Pierra Makena - Biography, Education, Career, Songs, Films and Awards

Pierra Makena is a 46-years old renowned Kenyan disc jockey, actress, and TV personality. She gained significant recognition when she won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in “When Love Comes Around” at the Nollywood and African Film Critics Awards in Los Angeles. Makena is a well-known figure in the Kenyan entertainment industry, admired for her talent and energy. She has inspired many and is a key reason why Kenyans enjoy and dance to local tunes.

Early Life

Pierra Makena was born on April 11, 1978, in Meru, Kenya, where she spent much of her childhood. Growing up in Meru, she developed strong religious beliefs and takes great pride in the family values instilled in her by her parents. Makena comes from a supportive family of six siblings. Her fourth-born sibling played a crucial role in helping her through a period of depression, and her eldest sister, Fridah Gitonga, provided support during the birth of her child. Makena now resides in Nairobi, where she is focused on advancing her career in DJing and acting.

Education

Pierra Makena completed her senior high school education at Chogoria Girls High School. Afterward, she attended the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC), where she competed in the Miss KIMC contest during her final year in 2005. She graduated from KIMC with qualifications in Radio Programmes Production and also earned a degree in media studies from the same institution. Makena furthered her education at the University of Nairobi, where she graduated with a Master’s degree in Mass Communication.

Career

Pierra Makena began her acting career while still in secondary school, participating in various festivals and winning awards. However, it wasn't until 2005 that she officially joined the Kenyan film and TV industry. Some of the movies that marked her breakthrough in acting include "Kisulisuli," "Tausi," "Tahidi High," and "Changes." Beyond acting, Makena has a rich background in journalism, having worked as a news recorder, reporter, and producer at Kenya's national broadcaster, KBC. Her experience extended to roles as a news presenter at Radio Waumini and as a breakfast show host at YFM, now known as Hot 96.

In her senior year, she was headhunted by KBC, which further honed her journalism skills. Her career took her to Namibia for two years, where she worked in television production before returning to Kenya in 2010. Upon her return, Makena joined Scanad Kenya Limited, gaining expertise in television production, account management, and customer relations. She then transitioned to One FM, contributing as a radio host, marketing, and PR manager. After gaining substantial experience, she returned to Scanad as a brand asset manager before eventually founding her firm, C3, which specializes in research, evaluation, and production.

Makena's acting career flourished, with memorable roles in "Tausi," "Changes," "When Love Comes," "Oh-Bama," and "Kisulisuli." In 2018, she starred in the film "Disconnect," further solidifying her status as a versatile actress. 

In 2015, Makena ventured into DJing, a career shift that has proven highly successful. She did not attend formal DJing school but instead learned by observing experienced DJs in clubs. Her determination paid off, making her one of the most accomplished and highly paid DJs in Kenya. Her first international gig came a few years later when she was invited to perform at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards in New York. Makena has since performed at international events in Nigeria, Burundi, Ghana, and the United States, showcasing her exceptional DJing skills. 

2017 was a significant year for Makena as she launched her music production house. Her fees for events range between Kshs. 50,000 and Kshs. 500,000, and her net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. She is the founder of the "Park and Chill" event, which holds the record for hosting the most cars in Africa.

Personal Life

DJ Pierra Makena welcomed her first child, Ricca Pokot, in July 2016, a moment she describes as the best thing that has ever happened to her and a source of immense strength. Makena is a proud and devoted mother, raising her daughter as a single parent after her relationship with the baby’s father ended two weeks before she discovered she was pregnant. Despite the challenges, Makena and her former partner maintain a respectful relationship. Even though he moved on quickly, she has refrained from speaking ill of him, emphasizing that she will never call him names or tarnish his image.

There has been much speculation about the identity of Ricca Pokot's father, with DJ Mo being the subject of rumors due to the striking resemblance between Makena’s child and DJ Mo's child with gospel singer Size 8. DJ Mo has denied these claims, firmly stating that he cannot deny his own blood. Makena has chosen to keep the identity of her daughter's father private, allowing him to reveal himself if he wishes.

In addition to raising Ricca, Makena has expressed her desire to adopt more children rather than having more of her own. Her journey as a mother has been marked by significant personal achievements, including a remarkable weight loss transformation. Makena stunned her online followers by sharing photos of her new look after shedding about 27 kilograms, reducing her weight from 94 kg to 67 kg. This transformation was the result of a strict diet and workout regimen prescribed by her doctor. Her dedication and success in her weight loss journey have made her an inspiration to many of her followers who are also striving to manage their weight.

Films

Kisulisuli

Tausi (1995 - 2000) TV Series

When Love Comes Around (2014)

Changes (2011) TV Series

Tahidi High

Disconnect (2018 film)

Just in Time (2021)

Villains in the Metropolis (2022) 

Songs

Wape

Awards

2014 - She was nominated for the Ghana Movie Awards in the best actress African collaboration category for her role in the movie, When Love Comes Around.

2015 - She won the Best Supporting Actress at Nollywood and African Film Critics Awards in Los Angeles for her role in a Ghanaian movie titled ‘When Love Comes Around.