21 QUESTIONS WITH SERAH NDANU(BEST LEAD ACTRESS KALASHA 2011)

 

1. Congratulations on your win for Best lead actress in Film at Kalasha 2011. Did you expect to win?
No. It was a stiff competition and there was no way to really tell who would have taken it. I actually thought either Liz Njagah or Lydia Gitachu would take it but you never know what God has in store *big smile*

2. What was the first thing that came to your mind when you heard your name get called out?
I thought they were wrong. I just wanted them to call my name over and over again. It was like a slap. The biggest surprise ever. 3. Were the Kalasha awards 2011 fair?
Yes, I think they were very fair. Based on the fact of they rewarded and am not saying that because I won. For example, Kamau Mbaya, the Machachari kid, he is a good actor and he deserved it and the other guys as well I think they really deserved it. So yes I really think it was really really fair. Siri is another example. It has been getting so many nominations but never won and the fact that they won this time round made a lot of sense. 4. Should Kalasha attach some monetary value to the trophy?
Oh Definitely. Apart from the trophy, some token of appreciations should be added and attached. I know we are not as big as the Oscars or BET but we all start from somewhere. If we give something small for example money, that is a motivation and recognition. It is a boost in our lives and careers. And through such small initiatives we are going to grow more.*big grin* 5. Isnt the trophy enough recognition?
It is but uhmm mmh how do I put this in such a polite way? Apart from the title on the trophy, there has to be that small something added to it. They should really consider it. 6. Where is your trophy right now?
It is at home in my room. Do you know what happened. I could not sleep that night for fear of waking up and find it missing. It is now a reason for me to wake up .I feel I have to do something to live up to that trophy now. It has now made me obligated to it. 7. Describe your whole experience of shooting the rugged priest?
One word: AMAZING! Gosh, this was my first movie. It was a level of professionalism that I had never experienced. It was a whole new leaf in my acting career. The fact that we travelled out of town to go shoot this movie and the commitment. was wow!…That is the thing I love about Bob Nyanja ,he always held our hand and encouraged us to do our best..in short it was a whole new experience in my life and the memories are still stuck.
8. Describe your role Alice in the rugged priest.
Challenging role right there.sighs! At the beginning of the movie we see a very young girl 15years old..uhhm..she was brought up in a Christian family and she goes through a series of experiences in her life..She is raped by this politician, she is traumatized. She wants to forget everything that has happened in her life so she moves to a village to forget her past . In the new village she becomes a teacher and fortunately or unfortunately she meets a priest from her old village and they become good friends and very good friends and friends with benefits and suddenly abcd leads to Z and they make love and Alice gets pregnant. The priest is now forced to take up responsibility. He leaves priesthood and becomes a man. And they get married and lived happily ever after. *chuckles* 9. Is that the total opposite of Serah Ndanu?
Total opposite. 10. Was it easy playing Alice based on your personal principals?
No it was not. At first when I saw the script I fell in love with it. I loved the 1st few pages of the script. But the more I read the script I saw Alice character coming out. Me being a catholic, I was not sure I was ready to be Alice. Did I mention I was once an alter girl? (smiles) Anyway, I had my mum in my mind and kept on thinking is she going to like this or appreciate this?..It was quite a challenge actually. At some point I actually told Bob Nyanja that I would not do this. But Bob convinced me otherwise!making me look at this as me being an ambassador. I should not do this viewing it as my church but look at it like I was doing this for the people whose cries were not heard. Those innocent girls who suffer in the hands of brutal men. Some of who are hiding in church. 11. The romantic scene of you and Lwanda Jawar kissing, should we expect babies from the two of you soon?
*Laughs* Now, this is where I get to use the word professionalism. There was nothing more than what you saw on the screen. But I should admit it was the most difficult scene to do. Every time we got to the kissing point, I would back up a bit and yell cut! But like I said, I was not doing this for me. 12. How did you land that lead role?
I was called for auditions and I went. So many girls showed up. But one thing I normally tell myself is whenever you go for auditions or interviews, tell yourself that you are the best and believe in yourself. The minute I walked into the room and did my thing, I felt it. I connected with the role before I even got it. After the auditions, I heard someone say wow I went home knowing this is for me. They took a while calling back and after 2 to 3 days I thought eeh, ok maybe I did not get it. But after a week, Bob Nyanja called me and the rest is history. 13. Upcoming actors always like to hear how other actors started acting. What is your story?
I actually started when I was quite a kid, from church, then kindergarten,you know those Tom and Marry story books? I always wanted to be Mary.I Participated in singing games and all that..my then drama teacher Mr Bernard Emacar gave me a main role when I was in class 5. Which was something because drama was only for class 6 onwards. The play I was involved in called The conspiracy won and I got the best actress in the National drama festivals back then. From that point it has been on and on. He is the same person who helped me do the burden..A high school set book yet I was in primary. I continued working with Bernard till after high school doing set books. In university I met Jeremy Nyagah and he introduced me to Onesmus Muturi who then casted me for Nairobi law. And I got the role as an intern in Mwakos(Raymond wafula) law firm and that is how I started. 14. Having been on the movie Conflicted Succession, done a role in Nairobi law, briefcase Inc and now a kalasha award, do you feel like you are now an established actor?
I would not say so. I feel like there is more that I need to do. Winning this award, as much as it has came so soon has put me on another level true,but I feel I need to be out there doing something more. It is only a start. 15. What is the hardest thing about being an actress in Kenya?
WOW! Where to begin? People always relate you to the roles you are doing. People still find it hard differentiating the character from the person. Back in the days, acting was not taken seriously. It was considered a lazy bums thing. No one took you seriously when you said you are an actress. But now things have changed. There is a lot of transition. Now I say am an actress and they pull their chairs and give you their attention. Local productions are being embraced and I am happy. The tables are turning. 16. Are your currently working on any project?
Yes but am not allowed to disclose. All I can say is am working on 3 projects and will disclose that when we get there. 17. 5 years from now?
Hollywood baby!*laughs*.I believe I will be doing bigger things. At this age and where I am going, it is a manifestation. So who knows, I might be next to Brad Pitt, or Tom Cruise. Who knows? 18. What are the most important qualities an actress should have?
Discipline and Principals. Be Focused. Be true to yourself. Have integrity and be honest. 19. Is acting your number one profession?
I do something else on the side apart from acting. Although we are heading there, we have not reached the level where we can take up acting fully as a profession. I work as a conference tourism and event manager for my own company called Contemporary events and Consulting services. 20. Dating life are you single?
Yes I am, but I know someone who will jump of a cliff if they read this.*laughs out loudly.lol* 21. Any last remarks?
I would just like to thank everyone who has supported me. My mentors, the people who have always encouraged me and the people who stood by my side. A big thank you for those who voted for me as well. As a word of encouragement to those upcoming and still struggling like me., there is one quote I like “BE LIKE A STAMP, STICK TO IT TILL YOU GET THERE. ” No Matter what, do not give up no matter how long it takes, you will get there.
View Serah Ndanus acting profile here.
 
Interview done by Gerald Langiri.

SHOULD THE NAME RIVERWOOD CHANGE?

In a previous article I wrote called, HOW CAN WE SAVE OUR DYING INDUSTRY?, I asked whether we should call our film making industry Riverwood and most people thought it was a rhetorical question. In actual sense it was not rhetorical at all and it is a question that lacks an appropriate answer causing us to be in the state of dilemma or be it being caught between a rock and a hard place. Well, in this scenario the hard place seems to have a softer spot as compared to the rock and it is better if we opt and stick to the hard place. The metaphor will unveil itself as you continue reading this article.

I was on a mission of finding out the origin of the term Riverwood and how it came to be. My mission bore no fruits but at least got a hint of its existence. It came to my knowledge that Riverwood is adapted from the word Nairobi which according to linguistics means a Maasai name which further means cool waters flowing just like a river and that is how it came to be. Another source defines it as movies and films being made super fast and in bulk and being sold in River road.

After carrying a survey, I asked a few people (comprised of both who are connected to the industry and those that aren’t in anyway whatsoever) what the name Riverwood symbolizes. To some, Riverwood is the equivalent of Hollywood, while to others; it is where local movies are distributed specifically at River Road. Fascinating responses I got there and surprisingly one person told me every time the name Riverwood is mentioned, what comes first in his mind are, and I quote “movies that have low budget cameras, plastic acting, poor editing…” I wish not to continue quoting him because he was not being just by the way he put his words. I asked him if he has had the opportunity of seeing some of the latest movies and T.V series and he confidently responded yes and acknowledge how our industry is doing a wonderful job and that it is growing quite well. I was a bit of confused and explained to him that those latest movies and series still count to be part of Riverwood. I could see the shmuck on his face and he said there is no way that they can be classified as Riverwood movies because they are of better quality and standards that what Riverwood symbolizes. Perhaps that was a clear indication of the man’s ignorance or is it the name Riverwood that should be questioned? I guarantee you this is one controversial topic.

I honestly do not like the name Riverwood and a whole bunch of people will certainly agree with me. Just because the suffix “WOOD” symbolically indicates film making adapted from Hollywood, the existence of Bollywood, Nollywood, Sollywood (South Africa) and Bongowood (Tanzania) came to be. Now what, Riverwood for Kenya? I don’t think so. Question is who came up with the idea of the term “WOOD” to tag Kenyans film industry? I quess we will never know and if there is, we do need a whole lot of explanation. Now that it is made official that “WOOD” concerns film making, countries should tag their industry with “Something wood”. Let uss take for instance Uganda, I do not know what they call their film Industry(any Ugandan reading this,please enlighten us) but here is a suggestion, maybe they should call it Pearlwood since Uganda is well known as the Pearl of Africa and clearly Uollywood can’t work out just like Kollywood didn’t work out for Kenya. All this is just hysterical and so are the names which are perfectly absurd. Furthermore, Riverwood (from its definition) alienates other regions of the country who are actively participating in the film industry as well. Does this mean that Coastal Films Productions is not part of Riverwood? Or should they also come up with their own name, mnaziwood for example? No pun intended.

Riverwood has had a stretch of success by creating marvelous and remarkable films and T.V series and that is quite a great accomplishment and it is not the activities taking place that most people have “a problem” with but the name. Some will say the naming convention shouldn’t matter but in this case it does matter. Some one shared with me and asked those who were supporting the name Riverwood if they would name their son Hitler? Naming conventions are very vital and defines what you do.

On behalf of those who feel that the name Riverwood is not appropriate, I would kindly ask and appeal to the Kenya Film Commission to reconsider about the name Riverwood. This could be done by getting a panel of people to come up with various suggestions and to come to agree with a nice and better name. Honestly speaking we do not need to follow the crowd such as Nollywood or Bollywood to fit in forcing us to come up with a prefix so as to combine it to the suffix “WOOD”. If however we do, let us come up with a name synonymous of the country’s film making industry and not river road alone. This is a call to be innovative and authentic and it is practically proven that Authenticity and innovation will always beat monotony. Let us avoid the fact that because they did it let’s adjust and calculate some measures so as to fit in.

So my metaphor presents itself in the fact that as all this is just mere politics and controversy, some ought to consider this unnecessary or even disagree, in this case we will totally disagree to agree that the name Riverwood has go. As much as it has produced great films and has contributed positively to the industry, the name is very questionable. These are just my opinions and of those that agree with me. We can stick to Riverwood and continue living with the mockery or we can do something about the name.

Written by Mark Kaiyare

MALI-THE NEXT BIG THING ON KENYAN TELEVISION

That Mexican soaps have flooded the prime time slot of the television stations cannot be understated. 
But even though they are popular especially among women viewers, every TV executive is looking for that silver bullet that will turn the tide and start another trend in Kenya. What will that be? 
Mali is the name, and NTV will be the home of the first Kenyan soap to air three times a week starting October.

The family drama will augur well with Kenyan audiences as the people behind the show, Al Is On Productions modelled it on a story that many would associate with or at least are aware of. 
Some of the biggest headline grabbing stories in Kenya have been family dramas played right before news cameras. 
Last year, there was the Kirima story, a real life soap opera that Kenyans were obsessed with that involved legacy, wealth and succession.

“There have been many high profile wrangles in Kenya that involved family not just the Kirima saga like Kijana Wamalwa, Samuel Wanjiru, James Kanyotu, Samuel Gichuru and even Wambui Otieno families and from the interest they generated, we figured it would be a fantastic theme,” says Alison Ngibuini.

When it comes to family, everybody has a story to tell, and this drama will address many of them like generation gap, succession, wealth, marriage, suspicions and deceit. 
Mali revolves around a rich and wealthy family led by its patriarch, Gregory Mali (George Ohawa) who is married to two wives — first wife Mabel (Mary Gacheri) a Ugandan who is a staunch Christian and Usha (Mkamzee Mwatela), a Tanzanian, who is a free spirit and the cause of much of the family drama. 
Mabel has two daughters, Nandi (Mumbi Maina) and Lulu (Brenda Wairimu) while Usha has two sons, Richard ( Kevin Samuel) and Arthur (Daniel Peter).

Only Daughters

The succession wrangles start with the children. While Mabel is the first wife and is in control, she is “disadvantaged” as she has only daughters while Usha has sons who will possibly take over Mali’s estate when he dies. 
Their children, however, are not interested in the wrangles and admire each other’s mothers. Arthur loves Mabel while Lulu wishes her mother was as cool as Usha.

But they are not to be ignored. Lulu has a crush on a waiter who works at her father’s hotel while Arthur finds himself drawn to their house help Selena (Carolyne Ngorobi). Nandi, who is currently abroad is said to be pregnant with the dad’s Chief Operating Officer Tony Babu (Tony Mwangi) 
Mali, despite having two wives, is also having an affair with one of his employees and this makes for interesting drama to keep you in front of the television everyday. 
It has a strong cast, a mixture of experienced actors and budding ones make for a fantastic show.

It will feature some celebrities like Kalekye Mumo, Nic Wangondu, Lupita Nyong’o, Redsan and rapper Octopizzo. 
Ngibuini says she has been working on the idea of a soap opera for five years now and started working on making it a reality two years ago. 
“I pitched the idea to several broadcasters who shut the door on me but when I pitched it to NTV, they loved it on paper and jumped on the idea. It is a game-changer. That I can promise you,” says Ngibuini. 
She has been commissioned to produce 326 episodes and says work has already started on the show and she is the first to admit it is not a cheap venture. 
Many stations love the Mexican and Philipino soap operas as they are cheap to purchase as opposed to producing local shows.

Although she will not get into details, the show will cost over Sh100 million. 
“It is expensive to do such a show and although Sh100 million sounds like a big amount, when you break it down per show, it means we work on a shoe string budget but it is a start and this is the only way to grow Kenyan productions because we are using local actors and crew and that is employment,” says Ngibuini.

MTV’s Shuga

Having worked on shows like MTV’s Shuga, which is currently on production for its second season, Ngibuini says that going down the “Mali” route was a challenge and she has had some guidance from people like Mfundi Vundla, the creator and Executive Producer of one of Africa’s biggest daily dramas, Generations. 
The South African show, also very popular in Kenya, is the longest running soap opera in South Africa, after popular Egoli, having being on air for over 15 years. 
It started as a once a week slot but it was extended to every weekday as its popularity grew, and in the process creating stars like Karabo Moroka, who has been in the show since the start.

“Mfundi has been a big help and he sent us a team from Generations, Isindigo to help us in the scripting and handling a multi-camera production, which we are doing and we have learnt a lot,” she adds. 
Ngibuini says she is working with a crew of 120 adding they have done a lot of research and preparation for the show. 
“We have seven writers, seven story liners and script editors and we also have lawyers, doctors, businessmen, pastors consulting with us and helping us come up with a script that is believable and free flowing. We are not going easy on this and we are here to set a trend and make sure that the production can be watched beyond the Kenyan borders and very soon, people across East Africa will be feasting their eyes on Mali,” she added.

Written by PHILIP MWANIKI 
Source: Daily Nation
Pic Source: First East Africa Soap Opera

AND THE KALASHA FILM AND TV AWARDS 2011 WINNERS ARE

The glitz and glamour that was witnessed at this years kalasha awards will forever be plastered and engraved on humanities minds for a long fortune of time. The mind of the mere human entity will rewind and replay this moment for the longest period perhaps till next years event which I already am eagerly anticipating. In the words of Nicki Minaj, I wish I could have had that moment for life! Wow! I can actually pull a PLO Lumumba (one of the board members of Kalasha) English diction! Arrgh who am I kidding? Back to my normal average English.

This years kalasha awards was an event well organized and orchestrated. The event is clearly growing by the year. For those who were wondering why it was Ksh 3000, well, let me just say from a common mwananchis perspective, it was money well spent. The food was excellent. Let me repeat that, the food was superb; I had to go for 3 helpings of meat! (Cmon, I paid ksh 3000 do not judge me). The hosts, MCs and entertainment kept everyone awake.. The atmosphere and ambience of the whole setup and organization was top notch.

However, the surprises that unfolded when it came to naming the winners of the awards left many in utter disbelief. There was a crazy guy who actually thought he could predict the winners for the event and wrote an article called AND THE KALASHA FILM AND TV AWARDS 2011 WINNERS ARE (PREDICTION). I am sure wherever he is, his head hurts from how wrong he was. If that was an exam he was doing, he would have received an average grade of E for Effort. Never has anyone been so wrong at predicting things like this guy. As a matter of fact, he should probably have named the article, People who will not win kalasha 2011 and he would have had more right answers.

He did however get 10 predictions right out of 26 and I think he deserves a bit of credit. Anyway without further ado here are the winners of the 3rd Film and television kalasha awards:A special mention of the movie the rugged priest for being nominated for 10 awards and winning 8 of them.

Film
1. Best feature-Rugged priest by Cinematic Solutions
2. Best short film-Me My wife and her guru by flick 7 Pictures/jitu films
3. Best Documentary-Destination mara by Department of Film services
4. Best sound-Brian Nyamus rugged priest
5. Best Cinematography-Martin Munyua-ruggged priest
6. Best original score-Nina ogots,Issa
7. Best editing-Joy Lusige-rugged priest. 
8. Best scriptwriter in an original screenplay-Mark Mutahi and Bob Nyanja-rugged priest
9. Best director-Bob Nyanja –the rugged priest
10. Best lead actor-Kamau Mbaya-obi in The briefcase ( I have to take a moment to congratulate this boy ,this kid,14 years of age and he won the award beating the likes of Collin simpson, David lomunyak and Ian Mbugua!!!) 
11. Best lead actress- SERAH NDANU..(alice in the rugged priest) 
12. Best supporting actor-Lwanda Jawar-Ian in the Rugged Priest
13. Best supporting actress-Milicent Mugadi-Esther in me my wife and her guru

SPECIAL AWARDS
14. Best animation production-the legend of ngong hills-Apes in space
15. Best student feature-The Briefcase-Kenya Institute of Mass Communication
16. Best student documentary-My horn My dilemma-Kenya institute of mass communication

TELEVISION CATEGORY
17. Best lead actor in a tv drama-Raymond Ofula, Richard mwako in Nairobi Law
18. Best lead actress in a tv drama-NICE GITHINJI.lisa of changing times
19. Best supporting actor in a tv drama-Vincent Mbaya- be the judge
20. Best supporting actress in a tv drama-Nelly kuria –Abby in mheshimiwa
21. Best TV drama-Siri-al is on production
22. Best performance in a comedy-Eric omondi-churchill live
23. Best talk show-capital talk 24
24. Best tv documentary-kitale nature conservancy-montage media services
25. Best tv comedy-Vioja mahakamani
26. Best tv entertainment-churchill live

We also had introduction of 3new awards and winners namely:
27. Life time achievement award went to David Mulwa
28. KFCB Best watershade compliant station –NTV
29. Kituo halisi awards-KBC

We from actors.co.ke would like to congratulate all the winners of the event and it was nice to know you, let us do this again next year.

Below is our picture gallery for the event.

You can also view the picture from our FACEBOOK PAGE. page or our GOOGLE + account.. ENJOY AND PLEASE LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW.

Written by Gerald Langiri.
Pictures taken by Martin Githinji

INSIDE SCOOP ON VALENTINE YA NJARAMBA

After seeing Valentine ya Njarambas preview, laughing senseless and pondering in anticipation for the movies release,I had to contact the writer and director,Vincent Mbaya to give me an inside scoop on the movie and he was more than willing to do so.

One question I asked, what is the movie about and why is it in Kikuyu?, gave me the answer below:

“After being left by his girlfriend, Njaramba, an out of work matatu driver finds work at a construction. Lady luck seems to smile on him as he wins two tickets to go to Mombasa over valentine. He is scheduled to have an interview with his girlfriend in order to be presented with the tickets on air. Problem, he has none as the old one wants nothing to do with him. His friend Solo has a plan, interview girls then he can choose one. Other problem, Solo is not one to be relied upon. What follows is a rib tickling farce as they set out to solve the problem.

The film was written by I(Vincent Mbaya), Emily Wanja and David ‘Kabash’ Kinyanjui as the first of a series of films based on the Njaramba character, a character inspired by a real life friend. Valentine ya Njaramba is a labour of love between the writers, cinematographer Jim Bishop and a friend of theirs who is a believer in the film industry and put in some money to cater for food, transport, phone, office and other expenses.

It is directed by I (Vincent Mbaya), dp Jim ‘kinyua’ Bishop, sound David ‘Kabash’ Kinyanjui, edited byEmily Wanja. It stars actor Sam Kihiu and introduces a very talented first timer AB Ndichu who is a DJ.

The reason for having it in kikuyu is because of the character that inspired it, secondly, a feel of authenticity in language, thirdly for commercial reasons. We figured if a film like slumdog millionaire which was partly in Hindi could do so well, then a broader market is not far off. The film is subtitled though.

The film is slated to be released in October 2011. Hope you will enjoy it.”

Since I was assured the movie will be subtitled, I am more than eager to watch the full movie, otherwise the skeptic side of me would be asking, are we not drawing tribal lines when making tribal centric movies? Then again we still have the unanswered question of the gay film. So, put you open mind cap on and wait for this, our own comedy Valentine Ya Njaramba to be released.

Oh No, just remembered I forgot to ask where the movie will be featured on.

Catch a preview of the movie below and please do leave your comment

Shovelled by Gerald Langiri.

CHANGING TIMES BRENDA WAIRIMU AKA SHARIFFA REVEALS

Brenda Wairimu: I am Just Getting Started

BUZZ: Who is Brenda Wairimu?
I am a 21-year-old, third year student at the United States International University pursuing a bachelors degree in International Business Administration.

I’m a free spirit and outgoing. I love trying out new things, which is probably why I got into acting in the first place because it’s something I’d never really done before.

What are your interests or hobbies?
Acting is one of them, now that I’ve started. I love reading, watching movies, hanging out with friends, watching documentaries and nature shows.

What was your role in “Changing Times”?
My character was Shariffa, a poor girl trying to fit in with the rich kids. I’m in the university on scholarship but I don’t really want anyone to know that or know my background so I have to live a lie.

Does the role depict you in real life?
I think it kind of relates to everyone. Everyone feels they need to be somebody else for fear of being judged or rejected.

So I think it relates to everyone, and not necessarily in monetary terms. You need to be loved for who you really are because we are all original in our own ways.

Is this your first time acting?
You can say that. I have done pilots before that never really took off, but “Changing Times” is the first serious acting job I have had.

How did you get the role?
I used to be a fan of the show and used to follow it on Facebook. Then one day they posted on their fanpage that they were having auditions and I thought why not, let me go and try my luck.

I was informed the other day that they auditioned over 800 people and I feel nice that I’m the one who got it. I feel proud of myself.

What do you think the judges saw in you?
I really don’t know what exactly they were looking for, but I’m glad I got it. They had introduced the Sharrifa character a while before I joined and were looking for someone to play the role but every time they auditioned people, they didn’t get what they were looking for. So I don’t know what they saw in me.

What’s the show’s objective?
It’s trying to target the youth. It’s a show about social issues, that’s why they have characters like Sharifa, who’s getting married if you follow the show.

We have Edna who plays someone who has cancer and so on. Each character portrays a part of society that we all can identify with. It’s a show for everyone.

Is it a Kenyan version of the 90210 TV series?
Not really. It’s its own show created by someone who had such a vision but for a Kenyan audience. We’re not trying to copy anyone, just trying to be original and unique and it is a really good Kenyan production.

If people wanna associate that with us copying another show, too bad. It’s just us being better than most.

Critics say the show hires only good-looking people and light-skinned girls 
That’s very wrong. If you happen to have the talent and you’re the one they are looking for to play that role and you’re light-skinned then I don’t think there’s a problem.

Maybe for me, they had to be specific because I’m supposed to play a girl from an Arab family; that’s why I might have been picked – because of my skin colour. But it’s not based on complexion or looks, it’s just talent.

What’s with the accents?
There are no fake accents on the show. The way people talk on the show is how they talk in real life. We try to be as real as possible in order to connect with our audiences.

What’s your background?
My mother is half British and half Kikuyu, while my dad is a pure Kikuyu.

Do you plan to continue acting in future?
Yeah, I really like it and it makes me push myself in ways I didn’t really know I could. It is a lot of fun.

Have you always wanted to be an actor?
You know, I always knew I wanted to be a performer of some sort, I just wasn’t really sure exactly what. But now that I have started acting, I think it’s something that I’ve always had in me. I just hadn’t got the right outlet.

Apart from acting, would you like to get further involved in media?
I can’t sing, so I doubt I will try music. I want to get into things like newscasting.

In your view, how is the acting industry in Kenya?
I definitely think we’re getting there. If we have shows like “Changing Times” right now, then we’re definitely going somewhere. The productions we have now can’t really be compared to what we used to have a long time ago. People never used to watch Kenyan shows but now they watch them more than the others.

We are really trying and I think that we’re going get somewhere because we have come a long way.

Are you dating?
Pass. Haha! Could you pass on that? Let me keep that part private for now till I’m sure what’s going on here.

But is there someone?
Yes, there is someone.

Who?
No. No way. No.

Tell us more about your interest in modelling.
Modelling is just something I do on the side. It actually started out as a joke. I accompanied my then boyfriend for a photo shoot.

I took him and the people really liked me and wanted to work with me. It happened just like that. I took the photos there and from then on joined an agency.

But it’s not really something major I’m doing though I’d like to but for now it hasn’t really picked up so much but I like seeing myself up on billboards.

Written By ASHLEY LIME
Source: In2Eastafrica

View Brenda Wairimus Acting Profile here.

Pictures Courtesy of: WordPress , Standard Media and in2eastafrica 

ONE ON ONE WITH MARTIN GITHINJI

UP CLOSE WITH MARTIN GITHINJI
Martin Githinji (Daddiemarto) an on stage and On screen entertainer or a Certified Public Entertainer as he prefers to call himself, tells us about the character he is on stage, on the screen and in real life.

How old are you?
I was born in 1987

Where and what do you study?
Weird story this one. When I joined Kenyatta University, I started with B. Ed Sociology and Maths but after the first semester, I changed to Maths and Business options. 2 years later, my focus changed and I knew I had to go back to my first and only true love- Theatre Arts and Film Technology. I therefore changed course and went back three years, for the love of art.

When did your passion for Film and Theatre start? 
I would say when I was 3 years old. I started with solo verse poems and plays where I stared as Jesus in church. All through primary school and secondary school, my passion for this art grew day by day. In Kangaru School, I acted in plays where I was always cast as the woman because of my then high-pitched voice . In most of these plays, I won best actor’s awards. I already knew that I had found my true love.

When and how did you join the mainstream Film and Theatre Industry? 
After high school, I auditioned for Planets Theatre. I was privileged to act with the likes of Nice Githinji . After a few months , I joined Theatrix Arts and later on Heartstrings and then Starlight Productions. After receiving my University admission letter, I had to go slow on the acting and thus left Starlight. In campus, I joined Kenyatta University Travelling Theatre.

My screen debut was an advert I did with the Redikyulass Casting Agency for an NTV Turning on Your Vote commercial String. Later on, I was recommended for a Noose of Gold Pilot project. It is through this that I was given a role in the show. Around the same time, I auditioned for XYZ and got a role as a voice artist. All this networking enabled me to get roles in the other shows that I am currently acting in: Nairobi Law and Tabasamu.

How did you manage all this while you were still in school? 
Lucky for me, the busiest of my acting career happened to be at a time when KU was on a long break. However, I believe that the more God gives you, the more is expected of you. So one way or another, Gods grace sees you through.

In all these shows, give us an insight into the characters you play. 
In XYZ, I enact voices from generic characters and others like Gitobu Imanyara, Francis Mutahaura, the XYZ Pastor, Mwaniki the hawker and Storm Ramamudha the reporter. In Noose of Gold, I am a janitor caught in a love triangle between a student, her best friend, and the school headmistress.

In Tabasamu, I am Kamenyi ;the know it all drunkard -a character that was developed from the one I played in Nairobi Law, Maxwell the spoiled drunkard son to the owner of the law firm.

That you are in all these shows showing in the local stations, does the attention suffocate you? 
Having been on the limelight in KU because of KUTT, the crowd there is used to me. Actually, I think they are more proud of me than they would be infatuated by me and that is what I like about them. The outside crowd...eer, it honours me when someone recognizes me on the street but sometimes it can scare the hell out of me.

What do you think of the Kenyan Film Industry? Is it growing? Does it pay?
The industry is growing; we are just at the last phase where everything and anything goes, before the really good productions curve a niche for themselves, separating from those that are there to just be there.

About the payment, like any job, it depends on the employment package that exists between you and your employer. I have to have 4 consecutive acting jobs not because I have a lot of time on my hands no, but because one cant really sustain you that well on its own. But we are gaining ground. Its something you can sustain a family on. We have no retirement age for acting, its infinite!!

Other than acting and being a student? 
I am the outgoing organising secretary in the KU students Association. I am also a former presenter and producer at the university radio station, KU Fm. I also do stand up comedy in open mic gigs around Nairobi. I started with Wamathai Open Mic and because of that first performance; I ended up being the MC together with Della the songstress for the subsequent events by Wamathai.

How would you describe yourself?
I am an entertainer more than a comedian- I want people to see how smart and critical I am not how stupid and funny. I am an all round individual: I can sing, dance, and act. I am the technician and handyman in IT and electronics. I am also very spiritual. I love my Mum and my babysister. I am a clean-hearted person. Wait ,did I say that I love my mum?

Are you dating? 
By the time this interview is published, I might be dating but as of now, No.

Tell us something we might not know about you. 
I am a geek, I am shy, and I have the hot-chick-phobia. Google that.

In future? 
I do not want to put a finger on an exact target, but the media is my playground.

Interviewed by Jacque Ndinda at Chicamod

View Martin Githinjis acting profile here