Celestine Ndinda, wife and manager to popular Kenyan comedian Njugush, recently opened up about her dual role as both a supportive spouse and an effective manager. In a candid conversation on a podcast, Celestine shared insights into their unique work-life balance, her experiences managing Njugush, and the early days of their relationship and career.
Celestine described managing Njugush as a challenging yet fulfilling experience. “I manage Tim; it is much work,” she said, referring to her husband. The couple’s professional and personal lives are deeply intertwined, with Celestine juggling her role as a manager while maintaining their relationship and family life. She noted that Sundays are particularly special for them, as it’s the one day they can focus on each other without the pressures of work. “On Sundays is when I know for sure I have time with him as ‘babe’,” Celestine explained. This dedicated time allows them to reconnect and balance their multiple roles effectively.
One of the highlights of Celestine’s role as a manager is the seamless transition between work and family life. “The best thing about working for him is we can transition from being workmates to being parents,” she added. This balance is crucial for the couple, who are not only partners in business but also in raising their child. The ability to switch between professional and personal modes helps them maintain a healthy and supportive relationship.
Celestine also took the opportunity to praise Njugush for his efforts to improve his romantic gestures. Traditionally, Kikuyu men are not known for their romantic tendencies, but Njugush has made a notable effort to break this stereotype. Celestine recounted a sweet gesture from Njugush: “Kikuyu men are not romantic but he is trying. He sent me flowers for Mother’s Day. I didn’t think they were mine.” This thoughtful act demonstrated Njugush’s commitment to nurturing their relationship despite his busy schedule.
To manage their professional life efficiently, Celestine has established a system that includes a whiteboard in their office. “We have a whiteboard in the office where I write my expectations from him because I am his manager,” she revealed. This organizational tool helps them set clear goals and expectations, ensuring that both personal and professional responsibilities are met.
Reflecting on their early days, Celestine shared a nostalgic anecdote about Njugush’s first big paycheck. After receiving his first cheque worth KSh 30,000, Njugush decided to move out of his previous accommodation. He and Celestine, who were dating at the time, embarked on the search for a new home. “I got my first cheque of Sh 30,000 and I shifted and went to Taj Mall. At the time I was dating Celestine, she helped me look for a house. I had never rented before then,” Njugush recounted in an interview with Kameme FM.
However, the move proved to be a financial challenge. Njugush’s excitement was tempered by the reality of expenses. “What nobody told me was that the money would never be enough as I had to pay a deposit,” he said. The cost of renting a house, including deposits for water and electricity, quickly added up. “We found a house whose rent was Sh 8K. I paid the deposit, water deposit, and electricity; it all amounted to 20K. By the end of that week, I had suffered. I started eating biscuits and tomato sauce. It was part of the shopping my mum had done for me,” Njugush shared.
During this period, Njugush was also beginning to work with Abel Mutua, another significant figure in his career. The early struggles and financial challenges were part of the learning curve that shaped Njugush’s journey from a budding comedian to a successful entertainer.
Celestine and Njugush’s story is a testament to their dedication to each other and their work. Their ability to balance their roles as partners, parents, and professionals is a remarkable example of how personal and professional lives can harmoniously coexist. Through the ups and downs, their commitment to each other and their careers has been unwavering, reflecting the strength of their relationship and their shared vision for the future.
