Few names stand out as prominently as MCA Tricky, a comedian whose journey to stardom is as unique as his stage persona. Known for his humorous portrayal of a street urchin, Tricky has become one of the most recognizable faces in the entertainment industry. However, behind the laughter and the bright lights of television lies a story of humble beginnings and a family unaware of their son’s burgeoning fame.
MCA Tricky, born Francis Munyao, recently opened up about his early days on the Churchill Show, a platform that has been the launchpad for many of Kenya’s top comedians. In a candid interview with fellow comedian Oga Obinna, Tricky revealed a surprising fact: his parents only discovered he was appearing on television a year after his debut.
The reason for this delayed revelation is both heartwarming and telling of the challenges many families face in Kenya. Tricky explained that his parents did not own a television set, a reality that kept them in the dark about their son’s new venture. For a whole year, they were unaware that their child was making waves on national television, bringing joy and laughter to countless homes across the country.
But it wasn’t just the absence of a TV that contributed to this prolonged secrecy. Tricky’s stage persona, a scruffy street urchin, was a stark contrast to the clean-cut college student his parents knew. At the time, Tricky was in his second year at Kenyatta University (KU), and the transformation he underwent for his performances made it hard for his parents to recognize him. The idea that their son, who they knew to be pursuing his studies, was the same person making people laugh on TV was simply unbelievable to them.
“My parents only found out I was on TV after a year,” Tricky shared. “The first reason is that they didn’t have a TV, and the second is that the Tricky they saw on TV didn’t look like their child. They couldn’t believe it was me because I looked like a completely different person on TV.”
This lack of recognition from his parents provided Tricky with a degree of freedom in his early career. Without the pressure of family scrutiny, he was able to hone his craft and develop his comedic style. However, this anonymity did not last forever. The secret was eventually unveiled, not by his parents, but by his uncle, who stumbled upon one of Tricky’s performances on television.
Tricky recounted the moment with a mix of amusement and nostalgia. “My uncle was the one who found out I was on TV and warned me to be careful with TV people who might take advantage of me, thinking I was the one paying to entertain people on stage,” he disclosed.
The uncle’s discovery quickly spread through the family, and soon enough, Tricky’s parents were aware of their son’s newfound fame. While they were initially shocked and concerned, they eventually came to terms with his career choice, supporting him as he continued to rise in the entertainment industry.
Today, MCA Tricky is a household name, celebrated for his wit, humor, and ability to tackle social issues through comedy. His journey from a college student to a national star, hidden from his family for a year, is a testament to the unpredictable paths that life can take. It also highlights the often-overlooked realities faced by many families in Kenya, where access to basic amenities like a television set can be a luxury.
Tricky’s story is a reminder that success often comes with unexpected twists and turns, and that sometimes, the people closest to us might be the last to know about our achievements. Despite the challenges, Tricky’s rise to fame is a source of pride not only for his family but for the countless fans who continue to enjoy his unique brand of comedy.
