Look, Pierra Makena isn’t just a name; it’s a statement. For nearly two decades, the 43-year-old Kenyan powerhouse has been shattering ceilings and rewriting the rules of the entertainment industry.
Bold, unapologetic, and fiercely independent, Makena has cemented her status as a true trailblazer, seamlessly transitioning from acclaimed actress to a celebrated DJ in a male-dominated world.
In 2015, Makena spun her way into the DJ booth, a feat made even more impressive by the fact she did it without formal training. “The self-proclaimed queen of the decks,” proved that raw talent and sheer determination can trump tradition every single time. But her journey began long before the turntables.
For 15 years, Makena has graced screens in popular hits like “Tahidi High,” “Kina,” and “Disconnect,” leaving an indelible mark with her unforgettable performances. Ironically, disc jockeying wasn’t her initial dream — the multi-hyphenate once harboured aspirations of becoming a paediatrician.
Society may have its opinions about her personal life, but Makena, a proud single mother to eight-year-old Ricca, simply isn’t listening. She’s too busy living her best life and gearing up for her next major move: starring in “The Mommy Club NBO,” currently streaming on Showmax.
In a candid sit-down with Business Today Special Correspondent OORO GEORGE, Makena pulls back the curtain on her unconventional path, personal choices, and navigating single motherhood in the glaring spotlight.
GEORGE: Last December, you celebrated 15 years in the entertainment industry, and you seem to be unstoppable. What’s the secret?
MAKENA: For me, it’s simple — I have a vision, and I stick to it. If I believe in something, I go for it, no matter how tough it gets or what anyone thinks. If it serves me and it’s working for me, I’m all in. I’ve learned to be selfish with my beliefs — if someone else doesn’t get it, that’s their problem, not mine.
Tell us how you ended up on a reality show.
For the money, of course… Just kidding! Honestly, I’ve done it all in film and TV, but I’d never done a reality show. So, when the opportunity came up, I thought, “Why not?” I love trying new things, and this felt like the perfect challenge.
How do you handle the spotlight while raising Ricca?
It’s one of the hardest things, but like I said, if it works for me, I go for it. I’ve heard people say, “Oh, you’re exposing your child too young,” but where were those opinions when we were struggling? Now that my baby is thriving and earning for herself, suddenly everyone has something to say.
I know what’s good for my child and what’s not. I monitor her closely — if the pressure is too much, I step back. We even turned down productions and commercials because I didn’t feel they were right for her. I am intentional about how I raise her and purposeful in every decision. At the end of the day, if you’re not close to my baby, your opinion doesn’t count.
What kind of a mom are you?
I’m super careful with my baby, maybe too careful! I’m that mom who panics when she climbs a table, rushing to stop her before she falls. I can’t be the “let her fall and learn” type. I’m very protective but, at the same time, I let her find herself.
If she loves music, I’ll nurture that passion. I don’t push her into things she’s not interested in, like saying, “Study math!” If she’s not good at it, that’s okay. Not everyone needs to be a doctor or an engineer, especially in this digital era. I mean, I wanted to be a paediatrician — I even aced math and biology — but look where life took me. Passion and talent can take you far when you follow them.
What is that one thing you wish you knew before becoming a mom?
I wish someone had warned me that motherhood means saying goodbye to good sleep — forever! From the moment your baby is born, it’s sleepless nights worrying, praying, and protecting them. As a newborn, they keep you up all night, and then when they hit their teens, it’s a whole new level of hyperactivity and anxiety. And once they turn 21? Now you’re losing sleep wondering about their choices, who they’re with, what they’re doing.
You’ve been so honest about societal pressures. What message do you have for other women who are forging their own paths?
Believe in yourself, not in a man. You don’t need a man to do everything for you. Life doesn’t end if he’s not there. What if, God forbid, something happens to him? What will you do? You have to survive, no matter what.
As a single mom, it’s okay — you can do it. Stop relying on a man for everything. If he doesn’t want to provide, then do it yourself. Personally, I can’t take a man to court to force him to provide. I’m not going to beg someone to take care of the child I carried and brought into this world. If he won’t step up, that’s fine. There’s so much I can do on my own to provide for my child. I’d rather hustle than beg. You have got to be a survivor, no matter the situation.
You have said you’re unbothered about being unmarried at 43. Tell us why.
For me, marriage must be right. It’s not about society, my parents, or impressing the neighbors — I’ll never marry for pressure. If I wanted to get married at 19, I could have. But for me, it’s about finding the right person. I have had my share of relationships, and they haven’t been great, so I take commitment seriously. I don’t want to tie myself to someone for life, only to end up in a mess I can’t escape. When the time is right, I’ll know. Until then, I’m happy. Honestly, I get everything a married person gets, so I’m totally unbothered about marriage.
What’s currently on your bucket list?
First, I want to take my baby to Disney — it’s her dream, and it’s mine too. Second, I’d love to visit The Sound of Music set in Austria — it’s one of my all-time favorite childhood movies. Oh, and one day, I want to go skinny-dipping somewhere no one knows me — just jump in, relax, and feel completely carefree. Lastly, I have been hearing some wild stories from the moms about blind dates, so I would love to try a proper random blind date… but not in Kenya — while I’m on tour abroad.
What is one thing that people don’t know about you?
People are always shocked when I tell them I’m an introvert, probably because they see me DJing and assume I’m all about the spotlight. Honestly, if I wasn’t a public figure, I wouldn’t even have social media. And just to clear the air, my baby’s father was not a married man when we were dating.
Who’s the most famous person who’s ever slid into your DMs, and what did they say?
Most of my DMs are pure thirst traps. But recently, a certain governor — don’t worry, not from Kenya — slid into my inbox. He was actually polite and such a gentleman. For once, it wasn’t the usual nonsense, which was a breath of fresh air. Honestly, I envy those genuine connections. In another life, I wouldn’t mind being a stay-at-home wife — cooking, doing my nails, having babies, and just focusing on family. Sounds like a dream, right?
What’s next for you?
Hopefully, in the coming months, I’ll be able to scale back on my DJ gigs to focus on myself and family.
Catch Pierra Makena on “The Mommy Club NBO,” with new episodes streaming every Friday on Showmax.
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