Ahead of MC Kats’ birthday, his workmate, Sheilah Gashumba put out a tweet asking that people give Kats ‘flowers’ while he still can smell them.
She particularly put up a challenge – for individuals in the entertainment industry to each raise Shs 500k as a birthday gift to Kats. She shared the number on which the money would be sent.
Her gesture is commendable especially in a society that is accustomed to praising people after they are dead. A trend that inspired Jose Chameleone’s 2013 song Basiima Ogenze, in which he cites entertainers like Paul Kafeero and Philly Bongoley Lutaya who never got as much ‘flowers’ while living as they got upon death.
Which is why many people lauded Sheilah for this kind initiative.
A few hour later, comedian Alex Muhangi took on the challenge and even surpassed it. He sent Kats Shs 705,000 as a birthday token. The ‘After 5’ host tweeted about it, sharing a snapshot of the mobile transaction.
The two are not the closest of friends per se. Theirs is nothing but the normal industry working relationship.
Kats has once in a while given Alex shout outs during his shows labeling him a cool guy.
And Alex has supported Kats in his projects, often times giving him platform on Comedy Store to market his shows. As well as giving him business – emceeing gigs as well as booking artistes managed by Kats.
It’s perhaps in this spirit that he chose to surprise him on his birthday.
Kats is celebrated by many, for his outgoing personality and charming character on TV.
The emcee and TV host whose career has seen him work with major broadcasters – WBS TV, NTV Uganda and NBS TV – has recently won endorsement from public figures like the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga and former Police Director, AIGP Asan Kasingye.
Last week, the Katikkiro commended Kats for championing the fight against HIV and AIDS.
“I want to thank Katamba, the grandson of Ndugwa from the Lugave clan, for the remarkable contribution towards the fight against AIDS, which is our theme for this year’s Kabaka’s birthday run,” the Katikkiro said during an interview.
He added: “I’m always watching you and following you on TV and you have been fighting against HIV. Thank you very much.”
Prior to that, popular Police Director, Asan Kasingye had publicly admired Kats’ interviewing prowess.
“I love the way MC Kats interviews people in the music industry. His approach is mature, informative, balanced and ends up marketing the product. NBS TV, you have an experienced person for the job,” Kasingye posted recently.
Other celebrities like singer Nina Roz and Jeff Kiwanuka (Sheebah’s former manager) have also since taken on Sheilah’s challenge, and each sent Kats Shs 500k.
