazine a while back and below is an excerpt of that interview
What did he study?
At 25 Machel Waikenda had achieved one his life long dreams. He had just completed his studies abroad when the national carrier, Kenya Airways, offered him a job as a first officer. With a bachelors in electrical engineering, an MBA and a commercial pilots license with ratings for the 737 and 767 planes ,a youthful and ambitious Machel took to the sky.
How was the experience as a pilot?
"To me, literally, the sky was the limit. I grew up with a passion to fly. I always dreamed of sitting in the cockpit," says soft-spoken Machel.
He continues: "I liked the fame and fortune that came with it. I liked the challenge too. Soon, I was brushing shoulders with the high and mighty and living my dream."
What changed?
But Machel had another passion. Months before KQ hired him, he, together with Marcus Kwikiriza and Smallz had formed Blackstar Entertainment, a breakaway unit from Code Red. Building a team of media personalities; DJs, emcees, cameramen, video editors and sound engineers, the three established what they believe will soon become Africa’s greatest entertainment empires.
What did he do?
"Back then, I had to juggle showbiz and flying. With time, I realised that my passion for showbiz outweighed my love for piloting. I was at a crossroads. For many nights and days, I contemplated ditching flying," he says.
"I knew it would be a risk that every one who was close to me would oppose. Flying was fun and the pay was good. I was young and the future was promising. But my vision, to spearhead the greatest entertainment unit gradually overshadowed all that. When I handed over my resignation letter, everyone thought I was insane," he recalls
Machel quit his piloting career to concentrate on entertainment, and he says he owes no one an apology.
How did his employer react?
"They (former bosses) kept calling insisting I review my decision. They said I was young and had a bright future in the aviation industry. But I had made up my mind. The next time I will be flying, it is going be my own jet. Sooner than later, this will come to pass," says the go-getter.
What is his mantra?
"Life is not all about money or fame. Since we started Blackstar Entertainment, I realised that my passion was in the entertainment industry and now, I have taken the risk. I want to give Blackstar Entertainment my undivided attention," he affirms.
What are his last words?
Days are gone when entertainment used to be regarded as a career for the uneducated. The perceptions have changed because many have now proved that they can make a good living from showbiz," he says.
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