I admit I’m a huge fan of Mogaka. I’ve never really understood what it was/is that drew me to his acts but whenever I went for any Safaricom event where he was attending, I was more than attentive.
It might be something to do with him having wit, passion or an incredible sense of humor, but after speaking to him, I found that it was more than that; that it is his tenacity and persistence to not just be the best at what he does but also in opening the doors of those around him.
I talked to him after watching his story in the Safari Ya Wasanii videos; you can watch part 1 & 2 here
For how long have you been in the industry?
I’ve been in the comedy industry since 2004, which is around 16 years ago. I started immediately after high school and since then it has been quite a journey.
Being in the comedy industry for 16 years is quite something. Why did you decide that you’d pursue comedy?
I believe comedy is in me, I was born with it. I remember it all started back while in primary school in class four. In high school, performing art became so engulfed in me that I became the drama captain and it’s been uphill for me ever since.
Have you at one point in time wondered whether you’d make a decent living out of comedy?
Initially, I largely saw it as a passion. I never knew it would pay. At first, I wanted to pursue law but then my grades wouldn’t allow me. Also, considering I was from a humble background, I had to pause my studies so that my younger brother could get a chance and study as well. At that time I knew it wouldn’t be a prudent thing just to stay at home so I traveled to Nairobi to seek employment to make ends meet. That’s when I went for auditions at The National Theatre.
From 2004 to 2007 comedy wasn’t paying me very well. I remember going for auditions for KBC’s Vitimbi and Vioja Mahakamani shows and despite the fact that I would be a common face on TV, the pay was so little and discouraging considering the popularity of the shows.
My breakthrough came in 2007 when I featured on more shows including Kivunja Mbavu and also got a chance to be a host in a local radio station. That’s when we started getting decent pay.
Fast forward to 2013. After leaving KBC, a lady working for Multichoice called me asking if we would create content for Maisha Magic. I met the lady alongside Mary Kavere alias Mama Kayai and Humphrey Ngoni aka Ole Matope and long story short, we got a deal with Multichoice. That deal further fueled our success especially in terms of our payment terms.
How did you get to work with Safaricom?
There was a time I was a radio presenter at Milele FM and one day, while on
a convoy doing roadshows to promote the station, a guy who was working
for Standard Media Group noticed how well I entertained people. When we
concluded the roadshow, the guy told me to send him my photograph, which I did.
After some time, he called telling me he wanted me to do a project with
Safaricom. At first, I couldn’t believe it. For the longest time, Safaricom was
that giant organization I had longed to work with.
The first gig I did was Tunukiwa, where we would travel across the country
giving out motorbikes to lucky winners.
Safaricom had by that time become familiar with me and they suggested I
take part in Chapa Dimba, the football tournament, because of how good I
was at influencing and entertaining a crowd. Since then, I have never looked back.
With regards to the Safari Ya Wasanii video, how has Safaricom
helped you as an artist?
Personally, my life changed tremendously since I started working with
Safaricom. They have pushed me up from nothing to where I am right now.
I also thank God that I have been able to add value to the organization.
One thing I’ve learned about Safaricom is that everyone in the organization
is humble in the sense that you can’t differentiate between bosses and
employees. It’s something to envy. Safaricom has also helped me learn how
to live with, talk to, and mingle with different people, which is one thing
most people find difficult to grasp.
I am looking forward to a continued healthy working relationship with them because I know there is much to be done. I can comfortably say that
Safaricom is my family and we shall push forward together.
