‘I stand with Janet’ fundraising concert

Janet Kanini Ikua joins Sauti Sol members in a dance at Carnivore grounds in Nairobi on November 8,2015 during a concert dubbed "One Nation" for Janet to fundraise money towards her medication. Janet suffers from stage four lung cancer . PHOTO| EVANS HABIL

What you need to know:

  • Comedians present were Daniel “Churchill” Ndambuki who was the host, funnymen Obina, Owago Nyiro, and Jalang’o.

  • As artiste after artiste went up on stage, they each had heartfelt and kind words for the TV host who later on in her speech, expressed endless gratitude for the love shown towards her.

  • Although it was a fundraising concert, Sauti Sol clearly made an extra effort as they had one of the best performances of the day.

Top acts in the Kenyan entertainment industry from comedians to musicians took the stage at the Carnivore grounds in Nairobi in a bid to help raise funds to settle anchor Janet Kanini Ikua’s medical bills.

In a family concert organised by the Nation Media Group, Kenyans of goodwill once again did what they do best this past Sunday when they turned up to support the TV presenter who is battling stage four lung cancer.

A radiant Janet and her husband George Ikua danced the afternoon away as musicians serenaded them with song after song and even joined some of them up on stage for a few choreographed dance moves in appreciation for their selfless gesture to financially support her.

Some of the top names included gospel singer Daddy Owen, Willy Paul, Pitson, Ringtone and Rufftone. Also at the concert were namba nane rapper Octopizzo, Rabbit, Jaguar, Nameles, Wahu, Frasha, radio presenter Kalekye Mumo, Elani and Sauti Sol.

KIND WORDS

Comedians present were Daniel “Churchill” Ndambuki who was the host, funnymen Obina, Owago Nyiro, and Jalang’o.

As artiste after artiste went up on stage, they each had heartfelt and kind words for the TV host who later on in her speech, expressed endless gratitude for the love shown towards her.

Although it was a fundraising concert, Sauti Sol clearly made an extra effort as they had one of the best performances of the day.

The band built momentum with promos of their popular songs before making an impressive entrance on stage with the song "Nishike". And what better way to end their performance  than with a "Lipala dance" with the Ikuas?

"Mama" singer Kenzo, also managed to get Mrs Ikua on stage to try out the dance routine to his new song "Nyoso".

Not only did she receive unbridled support from her friends and colleagues, well-wishers like Ray Charles Mbugua, an artiste who created a portrait of her and offered the painting to be put up for auction where the proceeds would also go to cover her medical bills.

Part of the money will also go to the Children’s Cancer Ward at Kenyatta National Hospital.

Nairobi businessman and political aspirant Steve Mbogo was the first person to start off the bid at Sh1000 as he offered Ikua words of encouragement.

Linus Kaikai, NTV Managing Editor urged those who have been supporting IKua’s campaign dubbed #IStandWithJanet to also extend the same consideration to those battling the disease.

“Let’s all remember the children who alongside Janet will benefit from this event at the Kenyatta National Hospital. And just to add, the situation we are facing is a crisis for a lot families, there a lot of people whose names we do not know who share Janet’s story and probably worse.”

He continued: “I remember Margaret Njeri, a lady in Ruiru who appeared in the Daily Nation in March this year struggling with chemotherapy and had nowhere to go when the only radiotherapy machine collapsed at the Kenyatta National Hospital.

Let’s all remember these people and please, let’s extend our kindness to all those battling cancer today. The tragedy and difficulty about it is, statistics show in this country that 80 per cent of the cases are discovered in late stages,” said Kaikai.

An emotional  Ikua could not hold back tears at the overwhelming support and said, “I’ve become a very emotional person; I came armed with a full packet of tissues in my pocket,” she said as she broke down.

After several treatments in Nairobi, Ikua flew to India where doctors discovered that the cancer was in its fourth stage. Doctors in Nairobi were trying to manage her condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

In June, a blood clot was found in her heart - a pulmonary embolism - a condition that leads to instant death in most people and only detected after they are dead. The first clot was discovered in April.

Ikua said she is feeling well and has put her faith in God.

“I know I am already healed,” she said.