Claudia Naisabwa, a prominent MC and presenter, has openly shared her heartfelt gratitude to comedian Eddie Butita for offering her guidance and protection during her early years in Kenya’s entertainment scene. Naisabwa, who began her career at the age of 19, attributes much of her growth and success to Butita’s mentorship, particularly in helping her navigate the challenging landscape of an industry rife with both opportunity and exploitation.
At just 19, Claudia Naisabwa was still a student when she landed her first presenter role at SPM Buzz, an entertainment platform owned by Eddie Butita. For someone so young and inexperienced, the entertainment industry presented a daunting environment filled with both allure and danger. Despite her initial enthusiasm, Claudia quickly realized that the industry was not as glamorous as it appeared. The presence of predators celebrities and industry figures who often sought to exploit young women for their own gain was a harsh reality she had to confront. It was during this vulnerable time that Butita stepped in, offering her the much-needed mentorship that would shape the trajectory of her career.
In a candid revelation, Naisabwa described how Butita shielded her from predatory behaviors and helped her maintain her integrity. “There are a lot of challenges in the entertainment industry, especially for young girls like me. There is the good and the bad, and I can assure you there are wicked people everywhere. Some people in the industry have tried to hinder my growth and success,” Naisabwa shared. Butita, she says, became not just a boss but a protector, constantly guiding her through the complexities of her new environment.
The entertainment industry, particularly in Kenya, has often been a breeding ground for exploitation. For young women entering the field, the line between opportunity and exploitation can be blurred. Claudia was no stranger to this, as she reveals that some male figures in the industry made advances toward her, testing her boundaries. However, she credits Butita with helping her steer clear of these situations. “Whenever someone made a pass at me, I’d confide in him, and he would advise me about that person. He helped me see beyond appearances because, oftentimes, people aren’t who they seem to be,” Naisabwa explained.
Butita’s mentorship extended far beyond the usual boss-employee dynamic. He became a trusted friend and confidant, always available to offer advice and insight whenever Naisabwa encountered difficulties. What stood out the most to Claudia was Butita’s non-intrusive approach. Rather than imposing his decisions on her, he allowed her to make her own choices, even though he was always there to provide counsel. “He protected me and guided me on what was right and wrong but always left the decisions to me,” Claudia recalled. This level of respect and trust is what made Butita’s mentorship so effective and meaningful to Naisabwa.
Looking back on her early years in the entertainment world, Claudia acknowledges how valuable Butita’s wisdom was in helping her avoid potential pitfalls. “At 19, I was naive. I only knew these people from social media and admired their content, but I didn’t know them beyond what they presented,” she said. Butita, with his years of experience in the industry, understood the true character of the individuals Naisabwa was interacting with and offered the kind of protection and guidance that a seasoned mentor could provide.
Today, Claudia continues to thrive in her career, and she remains eternally grateful for the mentorship and protection she received from Eddie Butita. She values the trust they share, and it’s clear that their relationship goes beyond just a professional one. “Even today, if someone approaches me or I’m dating someone, Butita knows. He keeps all my secrets he’s someone I can trust completely,” she said. Butita’s role in her life goes beyond that of a boss he’s a mentor, a friend, and, most importantly, a figure who helped Naisabwa maintain her dignity and rise in a complex and often dangerous industry.
In sharing her story, Claudia Naisabwa not only highlights the importance of mentorship in the entertainment world but also emphasizes the need for industry figures to protect vulnerable young talent from exploitation. Eddie Butita’s role in her journey stands as a testament to the power of mentorship and guidance in fostering safe and successful careers.
