From Cabin to Stage

By day, Jade Aketch ensures passengers enjoy a safe and seamless journey in the skies as a Kenya Airways Flight Attendant. By night and at every opportunity she gets, she steps into a different spotlight, using music to tell stories, connect people, and express her creativity. Jade is one of the many multi-talented individuals at Kenya Airways whose passions extend far beyond their professional roles. Her journey into music is deeply rooted in childhood, community, and a lifelong love for sound.

Music has always been part of Jade’s world. Growing up, she sang in school and church choirs, surrounded by a rich mix of soul music and contemporary Kenyan pop. Singing at family gatherings and school events made her realise that music was her true calling. Those early moments of expression laid the foundation for a creative journey that continues to evolve, shaped by personal experiences, emotion, and an authentic Kenyan sound. 

Preparation is key for Jade whenever she steps on stage. Her performance ritual blends discipline and intuition. She warms up her voice, rehearses her setlists, and visualises the energy she wants to share with her audience. Right before she steps out, she takes a deep breath, centres herself, and lets the vibe take over, adding her signature ‘woo-saah’ to bring the moment alive. That balance of focus and freedom defines her performances and creates moments that feel both intentional and electric. 

One of her most memorable projects to date is Kodiko, a creative milestone that challenged her artistically and reaffirmed the power of music to bring people together. That project pushed her creative boundaries and seeing how her music resonates with people is always special. For Jade, music is not just about sound; it is about shared experience and connection. 

Like many artists in Kenya, Jade acknowledges that breaking through in the music industry can be challenging, particularly with limited resources. Still, she remains optimistic and intentional. Consistency, she says, is key. Digital platforms have been a game changer, allowing artists to reach wider audiences. Building real, meaningful connections in the industry also goes a long way. Her approach reflects resilience, adaptability, and a clear understanding of today’s creative landscape. 

Jade fuels her creativity by staying curious. She explores different genres, jots down lyrics and melodies, and draws inspiration from everyday life. Her experiences and emotions shape her music, making it raw, real, and special. She remains actively engaged in creative circles, collaborating with both established and emerging artists who continue to push the industry forward. 

For anyone looking to pursue music in Kenya, Jade keeps her advice simple and practical. Start with what you have, be consistent, use social media to showcase your talent, and most importantly, network. Collaborations open doors you did not even know existed. 

Jade’s music is available on Apple Music, Boomplay, YouTube, and Spotify, with more projects in the pipeline. To stay updated on her latest releases and creative journey, follow her on social media at @JadeAkech. Her story is a reminder that talent takes many forms and that at Kenya Airways, the people who keep Africa connected to the world often carry passions that soar just as high.