Machabe announces exit from Stevo Simple Boy’s empire
Gospel artiste and talent manager Machabe has announced his exit as Stevo Simple Boy’s manager, ending a one-year partnership that was marked by both revival and turbulence.
In a video shared on social media on Thursday, May 15,2025 Machabe said he could no longer continue managing Stevo’s career due to persistent interference from the singer’s wife, who he claims had taken over key decision-making roles within the artist’s brand.
“I have written songs for Stevo, looked for endorsements, helped him grow—but now, even adverts are being decided by his wife. She manages everything. That’s not sustainable,” Machabe said.
“Nimeona siwezi endelea hivyo, hiyo itachoma brand ya Stevo na Wakenya watanilaumu mimi.”
Rescue to rift
Machabe signed on as Stevo’s manager in August 2024, shortly after the rapper’s fallout with a previous manager had left him homeless.
At the time, Machabe took him in and gave him a place to stay in Kasarani while helping restructure his music journey.
Their collaboration birthed the gospel single Walmwengu, and Stevo, visibly grateful, praised Machabe as a force for change in the gospel scene.
But beneath the praise, tension was building. By early 2025, reports began circulating of internal disagreements, with media personality Oga Obinna revealing that Machabe had reached out to him, intending to speak publicly about challenges within the label. However, Machabe later pulled out of the interview, citing personal reasons.
Stevo responds
When asked about the reported fallout earlier in the year, Stevo Simple Boy dismissed the claims as baseless and insisted he had no issues with Machabe. He maintained that they were working together and denied any managerial shake-up.
But Machabe’s recent statement confirms that the working relationship had reached a breaking point.
“I love Stevo, but I can’t stand by while the brand is being mismanaged. If I stay quiet, I’ll be blamed later when things go south,” he said.
What’s next
Machabe has not revealed his future plans but hinted that he would continue with his gospel music journey independently. He also called on Kenyans to continue supporting Stevo, despite the behind-the-scenes issues.
Stevo, who has been on a slow but steady comeback, has yet to issue a fresh statement on the exit. Fans, meanwhile, have expressed disappointment at the fallout, with many urging the singer to rethink his inner circle.
