Stella Returns from Japan: Kenyans Make Memes from Freshley Mwamburi's Hit Song
Every year on May 17, Kenyans celebrate Stella Wangu, a timeless hit by Freshley Mwamburi.
Source: Twitter
In the song, Mwamburi sings about selling his property, including a vehicle, land, and cattle, to help Stella pursue an education in Japan.
The 17th marks the day she returned home, with the singer preparing a huge welcoming party for her.
Mwamburi called his friends and their kids to receive Stella at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, but they got a rude shock.
She alighted from the plane carrying a child, with a Japanese man behind her.
Mwamburi then delves into the grief that followed, crying in several local languages.
In 2021, the Rhumba icon unveiled fresh visuals for the song, allowing Kenyans to relive the nostalgia of this timeless classic.
Interestingly, the singer said that the song caused strain in his marriage with Dorcas Nduku.
“It honestly took a lot of effort for us to get to this point. My wife used to be quite upset about the matter,” he admitted.
Freshley explained that, over time, his wife came to terms with the fact that Stella was part of his past and that the song was simply a piece of his artistry.
“I deeply love my husband and fully support his career. I’d like to encourage young women to be patient in their marriages,” she shared.
In celebrating Stella’s return this year, even Kenya Airways jumped on the trend. The national carrier shared a meme of Rowan Atkinson, popularly known as Mr. Bean.
"Us waiting for Stella to check in," they captioned the meme.
Other Kenyans used AI to create a photo of Stella alighting from the plane with her baby and lover.
However, the KQ post was the most popular one, with Kenyans sharing mixed reactions:
@alexkifana:
“Good one. The admin needs a pay rise.”
@OpeywaFrancis:
“Then you realise her luggage is in the Middle East.”
@BersenDennio:
“Mwamburi still doesn't know what's about to hit him.”
@gitimu_Iam:
“Oh yeah…I’m sure you’ll delay her flight or lose her bags.”
In other news, Kenyan artiste Kayte Melo released a cover of the song, offering Stella's side of the story.
She claimed to have met an Asian couple on the flight and volunteered to hold their baby.
When she got off the plane with the child, Freshley mistakenly believed they were a family.
Source: UGC
After handing the baby back to the couple, she said Freshley had already left in frustration.
Melo added that she tried reaching out to him through letters, but never got a response or explanation.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
