Mombasa's rising star Shanariha Evans presented her Global Child Prodigy Award and book to Khushi Motors CEO Waqas Ahmad, celebrating his support for her career.
East frica's rising musical sensation Shanariha Evans made a special gesture this week, presenting her prestigious Global Child Prodigy Award and one of her published books to Waqas Ahmad, CEO of Khushi Motors Mombasa, a premium car dealership at the Coast.
At only 14 years old, Shanariha continues to build one of the most impressive résumés among young talents in East Africa. The Mombasa-born singer, songwriter and author was named a Global Child Prodigy Award winner in Dubai, recognised alongside 100 top young talents from around the world for her achievements in music. Beyond her music career, she is also a published author and an environmental advocate, championing United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 on life below water through beach clean-ups and climate awareness initiatives in her home city.
Her journey has already included international recognition, including honours from the Grand International Film Festival in London and the JMI Greenote Award, alongside collaborations with established artists — cementing her place as one of the brightest young talents carrying the East African flag onto the global stage.
Behind every young success story is someone who believes in the vision early on, and for Shanariha, Waqas Ahmad has been one of those steady supporters. His backing of her music career has included stepping forward with high-end vehicles from Khushi Motors whenever she has needed them for music videos, events or major projects — practical support that has helped bring her creative vision to life.
The gesture of presenting her award and book to Ahmad was a way of publicly recognising that support, reflecting a belief that true partnerships between business leaders and young talent go beyond one-off sponsorships.
Stories like this highlight a broader principle: true leaders don't just celebrate success, they invest in it. By opening doors and offering practical support to a young talent working to make her mark internationally, Khushi Motors and Waqas Ahmad have positioned themselves as part of a growing community of Coast-based businesses actively backing homegrown talent.
For Shanariha, the recognition is a reminder that her journey has not been a solo effort — and for the Coast's business community, it's a signal that investing in the region's young creatives can pay dividends far beyond the immediate gesture.