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Daily Nation, Kenya
June 10, 2006
Writer at home with Armenians
Story by ADHYAMBO ODERA
Publication Date: 6/10/2006
Being a celebrity in Kenya is simple - hang around a clique of people
that consider themselves celebs.
It didn't take the Artur brothers long to figure that out.
When Mr Artur Margaryan invited some writers for a party, I at first
shunned it. I didn't want to mix up with the man after what had been
reported about him - mercenary claims and all.
The second time our paths crossed was at the Chaguo la Teeniez Awards
(Chat). The man arrived in style. By his side, was a woman wearing a
lot of gold. He once said he spent Sh150,000 a day to entertain his
girlfriend.
I wondered why he was at the ceremony. Chat awards are for musicians,
actors, DJs and radio presenters.
I was answered when he took the stage to present a prize to a shocked
musician Amani, then gave comedian and Chat MC Mongolo Sh10,000.
The following week, he threw a party at his Runda residence. I went
to satisfy my curiosity. But getting there at 7pm wasn't easy.
Luckily, he had hired guards from a security firm to escort guests to
the house he shared with his brother Artur Sargsyan.
At the gate, another man, possibly Armenian, had a walkie talkie. He
would ask guests their names and confirm it with Mr Margaryan before
letting them in. But guests had to be escorted, owing to the 12 guard
dogs, which looked ready to maul a stranger.
As my escort ushered me into the house, I noticed that the five or so
luxurious cars in the compound had their number plates covered, and
my escort was uncomfortable with me lagging behind checking out the
compound.
At the garden, a few local celebs had already gathered. I went
straight into the house. It was not well furnished - expensive
leather seats thrown together rather hurriedly, I thought.
One thing struck me. Someone in that house loved art, and expensive
pieces too.
Mr Margaryan was at the office, but his brother greeted me
cheerfully. When I finally met him at the office, where an associate
was winding up a meeting, he greeted me with a polite smile.
I noticed that he wanted to mingle with the crowd, but people seemed
uncomfortable with his hug. Some turned up for the party and left
immediately.
I stayed on to find out more. He told me he was in love with Kenyan
music. He wanted to contribute to its growth by investing in it, he
said.
He also said he had a record label back home and wanted to create
stars. Not for the money, though, he said. He knew where to market
them and make money. In the meantime he wanted people to know that he
was a great man, with interest in show business.
The musicians in question were in attendance, and he chatted with
them. He also posed for photographs with almost everyone. But
remembering what happened to Mwingi North MP Kalonzo Musyoka, I opted
out.
The brothers had claimed they knew the MP and had taken a picture
with him.
What came out clearly is that Mr Margaryan has style, a sense of
humour and is always prepared with the right words.
June 10, 2006
Writer at home with Armenians
Story by ADHYAMBO ODERA
Publication Date: 6/10/2006
Being a celebrity in Kenya is simple - hang around a clique of people
that consider themselves celebs.
It didn't take the Artur brothers long to figure that out.
When Mr Artur Margaryan invited some writers for a party, I at first
shunned it. I didn't want to mix up with the man after what had been
reported about him - mercenary claims and all.
The second time our paths crossed was at the Chaguo la Teeniez Awards
(Chat). The man arrived in style. By his side, was a woman wearing a
lot of gold. He once said he spent Sh150,000 a day to entertain his
girlfriend.
I wondered why he was at the ceremony. Chat awards are for musicians,
actors, DJs and radio presenters.
I was answered when he took the stage to present a prize to a shocked
musician Amani, then gave comedian and Chat MC Mongolo Sh10,000.
The following week, he threw a party at his Runda residence. I went
to satisfy my curiosity. But getting there at 7pm wasn't easy.
Luckily, he had hired guards from a security firm to escort guests to
the house he shared with his brother Artur Sargsyan.
At the gate, another man, possibly Armenian, had a walkie talkie. He
would ask guests their names and confirm it with Mr Margaryan before
letting them in. But guests had to be escorted, owing to the 12 guard
dogs, which looked ready to maul a stranger.
As my escort ushered me into the house, I noticed that the five or so
luxurious cars in the compound had their number plates covered, and
my escort was uncomfortable with me lagging behind checking out the
compound.
At the garden, a few local celebs had already gathered. I went
straight into the house. It was not well furnished - expensive
leather seats thrown together rather hurriedly, I thought.
One thing struck me. Someone in that house loved art, and expensive
pieces too.
Mr Margaryan was at the office, but his brother greeted me
cheerfully. When I finally met him at the office, where an associate
was winding up a meeting, he greeted me with a polite smile.
I noticed that he wanted to mingle with the crowd, but people seemed
uncomfortable with his hug. Some turned up for the party and left
immediately.
I stayed on to find out more. He told me he was in love with Kenyan
music. He wanted to contribute to its growth by investing in it, he
said.
He also said he had a record label back home and wanted to create
stars. Not for the money, though, he said. He knew where to market
them and make money. In the meantime he wanted people to know that he
was a great man, with interest in show business.
The musicians in question were in attendance, and he chatted with
them. He also posed for photographs with almost everyone. But
remembering what happened to Mwingi North MP Kalonzo Musyoka, I opted
out.
The brothers had claimed they knew the MP and had taken a picture
with him.
What came out clearly is that Mr Margaryan has style, a sense of
humour and is always prepared with the right words.