Kenya’s Sanaipei Tande Heads to Russia for Intervision 2025
Sanaipei Tande, one of Kenya’s most celebrated singers and actresses, is preparing for one of the biggest stages of her career. She has been chosen to represent Kenya at the Intervision Song Contest, taking place on 20 September in Novoivanovskoye, just outside Moscow.
The contest, revived in recent years, brings together performers from across the globe. This year’s theme, “Music in the Heart of Your Country,” encourages artists to present songs that reflect national identity while promoting cultural exchange.
Tande will perform an afro-pop version of her well-known track Flavour. The choice, she says, is meant to showcase her sound to a wider audience. “It’s about friendship through music,” the Russian Embassy in Nairobi explained in a statement, underscoring the event’s message of unity.
For Tande, this moment is a continuation of a journey that began more than two decades ago. She rose to fame in 2004 after winning the East African edition of Coca-Cola Popstars at the age of 19. That victory led to the creation of the group Sema, which quickly became popular before disbanding.
Since then, she has carved out a successful solo career. Her songs, including Najuta, Mfalme wa Mapenzi, Amina, and Chaguo la Moyo, have made her a familiar voice in Kenyan households. She has also thrived on screen, starring in popular television dramas such as Aziza and Kina, as well as the Showmax series The Chocolate Empire.
The Intervision contest, organised by the Russian government, is part of an effort to strengthen cultural ties across regions. Participants include artists from BRICS countries, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and beyond. A panel of international judges will decide the winner.
Whether she wins or not, Tande’s participation is already a milestone for Kenya’s cultural presence abroad. Her performance is set to place the country firmly on a stage that celebrates music not just as entertainment, but as a bridge between nations.
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