Sanaipei Tande, a renowned Kenyan singer, songwriter, actress and former radio host, will be the Kenyan nominee to the Intervision25 Song Contest in Russia, which will be held on September 20, 2025.

The announcement puts her in the centre stage of a worldwide spotlight and introduces a new chapter to a career that has already been two vibrant decades.

Sanaipei was born on 22 March 1985 in Mombasa under the name Natasha Sanaipei Tande and she had an interest in music.

She also went to Loreto Convent and Mama Ngina High School in Mombasa and finished her education in Nairobi at St.Lucy Kiriri Girls.

Admitted to Kenya Medical Training College to pursue Pharmacy, she later pulled out to pursue her career in the field of art.

Her breakthrough was realised in 2004 after she won the East Africa Coca-Cola Popstars competition.

With Pam Waithaka and Kevin Waweru, she established the group Sema, who immediately found the focus of East Africa with their 17-track album Mwewe and such hits as Leta Wimbo and Sakalakata.

At the time of the eventual break-up of Sema Sanaipei shone into the limelight as a solo artist and radio presenter joining Capital FM, then Kiss 100, and eventually Easy FM (Nation FM).

She was famous because of her charisma and hosting of popular shows like Hits, Not Homework and Keeping It Kenyan.

Setbacks and Resurgence

In 2015 Sanaipei was surprised to be laid off of radio, which compelled her to return to live with her parents and devise other means of keeping her career alive. She held karaoke events throughout Nairobi, and she usually was paid a small or late fee but still wrote music.

Her perseverance paid off. This performance in acclaimed television shows such as Aziza and Kina, as well as new music-related releases, such as her 2021 EP Nabo, made her one of the most versatile entertainers in Kenya once again.

Intervision25: Flag bearer Kenya. Intervision25 is a revival of the event that was first introduced in the 1960s and cancelled in 1980 to reunite artists of the world.

Sanaipei will sing the soulful song, Flavour, which she released earlier in the year and remade it to take part in the contest. She had been attracted to run in the sixth position.

Sanaipei Speaks

During interviews prior to the contest, Sanaipei explained the hidden meaning of her music and that of this moment:

“Flavour is an entry into a contest that is in praise of real and genuine love and traditional values.
I call my music a message-oriented and concentrate on such topics as love, family, and honesty.”

She also resorted to the greater cultural significance of the event:

“The way Russia has been sold to us in the olden times is that they are the enemy. and now we see that Russia is in earnestness only to have friends and alliances.”

To Sanaipei, Intervision25 is not merely a performance outlet, but a platform to enhance world awareness and bring out the musical heritage in Kenya.

Intercultural Diplomacy into Practice

The involvement of Kenya is obviously diplomatic. Music is a strong kind of soft power, and the performance of Sanaipei on a global platform will present Kenyan art to the attention of millions of viewers all over the world.

This cultural bridge is highlighted by herself, as she sees a cultural dialogue and creativity as an attempt to reject outdated narratives and demonstrates how art can cultivate mutual respect and friendship among countries.

Milestone Moment

Since a teenage talent-show winner to a full-fledged musician and actress, the story of Sanaipei Tande can be described in terms of perseverance, innovation, and hard work.

Performing on the stage of Intervision25 is the reward of several years of efforts and the indication of the increased popularity of Kenyan music worldwide.

When the world looks to Russia on 20 September 2025, the Kenyans will be applauding the tune of victory created by their songbird who has transformed every adversity into a tune of success- now representing the dreams of the nation at the international level.

Kenyan singer, songwriter and actress Sanaipei Tande. PHOTO Tande FB.