Kenyan actress and producer Connie Kabarry has opened up about her journey in the entertainment industry, revealing her struggles, triumphs, and the role her husband, musician Dolla Kabarry, played in helping her achieve her dreams.
Born and raised in Gem Ramula, Siaya County, Connie always dreamed of becoming an actress. However, her aspirations faced obstacles when she lost her father after completing Class Eight. With her mother, a housewife doing small businesses to support the family, Connie was forced to drop out of school in Form Three due to financial difficulties.
Despite the challenges, her passion for acting never wavered.
Connie met her husband, renowned Luo musician Dolla Kabarry, while visiting her late sister in Mombasa. Her sister introduced them, and Dolla, captivated by her beauty, quickly developed an interest in her.
Though she admitted that many women desire her husband, she firmly stated, “There’s no space. He is mine.”
Despite her talent and determination, Connie struggled to secure acting roles in Kenya. She credited Dolla for supporting her dream by taking her to multiple auditions, though she found that many local shows already had pre-selected actors.
Her breakthrough came unexpectedly when a family friend in Nigeria introduced her to veteran Nollywood actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu. During their conversation, she expressed her desire to act in Nollywood. Mr. Ibu invited her to audition for an upcoming film, and after impressing the producers, she landed a role.
Since then, Connie has acted alongside Nollywood legends like Patience Ozokwor (Mama G), starring as her daughter-in-law in Love Beyond. She recalled one memorable scene where she spoke Swahili in response to Ozokwor’s lines, even though it wasn’t in the script.
Reflecting on her career, Connie expressed regret over engaging with online trolls, acknowledging that it was a waste of energy. She also addressed rumors that she “stole” her husband from another woman, dismissing the accusations and asserting that Dolla was the right match for her.
Currently, Connie Kabarry is making waves in the Kenyan film industry with her show Broken on KTN and continues to solidify her presence in Nollywood. Her journey from dropping out of school to acting alongside African film icons is a testament to resilience and perseverance.
