The concept of the socialite is by no means a new one. It dates back to the 18th and 19th century and included the wives or mistresses of royalty and nobility. According to the 1886 American members of the establishment, a socialites position was based on birth, breeding, education and economic standing.
The very definition of a socialite is someone who is well-known in a fashionable society, spends a significant amount of time participating in social activities such as parties and other fashionable events, entertains guests and being entertained by others of similar standing.
The 21st century has slightly evolved the term, however it is still irrefutably attached to wealth and being socially recognised. But in its truest form, it is more that that. It is about where you are from and who are your family. The real socialite scene is one of exclusivity, class, a touch of snobbery and connections.
The Kenyan “socialite” and I use the term very very loosely, is none of these things. She seems to be a woman of no determinable background, extremely questionable morals and quite frankly nothing more than a high class escort to use the more politically correct term.
They seem largely funded by shadowy figures that are their rich boyfriends who take them travelling and buy the nice things all while proclaiming themselves “business women” of some sort. These are not socialites, these are women who have managed to turn Instagram, Facebook and Twitter into the new street corner.
Before I continue, I should make it very clear that I am not a socialite, nor do I wish to become a socialite, particularly by the standards set in Kenya. I am however rather tired of hearing about Vera Sidika hailed as Kenya'smost famous socialite or some new woman who posted nude photos or was involved in some sex scandal described as the “newest hottest socialite”. These women are not socialites. At the very most they are a sort of celebrity which is very different to being a socialite, at the very least, they are groupies who have made an art out being seen at all the hottest parties and sleeping with all the right people.
Let's take an example. Kim Kardashian, who a number of our “socialites” seem to be compared to a lot. Kim despite shooting to fame with that sex tape and the consequent TV show, was a socialite. She came from a wealthy,well-known family, she went to the right schools and she spent time with the right people. However she is no longer a socialite. She is now a celebrity. Although most socialites seek fame, few would stoop to the level of exposing their lives in so tacky and undignified way of a sex tape or reality TV shows.
Real socialites crave acknowledgement by their peers, but stay away from scandal and gossip. At least their own anyway, other scandals involving other people is a sort of fuel for them and the reason that page 6 of the New York Times is still thriving.
Let's compare some of Kenya's socialites with socialites from other countries shall we.
Nicole Richie - Daughter of Lionel Richie, originally seen as Paris Hilton's sidekick, Nicole has managed to change her party girl image and is involved in the fashion industry.
Tinsley Mortimer - Married to Topper Mortimer who is from one of New York’s oldest families, Mrs Mortimer also works on her fashion line and is a beauty ambassador for Christian Dior.
Torri Spelling - Daughter of one of the richest men in Hollywood, Tori made a name for herself in television.
Kelly Killoren Bensimon - Seen on the Real Housewives of New York city. The former model works in publishing and splits her time between Manhattan and East Hampton.
Ivanka Trump - Daughter of business tycoon Donald trump, she has modelled for Versace, Marc Bowman, Tommy Hilfiger and many more.
Kenya's socialites include:
Vera Sidika - Famous now for spending an extortionate amount on skin lightening and hair extensions. Her Facebook page describes her as a model, fashionister, art and design freak and interior designer. Likes to go to Dubai. No stranger to scandals.
Corazon Kwamboka - Recently released a new set of sexy photos showing off her curves. The only one who seems to advertise the fact that she has smarts, she graduated with an upper second class and has joined Kenya School of Law.
Pendo - Associated with a number of scandals including the alleged sexcapade with Willy Paul, nude photos and lesbian action.
Judy Anyango - Other than a few “introducing the newest socialite” statements, all I could find about her is that she is supposedly about to release some naked pictures.
Huddah Monroe - Was on Big Brother in South Africa. Also released some nude photos but they were meant for commercial purposes only.
So I will stand by my statement that Kenya has no socialites. We have very well-paid high class prostitutes and very popular party girls and groupies.
And there should be no shame in it. After all the one of those is the oldest profession in the world, you go do you. Just stop cheapening a movement that has existed for hundreds of years.
By: Kagweni Micheni
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