It has been over a decade since the golden age of reality television held East Africa captive, with millions tuning in every weekend to watch aspiring singers battle for fame in the Tusker Project Fame (TPF) academy. But when the studio lights dimmed and the cameras stopped rolling, real life began.

For the stars who became household names overnight, the transition from celebrity to civilian—or finding a new kind of stardom—has been a journey of reinvention, resilience, and in some cases, profound tragedy. Today, we track down three of the show's most memorable alumni: the powerhouse Ruth Matete, the soulful Wendy Kimani, and the fan-favorite Ng'ang'alito, to answer the question on every fan's lips: Where are they now?

Ruth Matete: Healing in the Diaspora

Perhaps no TPF winner has endured a more public baptism of fire than Ruth Matete, the Season 5 champion. After a tumultuous period in Kenya marked by the tragic death of her husband, John Apewajoye, in a gas explosion in 2020, Matete made the bold decision to relocate. In 2024, she moved to Edmonton, Canada, seeking a fresh start for herself and her daughter, Toluwa.

Far from the glare of the Nairobi paparazzi, Matete has reinvented herself. She is now a registered nurse, serving on the frontlines of healthcare, while continuing to serve as a worship leader. But the biggest news came just days ago, on January 20, 2026. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-9)In an emotional social media post, Matete declared, "I am ready to love again." It was a watershed moment for the singer, marking the end of a six-year season of mourning and the beginning of a hopeful new chapter.

Wendy Kimani: The Dutch Connection

Wendy Kimani, the runner-up of TPF Season 2, chose a path that led her thousands of miles away from the Kenyan stage. After marrying her long-term Dutch partner, Marvin Onderwater, Wendy relocated to the Netherlands, where she has built a quiet, stable life. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-11)However, the transition wasn't without its culture shocks.

In a recent candid interview, Wendy opened up about the stark differences in domestic life, marveling at how her husband eagerly takes on cooking and parenting duties—a contrast to the traditional gender roles she grew up seeing in Kenya. "Wazungu are very different," she joked, describing her new normal. Musically, she hasn't hung up the mic; she continues to release Afro-fusion tracks like "Pagawisha" and "Simo Love," bridging the gap between her Kenyan roots and her European reality.

Ng'ang'alito: The Quiet Media Mogul

And what of Bernard Ng'ang'a, popularly known as Ng'ang'alito? The TPF3 finalist who charmed the region with his "boy next door" persona has largely stepped out of the limelight, but he hasn't left the industry. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-15)Instead of chasing the volatility of a performance career, Ng'ang'alito pivoted to the production side of the business.

He currently works as a floor manager and production assistant at Royal Media Services, the very powerhouse behind the show that made him famous. When he isn't calling the shots behind the scenes at Citizen TV, Ng'ang'alito retreats to his farm in Nakuru. Now a family man with a wife and daughter, he represents the segment of reality stars who found success in stability rather than stardom.

From Edmonton to the Netherlands to Nairobi, these three stars prove that winning a talent show is just the prologue. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-17)The real story is what you do with the life that follows.