Meet Mzee Mwamba, a TV drama star

By FRANKLINE OKUTOYI

Peter Muriithi Maina famously known as Mwamba acts as father-in-law in the local TV drama Mother-in-law. He started acting in primary school at Morison School, Bahati in Nairobi.

A part from Mother-in-Law, Mwamba who started serious acting in mid 1980s has also acted in plays like Mama Benga, Pambazuko and Naomi among others.

Mwamba has been nominated twice, in 2009 and 2010 Kalasha Awards for Best Actor category. His advice to you; acting is like any other career and therefore you should take it seriously. He answered questions from pupils of St Elizabeth Academy, in Karen.

David Matheka, 12 years

How do you manage to act in the style you do in Mother-In -Law?

Mzee Mwamba: In acting, one has to perform to the standards of the character he or she has been assigned. To achieve this, your are required to stop being yourself in order to be able to take up the character of the person you are reflecting and that’s why it’s called acting.

Janet Akoth, 12 years

Can an actor or actress be successful in any other profession other than acting? What do you desire as far as acting and your fans are concerned?

Mzee Mwamba: Yes, an actor or actress can engage in other professions to earn a living. For example I’m a trained technician. I also make fish aquariums. My greatest desire is to be appreciated by both the show and by the public.

Rachael Chebet, 11 years

What challenges do you face as an actor?

Mzee Mwamba: The biggest challenge is that most fans fail to differentiate the real person from the actor. Society always expects you to live to the standards reflected in the play and fails to understand there exists a difference between work and life. They expect you to live a posh life just like in the play.

Brian Moksio, 12 years

Did you start acting because you wanted to become famous or is it talent?

Mzee Mwamba: I didn’t start acting to become famous because there are many other things one can do to become famous. I don’t act for money or fame. I have always had a passionfor for acting since I was Standard Four. I act to educate society.