CMB Prezzo, also known as Jackson Makini, is a Kenyan musician born on 8th February 1980 in Nairobi, Kenya.
Prezzo rose to fame in the early 2000s as a rapper, releasing several popular songs, like “Let’s Get Down,” “Naleta Action,” and “Mafans.”
His rise to fame was further catapulted to higher levels in the country and East Africa’s entertainment scene due to his flamboyant lifestyle, where he was often spotted wearing expensive designer clothes and jewelry.
CMB Prezzo even hired a black chopper (paying Ksh. 135,000 per hour) to make a grand entrance at the 2008 Chaguo la Teeniez Awards held in Carnivore.
Music, Acting, and Reality TV Career
Music
Prezzo has released several hit songs over the years, including “Naleta Action,” “My City My Town,” “Let’s Get Down,” and “Mafans.”
He has also collaborated with other artists, both locally and internationally.
Although music streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube generate revenue for Prezzo through streams, downloads, and views, it’s essential to note that live performances are the major music revenue streams for Kenyan artists, including Prezzo.
Despite not being in the spotlight for a while, the publicized rates for Prezzo to perform in an event were Ksh.80,000- 100,000.
Acting
During his prime days as an artist, Prezzo also ventured into acting, appearing as a guest actor in several Kenyan TV shows, including “Mheshimiwa,” “Makutano Junction,” and “Cobra Squad.”
Acting roles can be a significant source of income for celebrities, and Prezzo has likely earned a considerable amount from his acting gigs.
According to reliable sources, a supporting actor (such as Prezzo in those TV shows) is paid an average of Ksh8, 000-14,000 per episode.
Reality TV
In 2012, the flamboyant artist represented Kenya in the seventh season of the reality TV show Big Brother Africa, held in South Africa.
Despite being considered a strong contender for the grand prize, Prezzo was eventually evicted from the house on Day 77, just four days before the season finale.
While it is not publicly known exactly how much he earned from his appearance on Big Brother show, the rapper confessed that he received substantial compensation for his participation.
The artist also featured (and earned money) on his appearances on Nairobi Diaries, a Kenyan reality show aired on K24 TV.
Endorsements
Prezzo has been known to have several endorsement deals in the past with companies like Coca-Cola, Nokia, and Airtel.
However, the specific earnings from these deals have not been publicly disclosed.
Although it is difficult to estimate the exact amount he earned from these endorsements, it’s safe to assume that it’s in terms of millions.
The valuation of a Kenyan artist’s average corporate endorsement deal can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the artist’s popularity, social media following, track record, and product or service they are endorsing.
An endorsement deal for a popular Kenyan artist can range from KES 500,000 to KES 5,000,000 per year.
However, some well-known artists can secure deals worth much more.
Businesses
Regarding his business ventures, Prezzo had a record label, The Prezzident’s Music Group, and a clothing line, 254 Urban Clothing.
Unfortunately, these businesses are not currently operational.
Despite being part of the team that manages their reputable family business, Makini Herbal Clinic, in 2020, Prezzo disclosed to Kenyans that he was also running a successful business venture in the supply of avocados.
The rapper is promoting his latest venture in the jewelry sector since he has a Grillz (decorative tooth coverings) business called Grills By Prezzo.
Properties: Houses and Cars
In terms of houses, Prezzo is publicly known to own a luxurious mansion in Nairobi’s affluent Lavington neighborhood.
The house has a swimming pool, a gym, and other luxurious amenities.
The rapper’s love for high-end automobiles greatly influenced his fame in the country’s entertainment scene.
For instance, back in 2013, when he was involved in a famous feud/beef with Jaguar (formerly an artist and the current CAS for Youth Affairs), the artist acquired an expensive Chrysler as a way to compete with his nemesis, who had just acquired a car worth Ksh.16 million.
Although his current car collections are unclear, I can confirm that the artist owns a Range Rover Sport and a Mercedes-Benz E-Class vehicle.
Politics
He has also been involved in Kenyan politics, having contested for the Kibra parliamentary seat in Nairobi in the November 2019 by-elections.
Prezzo ran on a Wiper Democratic Movement-Kenya (WDM-K) party ticket but could not secure the seat.
Since the Kenyan political scene is usually reserved for the elite and wealthy citizens, the fact that the rapper attempted to venture into this endeavor proves that he has deep pockets.
Net Worth
Despite being flamboyant, Prezzo hasn’t publicized his exact net worth.
However, the rapper is estimated to be worth Ksh.50 million.
