By NANJINIA WAMUSWA

English and Kiswahili productions have dominated Kenyan television for decades. THOMAS OYOLO aka PROFESA ESHUYA noted the untapped vernacular-speaking market and resolved to venture into it. The director of Vernacular Film Productions spoke to NANJINIA WAMUSWA

I do a lot. I am an actor, audio and visual editor, comedian, emcee, musician, radio presenter and scriptwriter. I also produce documentaries and television commercials.

Where did you go to school?

I attended Shibinga Primary in Kakamega and later joined Muslim High School in Busia.

 Why did you venture into vernacular production?

I was driven by necessity. Growing up in the 1990s and in a village meant we depended on mobile cinemas for amusement. Most, if not all of the screenings, were in either English or Kiswahili. I noticed that majority of the audience, who only understood vernacular, were at a disadvantage. The language barrier meant that they missed out on the content. It was sad to see many not enjoying jokes when we watched comedies. On several occasions, we had to translate for them to understand. As a result, I promised myself that I would one day be involved in vernacular productions.  

When did you do to make this promise a reality?

In 1998, after high school, I began performing comedy and music at social functions at no charge. This was daunting and the only thing that kept me going was my audiences that kept reassuring me that I was cut out for the entertainment industry.

After honing my skill, I travelled to Nairobi where I plunged into the competitive entertainment industry. For the most part, disappointment trailed me. In 2002, for instance, I participated in two music competitions — Nairobi Rap Battle and later Star Search — but failed to impress.

Every cloud, as they say, has a silver lining, and in 2005, the bad streak finally broke. l auditioned and landed acting roles in Vitimbi and Kivunja Mbavu shows, then airing on the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).

I went on to feature in more productions such as Krazy Kenyans, Shika, Pata Potea and presently Mashtaka. I have also featured in a Danish movie series, Borgen, as a rebel leader who commanded the capturing of a Danish prime minister. It was shot in Kenya and Denmark in 2011.  

At what point did you shift to vernacular production?

It began with me learning computer skills, editing and playing musical instruments out of curiosity while at KBC. With my mind still geared to vernacular production, l saved and bought equipment such as computers, a camera, a keyboard and guitars and set up Kanyaga Waya Studio.

Owning a studio enabled me to script and shoot vernacular movies and comedies. Some of my productions include Profesa 3310, Series of Neshuya 1-3, Anastasia, Nyeff-Nyeff, C-Siri and Mheshimiwa Eshuya. All these tackle societal concerns such as corruption, HIV and Aids , youth empowerment, politics and love, albeit in a humourous way.

Last year, flanked by comedians Pengle and Kihenjo, I launched Vernacular Film Productions to widen our audience scope. Our door is open to more talented vernacular-speaking players willing to join forces with us.

What challenges have you faced?

Production is extremely expensive and raising the required capital was a great challenge.

Have you received any recognition for your work?

I won the Ukombozi Youth Award for Western Province in February 2006 for my role in enlightening local people through vernacular movies.

Apart from vernacular movies, what else do you do?

I manage Eshuya Travelling Theatre as well as a dance troupe called Evalast. The latter participated in a dance competition aired on one of the local stations recently.

 What next for Profesa?

More productions, even as I plan to further my studies in Arts and Theatre.