She’s fierce, unfiltered, and unstoppable. At 43, Pierra Makena isn’t just surviving the entertainment industry—she’s shaping it. From film and television to spinning tracks behind the DJ booth, she’s rewritten what it means to be a female entertainer in Kenya.
Pierra crashed into DJing in 2015—no formal training, no blueprint—just raw talent and fire. In a world dominated by men, she crowned herself queen of the decks and dared anyone to challenge her.
That same energy has powered her across screens for over 15 years, with iconic roles on Tahidi High, Kina, and Disconnect. And to think, her first dream was to become a pediatrician.
Now, she’s a single mom to 8-year-old Ricca, thriving on her terms and gearing up for her latest role in The Mommy Club NBO. In this exclusive, Pierra opens up about motherhood, societal pressure, and her path to peace and power.
Q: You marked 15 years in entertainment in December 2024. What’s kept you going?
Pierra: Vision. That’s my fuel. If I believe in something, I commit—no matter how tough, no matter the noise. I’ve learned to be unapologetic about what works for me. If you don’t get it, that’s not my burden.
Q: Why say yes to a reality show? Pierra: (Laughs) For the money—just kidding! I’ve done film, I’ve done TV, but reality? That was new. I love fresh challenges, and this one felt right.
Q: How do you juggle fame and motherhood?
Pierra: It’s hard. Hard. Critics say I expose Ricca too much, but where were they when we struggled? Now that she’s thriving and earning, suddenly everyone has an opinion.
I know my child better than anyone. I keep tabs, I monitor, and I say no to gigs if they don’t feel right. I raise her with intention, and if you’re not part of her life, your opinion doesn’t count.
Q: What kind of mom are you?
Pierra: Overprotective! I panic if she climbs a chair. I’m not the “let her fall and learn” type. But I also let her explore. If she loves music, I nurture it. I don’t force math or science if that’s not her thing.
I wanted to be a pediatrician, and I was great at biology, but look at me now. Passion beats pressure every time.
Q: What’s one thing you wish you’d known before becoming a mom?
Pierra: That sleep is a myth. You lose it forever, from newborn days to teenage chaos and the 21-year-old wild phase. You’re always worrying, always praying.
Q: Your take on societal pressure, especially for single moms?
Pierra: You don’t need a man to survive. If he won’t provide, do it yourself. I’ll never beg someone to care for the child I brought into the world.
Being a single mom isn’t a curse—it’s a call to rise. Hustle. Provide. Win.
Q: You’ve said you’re unbothered by being unmarried at 43. Why?
Pierra: Marriage isn’t a checklist item. I won’t marry because my parents or neighbours expect it. I’ve had messy relationships—I take commitment seriously. When it’s right, I’ll know. Until then? I’m whole and happy.
Q: What’s on your bucket list?
Pierra: Disney with Ricca—her dream and mine. Visiting The Sound of Music set in Austria. Skinny-dipping in a secret spot where no one knows me. Oh—and a random blind date while I’m abroad. Kenya? Too risky! (Laughs)
Q: What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
Pierra: I’m an introvert. People see the DJ, the actress and assume I’m loud. But honestly, if I weren’t famous, I wouldn’t even be on social media.
Also, let’s set the record straight: Ricca’s dad wasn’t married when we dated.
Q: Most famous person to slide into your DMs?
Pierra: Mostly thirst traps. But one polite governor—not from Kenya—was a total gentleman. It was refreshing.
Sometimes, I envy the simplicity of domestic life—cooking, having babies, doing my nails. In another life? Maybe I’d be that stay-at-home mom.
Q: What’s next for you?
Pierra: I’m planning to slow down on DJ gigs and focus more on myself and Ricca. It’s time.
Jackie’s Love Life & Reality TV: Drama? Nah, Just Grace and Goals!
