Crossover 101 host DJ Mo planned and executed a special Mother's Day surprise on NTV on Sunday, May 10, involving popular gospel singer Janet Otieno, who was a guest on the gospel entertainment show, and her mother.
With the show themed around Mother's Day, DJ Mo and his co-host, Grace Ekirapa, hosted the show together from different locations, with a split-screen reminding us of the social distancing era occasioned by Covid-19.
Janet joined DJ Mo in the studio, with Ekirapa live from home, and gave her thoughts on motherhood and the importance of mothers in the community as part of the Pokea and Nijaze singer's interview.
She thought she was taking calls from fans when she started speaking to a caller who later revealed herself to be Pamela, her mother, leaving Janet visibly surprised on-air as DJ Mo laughed.
Her reaction 😅😅@JanetOtienoKE's live surprise call from her mother. #CrossoverMothersDay #MamaTaughtMe pic.twitter.com/kNAUDqsUMp
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) May 10, 2020
Having only realized that it was her mother after she gave her full name, Janet and her mother went on to share in a hearty conversation, venturing into Dholuo as she wished her a Happy Mother's Day.
"Thank you so much for having me today. Day Made, and Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers. God bless you all. That was amazing thank you guys. You really made my day," she later excitedly tweeted.
Another popular gospel singer, Mercy Masika, also appeared on the show to celebrate the day with her mother, both of them appearing via video link.
The new reality of news presenters working from home later became apparent when, at one point in the show, Ekirapa's camera fell as she was live forcing producers to cut to the guests, with the presenter later apologising.
They are only but a few of the Kenyan celebrities and prominent personalities who shared heart-warming messages to mark Mother's Day, with others including Jeff Koinange, Willis Raburu, Ken Lusaka, Darshan Chandaria, and DJ Bash.
Citizen TV news anchor Jeff Koinange shared a photo of himself beaming alongside his mother and siblings, writing: "Here's wishing all mothers and mothers-to-be a happy Happy Mother's Day...and to my amazing mum and sisters, thanks for always being there for me! God Bless you abundantly!"
Raburu shared a video of himself joking with his mother as he marked the day in his own special way.
Happy Mother’s Day ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/FQrl4iLAfi
— Willis Raburu (@WillisRaburu) May 10, 2020
Chandaria Industries CEO Darshan Chandaria, also posed alongside his mother and shared his own touching message.
"Wishing my mum and all other wonderful mothers out there a very happy and safe Mother's Day! Mothers are the pillars of our strength and ensure our success and well-being so selflessly. Mum's love can never be replaced!" he wrote.
Homeboyz Radio presenter DJ Bash, shared a photo of his son and his wife, appreciating her as he celebrated the day.
"I don’t think you understand how much I appreciate you for what you do for our son Neo. So today I just want to say thank you. Neo is lucky to have you as a mum
"Happy Mother’s Day Ma! To all the mothers of the world, we love you," he wrote.
Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka also shared a photo of himself with his mother outside State House, Nairobi, writing: "I celebrate all mothers for their endless service, life-long dedication and unconditional love for their families."
