Mulamwah, a popular Kenyan comedian, recently shared his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities for comedians in Kenya during an interview with Dr. Ofweneke. He revealed some insights into his career, including the unique challenges of creating content that resonates with a wide audience and the bet he made with fellow comedian Butita.
Mulamwah, whose real name is Kendrick Oyando, emphasized the importance of fearlessness and creativity in the comedy industry. He explained that many comedians often struggle to secure gigs because they haven’t yet proven to the audience that they can deliver value. According to him, comedians need to create content that appeals to a broad audience, not just locally, but internationally. He compared the success of global comedians like Dave Chappelle and Kevin Hart, who have mastered the art of creating universal content that connects with people from different parts of the world.
He believes that Kenyan comedians should aim for similar success by developing content that people from all walks of life, including those in Tanzania or even Kazakhstan, can enjoy. Mulamwah is particularly focused on expanding his reach, advocating for longer shows and content that tackles a variety of topics. His ultimate goal is to move from performing at small venues to filling large stadiums, just like the global comedians who attract audiences from across the world.
When asked about the common trend among male comedians dressing in female clothes as part of their comedy, Mulamwah expressed his disapproval. He noted that he has been in the comedy industry for a while and has never felt the need to cross-dress for his craft. He pointed out that he once made a bet with fellow comedian Butita four years ago. The bet was for Sh100,000, with the agreement being that the first one to dress up in female clothes would lose. This bet highlights the small number of male comedians in Kenya who avoid dressing up as women for comedic effect.
Despite his personal preference, Mulamwah acknowledged that the trend of cross-dressing in comedy is a growing phenomenon, especially when it comes to attracting large audiences. He mentioned that there are very few male comedians left who don’t dress as women, and in the Kenyan market, dressing in female clothes seems to attract more views. He cited the example of male comedians who dress as women and receive massive viewership, while those who avoid this trend get significantly fewer views.
Nevertheless, Mulamwah clarified that he doesn’t see anything wrong with comedians choosing to cross-dress if it helps them succeed in their craft. “It’s a free world,” he said. “If dressing up in female clothes is what works for your comedy and brings in the views, then that’s your preference. It’s all about what works for you as an artist.”
Despite this perspective, Mulamwah maintains that he does not want to be associated with the trend. He sees it as a matter of personal choice, and while he understands why others may choose to do it, he is comfortable sticking to his style of comedy without resorting to cross-dressing.
On a lighter note, Mulamwah also talked about his upcoming stand-up comedy show, which is scheduled for April 20, 2025, at the Kenya National Theatre. This marks his first-ever full-length stand-up show, and he’s excited about the opportunity to share more of his personal story with his fans. Mulamwah explained that the show, titled “Let Me Explain,” will offer the audience a chance to learn more about him beyond his usual short performances. He plans to address some of the burning questions that fans have about his life and career, including the challenges of balancing life as a comedian and a father.
He also teased his audience with a humorous comment about his experience with having two baby mamas, joking that the real challenge comes with the potential for a third. Mulamwah’s show is set to start at 8 pm, with gates opening at 5 pm. He promises to keep the show engaging and entertaining for the audience, delivering a mix of comedy and personal stories that fans have been eagerly waiting for.
Mulamwah’s rise in the Kenyan comedy scene is a testament to his hard work and commitment to his craft. As he continues to push boundaries and explore new avenues in his career, it’s clear that he is determined to make a mark both locally and internationally. With his upcoming show, he’s ready to take his comedy to new heights and provide fans with a deeper understanding of who he is as an artist.
