How I won Churchill's heart

When did you discover you had talent in comedy?

At the age of 12 years when anything I said just seemed hilarious and people would laugh a lot.

Is your comedy genetic?

No. No other member of my family has such a talent, although my father, a lecturer, was funny and made his students laugh a lot.

Tell us about your journey into comedy?

After high school in 2002, l came to Nairobi to look for a job in comedy. I tried auditioning many times, including Phoenix and Churchill Show season one, but never made it. I resolved to do comedy in our church, Winners Chapel. That time, comedy in church was unheard of. I did it for five years. One day, I met Churchill in one of Carnivore’s toilets and engaged him. We bonded and he gave me a chance to perform in episode 36, season two. I impressed the producers and directors. Two weeks later, Churchill was away and l hosted the show. We started Churchill Raw through Laugh Industry and was given the show to host.

While growing up, what was your dream career?

I wanted to be pilot, and even joined flying school, but my sponsor withdrew the sponsorship and my dream ended there. I was getting support after my parents died when I was in primary school. I don’t regret dropping my piloting ambitions; maybe because l was doing it for the money. Comedy is fulfilling.

What is the difference between Churchill Raw and Churchill Show?

Churchill Raw hosts only new and fresh talent, while Churchill Show hosts those graduated from raw and have confidence.

People say you came of age long ago and are giving Churchill a run for his money. What do you say?

No matter how many children you get, you cannot be more of a father than your father. Churchill is my father and mentor, and wants us to be even better than him. This tells him that he’s achieving what he set out to do.

In your shows, you like hitting on girls from Central (akina Nkirote) hard. Is there any message you’re trying to pass?

Comedy has different genres and angles. I do better dealing with women and relationships. The population of women is high and when you target them, you target masses.

What is the highlight of your career?

I have seen myself become what l dreamed to be sooner than l expected. It shows how possible things can be with God. And I am not yet there.

As a famous person in the entertainment scene, how do you deal with unwanted female attention?

I accept the attention and move on. These people have seen others before you and they will see many more after you. It shows people appreciate me and it is motivating.

You hold a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Daystar University. Any job experience?

I worked as KTN’s business reporter for one year (2009). It wasn’t satisfying. I was missing something, which l now get in comedy. I used to write stories and my boss would laugh at my script and say l was joking. l opted to quit and do jokes.

What is the biggest challenge you face in comedy today?

There are financial constraints. Money might not come the way you wanted and many comedians end up disappointed. Cyber bullying is also a big challenge; kill peoples’ dreams.

What is the biggest misconception about you?

I don’t know of any. But as l dance and do crazy things, my faith in God is intact. I believe so much in God that l have become his fanatic. I am a youth leader at Winners Chapel.

Tell us about your family and educational background

I was born 30 years ago in Egoji village of Meru County and attended Embu County Primary School and St Cyprian Boys in Meru. After Class Eight, l stayed one year planting sukuma wiki since l had no money for high school. I got a sponsor who paid my fee. After Form Four, I went to Nairobi to look for employment. I got another sponsor and pursued Communications at Daystar University. I plan to do Masters in Political Science.

What qualities do you look for in a woman?

Intelligence is fundamental. If you have done a lot of things and failed in all of them, try the way your woman told you.

What don’t people know about you?

I am a happily married man. I am also shy and cannot keep eye contact with two or three people. On stage, I do well with thousands of people and not small groups.

Photo: nairobiwire.com