Nolly Wilson Raye, renowned for his iconic phrase “Habari zenu, habari zenu tena”, has passed away, leaving a lasting impact on the arts community in Mombasa.
Raye, who served as the Secretary of the Little Theatre Club in Mombasa, was deeply involved in nurturing local talent and promoting the performing arts. His dedication and leadership played a significant role in the club’s success, inspiring countless artists and theatre enthusiasts.
In a heartfelt statement, the Little Theatre Club mourned his passing, describing him as a guiding light and a devoted advocate for the creative industry.
“Nolly was more than a leader; he was a beacon of light and a passionate champion of the arts. His commitment and invaluable contributions to the Little Theatre Club will always be remembered. His absence leaves an irreplaceable void,” read the statement.
Raye became an internet sensation after a video of him addressing an audience at the Little Theatre Club went viral on social media, particularly TikTok. The clip, in which he repeatedly greeted attendees with “Habari zenu”, was widely recreated by content creators, including the popular Huruma Town Kids.
The viral moment stemmed from an incident where a scheduled play faced unexpected delays, leading to audience frustration. Raye took the stage to calm the crowd, unknowingly creating a catchphrase that resonated with many.
Despite the widespread attention, Raye had expressed disappointment over how the video was shared without context. He lamented that the uploader failed to explain the reason behind the delay, making it appear as though he was being mocked.
“I felt the person who shared the video was irresponsible. They should have explained why the delay happened instead of making it look like I was being ridiculed,” he once remarked.
Beyond his internet fame, Raye remained steadfast in his commitment to the arts. The Little Theatre Club has announced plans to honour his legacy with a memorial service in his remembrance.
His passing marks a significant loss for the Mombasa arts scene, but his contributions will continue to inspire future generations. The theatre community, friends, and fans will forever cherish his influence and the joy he brought to audiences both on and off the stage.
May he rest in peace.
