Koffi Olomide Discloses 7-Year Ban From Performing In Kenya Made Him Suffer: "I'll Die On Stage"

• Congolese singer and songwriter Grand Mopao, also known as Koffi Olomide, arrived in Nairobi on December 6 for his eagerly awaited peace concert
• The Rhumba maestro revealed how much he suffered after Kenya slapped him with a seven-year travel ban
• The artiste, who said he had a deep craving for Kenya and its people, expressed interest in collaborating with local artists during his short stay

Renowned Rhumba maestro Kofii Olomide has opened up about how being banned from visiting Kenya for seven years affected him.

The Congolese singer and songwriter arrived in Nairobi on December 6 for his eagerly awaited peace concert scheduled for December 9.

How Kenyan ban affected Koffi Olomide

In an interview with Classic 105, the renowned musician disclosed the challenges he faced due to a seven-year ban imposed by the country’s immigration department.

"I missed Kenya. I missed my family and my fans. Seven years away, nobody has suffered like I did, like not getting the opportunity to be back in this country. I will die on the stage, I will give the best of my soul and my heart in each song. I need to see again these people who made Koffi. Like 60% of my family has been built in Kenya," he shared.

He expressed his longing for Kenya, emphasising that the ban thwarted his dream of spending a significant amount of time in the country.

Speaking highly of Kenya and expressing deep affection for its people, the artiste conveyed his willingness to collaborate with Kenyan artistes, considering it to be his last dream.

"I'm ready for them. That's my last dream, to work with a Kenyan artiste. I am ready. I have like four days in Nairobi. If anyone wants to meet, we talk. I'm ready," he said.

Having teamed up with Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz in hits like Achii and Waah, Olomide has now joined forces with Nigerian artist Davido in the track Legende.

Terence Creative steps out to welcome idol

In a separate story, comedian Terence Creative met Koffi Olomide at the airport as they welcomed him to Kenya.

Terence stepped out in his Papa Fred persona, a wealthy Congolese tycoon who quotes Koffi’s songs, to welcome the legendary singer.

Terence shared his excitement during Koffi's press conference, and he said he was his number one fan.

However, he was forced to defend himself after fans claimed that the rhumba musician snubbed him.