“Nana Mandi Tandala” star actress and singer Natasha Sanaipei Tande has broken her silence and revealed why she disappeared from the popular TV show ‘Kina’.
Sanaipei says her exit from the show was not due to any controversy or issues with the production team but rather her decision to take a break from acting due to exhaustion.
Sanaipei explained that Nana Mandi Tandala required a lot of energy and focus, which had taken a toll on her over the years.
She said she needed some time off to recharge and refocus before returning to the acting world.
“For clarification and accuracy, I chose to leave due to exhaustion and consequently much needed rest. Because of the nature of the show, it was necessary to find a replacement to allow for your continued entertainment,” said Sanaipei.
Sanaipei thanked fans for their unwavering support, love, and encouragement. She added that she would miss the character dearly and wished her successor, Mbeki Mwalimu, all the best in her new role.
“I wish my successor Mbeki Mwalimu all the best as she tackles the ups and downs of the wife, mother, boss, brute, and of course Auntiiieeee that is Nana Mandi Tandala,” wrote Sanaipei.
Maisha Magic Plus announced Tande’s departure and thanked her for her time on the show.
“On behalf of the Maisha Magic Plus Team, we would like to thank Sanaipei for her sterling performance on the Nana character. We equally wish her all the best for her future endeavours,” said Margaret Mathore, Maisha Magic Plus Channel Head, on February 16.
Tande’s role at ‘Kina’ has won several awards, including Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama series at the 2022 Kalasha Awards.
Kina is the story of an abandoned girl seeking justice for the murder of the man she thought was her father while falling under the dangerous spell of a woman she doesn’t yet know is her mother.
Mbeki is no stranger to the Kenyan television and entertainment space. She starred in Maisha Magic East’s hit telenovela –Selina as Zoe, where she doubled up as one of the directors for the popular series.
She also hosted ‘Good Morning Kenya’, a live breakfast TV show and ‘The Ultimate Choir‘ a reality show at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation.
