Kenyan socialite and entrepreneur Amber Ray has sparked a lively debate after admitting that Tanzanian model Hamisa Mobetto's recent wedding has significantly influenced her own wedding aspirations. In a candid video shared on her Instagram account, Amber confessed that Hamisa's lavish ceremony has sent her back to the drawing board, raising the bar for what she now considers an acceptable wedding celebration. "Jana usiku kazi ilikuwa kuwatch wedding ya Hamisa Mobetto, the bar has been set, yaani standards zimewekwa juu," Amber stated, adding, "Nilikua nimepanga kufanya harusi yangu this year lakini wacha niende tena kwenye drawing board coz the bar has been set."
Amber's admiration for Hamisa's wedding was evident as she gushed over the details, from the bride's multiple stunning gowns to the opulent décor and seamless execution of the event. "Have you guys seen how many gowns that girl wore?" she exclaimed, comparing the grandeur to Kenyan weddings. "I am so happy to see a girl win," she added, praising the overall success of the celebration. Her comments, while celebratory, also carried a hint of playful competition.
Hamisa Mobetto's wedding, held at The Superdome in Masaki, Dar es Salaam, on February 19, 2025, was a truly extravagant affair, garnering attention both locally and internationally. The festivities followed a traditional Nikkah ceremony on February 16, where Hamisa wed Burkinabe footballer Stéphane Aziz Ki. The celebrations commenced with a dowry payment ceremony on February 15, where Aziz Ki presented 30 cows, a significant gesture symbolizing his commitment. Yanga SC President Hersi Said represented Aziz Ki's family during the official dowry presentation.
"Hamisa ametunyoosha wenye mnapenda kufanya events za low budget, I hope mmejionea," Amber Ray remarked, playfully suggesting that Hamisa's wedding has set a new standard, perhaps even shaming those who prefer more modest celebrations. This comment, however, ignited a social media debate, with users sharing their perspectives on the growing trend of increasingly extravagant weddings. While some applauded the celebration of love and luxury, others expressed concern about the pressure it places on couples to host elaborate events, potentially leading to financial strain.
Amber Ray's call for Kenyan celebrities to abandon "cheap" weddings and emulate Hamisa Mobetto's lavish affair further fueled the controversy. Her criticism of DJ Mo and Size 8's recent private wedding drew a sharp rebuke from former Miss Kenya Rachel Mbuki, who called Amber's comments "stupid." Mbuki argued that celebrities should have weddings within their financial means, advocating for small ceremonies, elopements, or even grand celebrations, ultimately emphasizing personal choice and financial responsibility over external expectations.
Despite the discussions sparked by Amber Ray's comments, Hamisa Mobetto's wedding has undeniably set a new benchmark for lavish celebrations in East Africa. The question now is: Will Amber Ray rise to the challenge and plan an even more spectacular event? Only time will tell.
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