Azziad Nasenya
Azziad Nasenya (born Azziad Nasenya Wafula, 16 June 2000) is a Kenyan actress, content creator, media host, and social media personality whose dynamic TikTok videos and engaging media presence have established her as a leading figure in East African entertainment. Dubbed Kenya’s TikTok Queen, she gained fame with her viral dance to “Utawezana” and has captivated audiences through roles in Selina, hosting on Sound City Kenya, and vibrant digital content.[1]
Early Life
Born on 16 June 2000 in Mumias, Azziad Nasenya grew up in a tight-knit Luhya family, moving between Kakamega County and Nairobi. Raised by supportive parents, she drew inspiration from her mother’s encouragement and her sister Gimase Amadi’s love for acting. “I’d mimic TV stars as a kid, and my family was my first audience,” she recalled in an interview.[2] Her Christian upbringing saw her performing in church skits and dances from age seven, igniting her passion for the stage.[3]
Nasenya attended Central Primary School in Mumias, Cathsam School in Nairobi, and Lugulu Girls Boarding Primary School. She graduated from St. Cecilia Misikhu Girls’ High School in 2017, excelling in the Kenya Schools and Colleges Drama Festival. “Those competitions built my confidence,” she shared.[4] In 2018, she enrolled at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication, earning a Diploma in Broadcast Journalism in 2022. “My training gave me the skills for radio and TV,” she noted.[5] Facing financial hurdles, she juggled studies with theatre gigs, often walking to auditions to save money. “I knew every step was worth it,” she reflected.[6] These struggles shaped her resilient, authentic persona.
Career
Early Beginnings
Azziad Nasenya started in school plays and church events, laying the groundwork for her career. In 2017, she joined the Hearts of Art Theatre Group in Nairobi, debuting in Repair my Heart in 2018. “Theatre was my acting school,” she said.[7] By 2019, she had performed in seven stage plays, meeting her manager, Peter Kawa, who opened doors to bigger opportunities.[8] She balanced theatre with odd jobs and studies, sharpening her craft.[9]
TikTok
Nasenya joined TikTok in August 2019, sharing dance, lip-sync, and acting videos that highlighted her lively personality. Verified in February 2020, she earned the title East Africa TikTok Queen. Her April 2020 dance to “Utawezana” by Femi One and Mejja went viral, gaining millions of views. “It was just fun with friends,” she recalled of the spontaneous hit.[10] The video launched her to fame, securing brand deals and media roles. She credits consistency and creator collaborations for her growth, keeping her content authentic.[11] Her TikTok (@azziadnasenya) continues to thrive with viral skits.[12]
Television and Acting
In 2020, Nasenya landed a lead TV role, delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. She debuted as Chichi in Selina on Maisha Magic East in June 2020, adapting from theatre to screen. “The camera was a learning curve,” she admitted.[13] She co-hosted Concert Nyumbani with Mwaniki Mageria in July 2020, promoting Kenyan talent virtually.[14] Her roles expanded to Carmen in Faithless (2023) and Miss Kemi in Prefects (2024), aired in Kenya and Uganda. “I seek challenging characters,” she said.[15] She honed her skills through script study and director collaboration.[16]
Radio
Since April 2021, Nasenya has hosted the “WhatsUp254” Breakfast Show on Sound City Kenya, airing weekdays from 6 am to 10 am. “I love connecting with listeners,” she shared, noting the show’s interactive vibe.[17] She paused briefly in early 2025 but resumed on March 7, 2025, despite public scrutiny. Her journalism diploma bolsters her hosting skills, growing her audience.[18] She infuses humor and trending topics, engaging diverse listeners.[19]
Content Creation and Hosting
Nasenya hosts The Shoe Game with Azziad on YouTube, interviewing celebrities about footwear in a fresh format. “It’s quirky and fun,” she explained.[20] Her channel (@AzziadNasenya) features vlogs and skits, attracting thousands of subscribers. On Instagram (@azziadnasenya), she posts career and personal updates, staying authentic.[21] She plans a web series to tell Kenyan stories. “I want to create impact,” she said.[22] Her digital work complements her traditional media roles.
Brand Ambassador
In September 2020, Nasenya became the Official Global Ambassador for the Save Our Future campaign, promoting education. “It’s close to my heart,” she noted.[23] In 2022, she was BIC’s Miss Soleil ambassador, and in 2023, she joined the Creatives Technical Committee under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports, and Arts, later revoked.[24] She models for Linkosiclothing L&C and Home 254, choosing ethical brands. “I align with my values,” she said.[25]
Personal Life
Azziad Nasenya maintains a private yet grounded life, balancing fame with family and faith. Of Luhya descent, she shares a close bond with her sister, Gimase Amadi, an actor and Kenyatta University graduate. “We inspire each other,” she said.[26] Her mother, now in Germany, anchors her humility. “Mum’s my rock,” she noted, visiting her in early 2025 before returning to Nairobi.[27] Nasenya keeps relationships private, focusing on work. “My career comes first,” she clarified.[28]
Raised Christian, her faith guides her. “Prayer keeps me steady,” she shared, crediting spirituality for resilience.[29] She values privacy, sharing select moments on Instagram (@azziadnasenya), like family time or career milestones. “Not everything’s for public view,” she explained.[30] On TikTok (@azziadnasenya), she engages fans with warmth, often replying to comments. “My supporters fuel me,” she said.[31] Her life reflects devotion to family, faith, and authenticity.
Controversies
In 2023, a leaked explicit video was falsely linked to Nasenya. She denied involvement, pointing to physical differences like missing tattoos. “It’s not me, and I’m focused on my work,” she stated.[32] In January 2025, allegations surfaced that she borrowed KSh 300,000 without repayment, with claims of offering favors to settle debts. A fan cleared the debt, and Nasenya addressed it, denying lavish borrowing. “I’m handling it privately,” she said, navigating the backlash maturely.[33] Her 2023 appointment to the Creatives Technical Committee was revoked after legal challenges, a setback she faced quietly.[34] Nasenya’s responses reflect her focus on career over drama.
Influences
Nasenya draws inspiration from her family, particularly her mother and sister Gimase, whose support fueled her passion. “They believed in me first,” she shared.[35] Kenyan creators like Femi One and Mejja, whose music amplified her TikTok fame, shaped her collaborative spirit. “Their energy pushes me,” she noted.[36] She admires global influencers for their authenticity, studying their content to refine her craft. “I learn from everyone,” she said.[37] Her theatre roots with Hearts of Art and manager Peter Kawa’s guidance also molded her. “Peter saw my potential early,” she reflected.[38] These influences drive her versatile career and mentorship goals.
Recognition
Nasenya was nominated for the E! People’s Choice Award for African Social Star in 2021. Her viral “Utawezana” video and roles in Selina and Prefects have cemented her as a Kenyan media icon.[39] Her TikTok and radio presence continue to earn widespread acclaim.[40]
External links
References
- Wikipedia - Azziad Nasenya
- Tuko.co.ke - Azziad Nasenya
- Mpasho - Azziad Nasenya Biography
- Nairobi News - Azziad Leaked Tape
- Express Tribune - Azziad Debt Allegations
- Tuko.co.ke - Azziad Sound City Comeback
- News Broadcast - Azziad Biography
- EA Feed - Azziad Nasenya
- Sanaa Post - Prefects
- Nairobi News - Azziad Lands Radio Job
- NTV Kenya - Azziad Graduates
- IMDb - Azziad Nasenya
- Save Our Future
- The Star - Appointment Revoked
- Pulse Sports - Talanta Hela
- Tuko.co.ke - Azziad Returns
- Maisha Magic - Selina
- MultiChoice Talent Factory - Azziad Nasenya
- TNX Africa - Azziad Debt
- Azziad Nasenya’s YouTube
- TV47 - Azziad Nasenya
- NTV Weekend Edition - Azziad Nasenya
- KTN News - Azziad Nasenya
- Spice FM - Azziad Nasenya
- Citizen TV - Azziad Nasenya
- KBC Channel 1 - Azziad Nasenya
- Switch TV - Azziad Nasenya
- Capital FM - Azziad Nasenya
- Kiss FM - Azziad Nasenya
- Homeboyz Radio - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ Wikipedia - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ NTV Weekend Edition - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ KBC Channel 1 - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ Spice FM - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ Citizen TV - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ Capital FM - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ KTN News - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ MultiChoice Talent Factory - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ Kiss FM - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ TV47 - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ Homeboyz Radio - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ Azziad Nasenya’s TikTok
- ↑ Spice FM - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ NTV Weekend Edition - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ Sanaa Post - Prefects
- ↑ Citizen TV - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ Nairobi News - Azziad Lands Radio Job
- ↑ Tuko.co.ke - Azziad Sound City Comeback
- ↑ KBC Channel 1 - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ Azziad Nasenya’s YouTube
- ↑ Azziad Nasenya’s Instagram
- ↑ Capital FM - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ Save Our Future
- ↑ The Star - Appointment Revoked
- ↑ TV47 - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ Spice FM - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ Tuko.co.ke - Azziad Returns
- ↑ EA Feed - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ KBC Channel 1 - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ Capital FM - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ Azziad Nasenya’s TikTok
- ↑ Nairobi News - Leaked Tape
- ↑ Tuko.co.ke - Debt Allegations
- ↑ The Star - Appointment Revoked
- ↑ NTV Weekend Edition - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ TV47 - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ Capital FM - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ Kiss FM - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ Wikipedia - Azziad Nasenya
- ↑ Tuko.co.ke - Azziad Nasenya
