All things nice

Karaoke queen Nice Githinji, 25, was recently nominated for Best actress (TV) at the Kalasha Awards. She talks TO SHIRLEY GENGA about her long journey to recognition

How do you feel about your Best Actress nomination (in a TV series)?

I ‘m happy about the nomination, it is such an honour. I’ve been in the industry since 2003 and it’s wonderful to know that our work in the industryhas not gone unrecognised.

Have you always wanted to be an actress?

I acted a little bit in high school and once in primary school. I remember getting an award for best actress in Form Two alongside a guy called Robin Amateshe, (I wonder what happened to him). After high school I did set books for two years with a group called Planet’s Theatre. We’d travel around the country and stage set book plays that were in the high school curriculum. So during school terms, I’d travel around with them doing set books and when schools would close I’d do shows with Heartstrings Kenya.

Let’s talk about kissing scenes... Hmmm............ No, there’s nothing to overcome. We kiss in real life don’t we? If you don’t like the person you’re kissing, deal with it. You are getting paid for it and that is not really you kissing, it’s your character (laughs).

What do you do when you are not on the set?

When I’m not acting I’m hosting karaoke, four nights a week or feeding my cats. On Tuesday I host karaoke at the Hub on North Airport Road, Thursday at Hornbill at Buruburu shopping centre and on Sato at Wasanii at National Theatre Balcony.

How is your schedule when you are shooting?

It is hectic. When shooting I’m usually up at 5am, on set by 8am then I shoot the whole day then I’m off to karaoke(if it’s a karaoke night) and I’m back home by 3am latest. Sometimes I don’t even sleep, seriously.

Any tips for aspiring actresses/actors?

Come with a heart that’s ready to fight the long fight. Also have a business mind and save, save, save money! I like to say, I’m here for the money but if fame comes along, well and good.

What do you have in store?

To make all the money I can possibly make off this industry. While others are complaining about how broke the industry is I will continue to find ways to make my paper. Also, I plan to go back to school to study International Relations.