Losing a job that makes your ends meet can often make one fall into depression. However, what matters most is the ability to rise again, the strength to turn around and be optimistic.
Musician and actress, Sanaipei Tande found herself in such a spot where she had to face life's uncertainties after she was sacked by Nation FM. The radio station is owned and managed by the Nation Media Group (NMG), which also runs NTV.
Sanaipei, in an interview with Cleaning the Airwaves (CTA) on Friday, December 10, stated that her contract was terminated moments after she had wrapped up a show in 2015.
"I received a message from the General Manager asking me to see him after the show," the artist recalled adding that she was given a termination letter, a cheque (for compensation) and asked not to report to work the following day.
In as much as she was heartbroken by the decision, the Mfalme wa Mapenzi hitmaker stated that was always ready for such eventualities in her line of duty.
"That morning, I had heard my colleagues lament that we were going to be sent home. We were always wary whenever one of us was called into the (manager's) office. A brown envelop spelled disaster. No one needed an explanation when a colleague returned with an envelop.
"But if you come back without a brown envelope, cheers, everyone knew you were staying," she recalled.
Sanaipei explained that she did not expect her colleagues to react like her as some were parents while others were supporting their siblings or shouldering other responsibilities.
Nation FM's decision to let her go, she stated, came at a better time in her life as she was always longing for a break to focus on other personal issues.
"I felt relieved. I know there are people who will castigate me for saying so, but I was relieved. Let me tell you something about the power of the mind. It is a beautiful thing but you have to be cautious of it.
"I used to sit on my balcony and think of the environment, and the birds and free life, but then this idea of being stuck in the traffic jam (going to and fro work) pops out of nowhere. I believe my mind was communicating, asking me to find a new challenge," Sanaipei stated.
However, she had not prepared for such a moment in as much as she yearned for change.
She pushed herself to get back to performing Karaoke's after the opportunity to seek change presented itself. Sanaipei performed for Ksh10,000 and Ksh11,000 and waited for days before receiving her paycheck.
"Sometimes I sang for the crew and waitress only but we had a good time. These people have stories to tell. They can talk to you all night," she laughed while remembering the hard times.
She blended well with the staff such that they took responsibility for her security and even bought her free drinks. They embraced her as a friend to the extent of questioning and doubting some of her friends they were unfamiliar with.
Some of the Karaoke moments were challenging but some were fun. She had to deal with revellers while she was sober, which taught her how to handle such clients and fans.
She also stated that it was, at times, difficult to handle individuals who overindulged while she was performing and threatened to disrupt her event.
Sanaipei's music career spans decades. In 2021, she released a number of new hits such as Kiwango, Jali and Nakuthamini. She is also a seasoned actress having stared in multiple films. These include Aunty Boss, Bashita and Aziza.
