Your morning matatu ride to work wouldn't be complete if that default radio station we all know doesn't play a Whitney Houston song. Her songs are staples in the Nairobi Karaoke scene and we've been dancing to her music since the 80s.
Now, you get to see Houston like you've never seen her before in the biopic Whitney Houston :"I Wanna Dance With Somebody".  
This biopic covers Houston's rise to mainstream success as a pop star, and the struggles she faced including accusations of being overbearing, drug addiction, family strife, and her tumultuous relationship with her equally famous husband Bobby Brown. It also explores the relationship between Houston and her assistant and close friend, Robyn Crawford.
British actor Naomi Ackie stars as Whitney Houston in the biographical film, with Houston's original singing voice dubbed over Ackie's performance. She does a great job bringing out Houston's extraordinary stage presence which is impressive for someone without any previous experience with concerts.
The film offers behind the scenes glimpses of how some of Whitney's greatest hits came into being and how brutal the music industry can be to budding artists.
The film also explores how many of  Whitney's friends and family played a role in her addiction and financial problems. 
I Wanna Dance With Somebody is a beautiful tribute to a once- in- a-generation talent and also an indictment of the excesses of Showbiz. Every Whitney Fan should watch it.  Tickets available on KenyaBuzz 
The Hits
  • The stage performances by Naomi Ackie.
  • Exemplary casting overall .
The Misses
Not addressing the circumstances of Whitney's untimely death in 2012. I found that to be a gaping plot hole.   
OMG Moment
Houston's triumphant performance at the 1994 American Music Awards and her romantic relationship with Robyn Crawford. 
Movie Review Courtesy of Anga Diamond Plaza

About The Author

Author
Maureen Kasuku

Maureen is our resident cat lady and Beyoncé stan. She writes about spas, brunch and ballet recitals but has never been to any. Moonlights as a social justice activist in her spare time. She knows things and is obnoxiously opinionated on the internet but not in real life

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