Renowned actor and comedian DJ Shiti recently opened up about his role in the latest episode of Kamum, a comedy series by Eddie Butita. In this particular episode, DJ Shiti plays Apostle Sylavanus Fandili, a charismatic and hilariously aggressive preacher who is invited to pray at the home of aspiring governor Paul. The goal? To exorcise Paul’s Gen Z girlfriend, Benta, who is seen as a disruptive force by Paul’s traditional mother.
Despite Paul’s resistance, his mother pushes for this spiritual intervention, even going as far as bringing in a rural lady, Mildred, whom she deems a more suitable wife for her son. The comedic tension reaches its peak when Apostle Sylavanus carries out an intense prayer session that sees Benta leave, accused of being the devil. The apostle even convinces Paul’s mother to hand him KSh 26,000, claiming it would support a team of backup pastors for further deliverance. He warns that the Queen of the devil’s empire is involved—calling for divine reinforcements.
Amusingly, instead of paying the pastors, Sylavanus dupes them, offering only “exposure,” a mention in the visitor’s book, and a ride in the apartment lift. While Bonaventure, one of the pastors, questions the logic of not being paid, the others are swayed and accept the bizarre terms.
The episode showcased DJ Shiti’s flawless comic timing and acting chops. His performance was met with admiration, as he fully embodied his character with natural charisma and energy.
Reflecting on how he landed the role, DJ Shiti shared that a friend in the industry thought he’d be the perfect fit to bring both authenticity and humor to the role. He expressed excitement at working with familiar faces, especially the actor playing Bonaventure, praising him for his immersive acting style. According to him, the collaboration on set was both fun and deeply respectful.
Shiti also touched on how he gets into character so effortlessly. He explained that it’s more than just performance—it’s full immersion. “When I take on a character, I don’t just show up physically. I come in with my spirit, legs, even my slippers,” he joked. He said that he draws inspiration from the people he observes in everyday life, channeling real-world energy into his roles. “Life is a movie—I just do the replay,” he added.
Speaking on Eddie Butita’s influence in the comedy scene, DJ Shiti described him as the “Elon Musk of Kenyan comedy,” crediting him for creating spaces that give actors like him a global platform. He emphasized the importance of platforms like YouTube and Netflix in showcasing Kenyan talent, and praised Butita for opening doors that others can now walk through.
Asked about his most memorable moment as an actor, Shiti recalled a powerful scene where he made viewers laugh and cry at the same time. The emotional impact of that scene stayed with him, especially when the director told him he wasn’t just acting—he was ministering. “That’s when I knew acting is a form of service,” he said.
From his raw energy to his depth of emotion, DJ Shiti continues to prove why he’s a force in Kenya’s entertainment world.
