The Kenyan entertainment industry has grown steadily over the past decade giving rise to stellar talent. We all listen to good music on our way to town or watch local movies in our living rooms but do not know much about the people behind the scenes.

I would like us to appreciate seventeen of the amazing people who have helped shape our entertainment scene for the better. Day and night, they work hard towards bringing in international artistes, organizing great events, nurturing upcoming talent, handling PR for entertainers, giving musicians airplay and much more.

Here are the 17 most powerful people in the Kenyan entertainment industry in no particular order.

1. Lupita Nyong'o

Lupita Nyong'o put Kenya on the global map when she won an Oscar in early 2014. Prior to that, she was making it big in local productions. She had a role in MTV's Shuga and directed Wahu's video "The Little Things You Do". Apart from being an active actress, she has played a major role in the quality of local film productions. Last year, she was named The Most Beautiful Woman by People and Woman of the Year by Glamour. She is one of the most powerful Kenyans in the entertainment industry.

2. Kriss Darlin

Kriss grew up in Kibera but still worked hard towards achieving his dreams. He has toured the world as a reggae DJ and founded his own company, Dohty Family. He is the most iconic reggae DJ in Kenya. He hosts reggae nights at various top clubs and lounges in Nairobi, including Tamasha Hurlingham and Changes in Westlands.

3. Maurice Okoth

He is the CEO of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) & Vice chairman of CISAC African Committee. Having worked as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, he is an expert in copyright-related rights. Since 2005, MCSK members have risen in number from 600 to over 7,000. MCSK helps artists get paid for their work as well as licensing of music rights to corporates and media houses.

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4. Christopher Kirwa

He is one of the most sought-after entertainment professionals in Kenya. Chris, as he is popularly known, has had over 20 years experience in the Kenyan entertainment industry. Originally from Eldoret, he started off his career as an events organizer. He is one of the big names behind the growth of Miss world Kenya and Miss Tourism Kenya.

5. Martin Muli

He is the brainchild behind the now popular OLX Social Media Awards (SOMA). The awards have profiled influential public figures, top corporates and organizations as well as the government. This year's awards garnered 1 million votes in total and 5,000 guests.

6. Big Ted

He is best known among Kenyans as the guy who poses alongside singer Wyre in a throwback photo. Well, Big Ted has played a major role in the Kenyan entertainment industry and he is one of the most powerful people in it too. He used to own an events company called The Main Event and held a monthly event called BBQ Live which was a must attend event. He currently works directly with the president of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta.

At number 9 are two inspirational guys! >>

7. Muthoni Ndonga

She's one of the most successful Kenyan artists. She is best known for her event Blankets & Wine which has since been re-branded to Africa Nouveau. The revamped festival went down at the Ngong Racecourse in September. Muthoni DQ is known for her songs "Nai Ni Ya Who" and "Get Up". She has worked with top international producers and has collaborated with top Kenyan artistes, including Octopizzo.

8. Dj Pinye

Peter Chuani AKA Dj Pinye is known for nurturing Kenyan musical talent. He the man who helped Rabbit and Octopizzo break into the mainstream. Apart from that, he has offered many talented artists a platform to thrive, through vocal and performance training as well as airplay on TV and radio. He is one of the most popular entertainment veterans in Kenya.

9. Rabar Brothers

Most of us know the name Homeboyz but not the minds behind it. Alph, Mike and John Rabar are the people behind Homeboyz Entertainment, a company that built an indelible footprint in Kenya. Its portfolio covers music production, radio, bottled water and much more. The company has given rise to former media personality Namtero Mdee, Capital FM's Amina Abdi, produced music for various Kenyan artists including Wyre and Jua Cali.

The guy at number 10 has produced most Kenyan gospel songs you now >>

10. Teddy B

Teddy B is the go-to gospel music producer in Kenya. He is the man behind most of Willy Paul's and Bahati's hit songs. From "Mpenzi" to "Sijafika" are his work. He is the Groove Awards Audio Producer of the Year 2015. Teddy Bena is also the Chief Producer at Signature Scope Records.

11. Jaguar

Jaguar is one of the most renowned Kenyan musicians. He is pals with President Uhuru Kenyatta and many other legislators. He has toured the U.K., USA and traveled across Africa, all thanks to his exemplar entertainment ability. His songs "Kigeugeu" and "Kipepeo" have been club bangers the past two years. He has mentored upcoming young artists and is pretty influential in the entertainment space.

12. Big Kev

Kevin Ombajo is one of the most iconic entertainment professionals in Kenya. He manages Trublaq Kenya, an experiential marketing farm that he started back in 2001. The company organizes events for corporates and provides an all-round entertainment experience. He has worked with big brands like Airtel, Ciroc, EABL and the government.

13. 6 A.M. Djs

They are the guys who organize Earth Dance Kenya, a premiere event that takes place every year. It is usually one of the most exclusive, highly hyped events that is part of a wider series of Earth Dance events that take place across the globe. They also organize Sundance Kenya and Kikoy Culture events.

14. Bruce Odhiambo

He is currently serving as the chairman of the Youth Enterprise Development Fund. Back in the 80's and 90's, he was a successful musician who played with the renowned Mombasa-based Safari Sound Band and The Spartans. For the past 27 years, he has worked with Johari Cleff, a music production, radio and TV advertising company. He is close friends with Uhuru Kenyatta, who frequently consults him on event organization.

Number 15 shows how Uhuru Kenyatta has interesting friends >>

15. Machel Waikenda

He is the founder of Blackstar Entertainment. He was appointed as the the communications director for TNA when Uhuru and Ruto were campaigning for the 2013 elections. He ultimately became the person behind the president's online presence - Facebook and Twitter - and also served as the secretary of Arts and Entertainment.

16. Kevin Mulei

He is a former DJ, the founder of Groove Awards and Director of Mo Sounds, a premier creative and events company that organizes top notch events in Kenya. He has had major failure in the past but he never gave up. When he started his career by overseeing Groove Awards back in 2004. The venture failed and he was in a $25,000 dollars debt. He would soon relocate to the US for a year where he tried everything from music production to real estate. When he came back, after a year, the rest was history.

17. Philip Makanda

He is the Founder and CEO of Mainswitch Group Limited, a multimedia company that specializes in music production, event equipment provision and live sound engineering. Singer Jaguar and Vivianne are some of the artistes who have thrived at Mainswitch. There music and videos have been a success to the company.