Stevo Simple Boy breaks silence on fallout with manager
Kenyan rapper Stephen Otieno Adera, widely known as Stevo Simple Boy, has opened up about the recent fallout with his manager, Geoffrey Machabe, saying the issue was all about accountability and money management.
Speaking in a candid interview with Oga Obinna on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Stevo revealed that the fallout with Machabe started because of accountability issues.
He went on to say that his girlfriend wanted clarity on how money was being used and how much was in the bank, which led to conflict between him and his manager.
“Chenye kimeleta hii shida yote ni accountability; two weeks now, tumekuna na vita mimi na kaka yangu, so girlfriend yangu alikuwa anataka accountability ajue matumizi ya pesa imetumika vipi nani pesa ngapi iko kwenye benki hapo ndio ilileta tatizo kati yangu na kaka yangu Machabe,” Stevo disclosed.
The self-proclaimed Kenyan dragon went further to say that he felt he could not continue working with someone he believed was not being honest with finances and opted to part ways with Machabe and form his own team.
“Mimi nikaona yakwamba siwezi ka na mtu mwenye hayuko mwaminifu, nikasema wacha nitoke nikatengeneze team yangu,” he added.
New management
The rapper now says he has a new team that includes his brother, celebrity fashion designer Kenyan Raw, director Starks, and several sponsors.
“Team yangu sahi iko na kaka yangu, Kenyan Raw, director Starks, na pia kuna sponsors,” Stevo disclosed.
He also clarified rumours circulating online that his girlfriend is controlling him, saying they are false.
“Mimi sijaoa; nina girlfriend, na vile wanasema kwa mitandao ati girlfriend ananicontrol. Hiyo sio ukweli,” he clarified.
Machabe on parting ways
Stevo’s revelation gives a clearer picture of the behind-the-scenes struggles that led to the sudden fallout with his manager.
On Thursday, May 15, 2025, in a video shared on his official Instagram account, Machabe announced that he has parted ways with the rapper, stating that 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, and 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.”
In July 2024, Stevo introduced Machabe as a signee under his label, Stevo Simple Boy Empire, at a time when the singer was going through a rough patch following his public fallout with long-time manager Chingi Boy Mstadi.
