Traditional media in Kenya is taking a thorough beating from social media platforms, YouTube and bloggers who are becoming a source of news and entertainment.
Talking of entertainment; our subject of this piece is among the comedians who have been creating well thought out viral clips that they share on social media and other outlets.
Alex Mathenge, real name Alex Macharia Wanjugu, has worked as a radio comedian, voice talent and is still an MC/creative writer, digital influencer but is best known as a YouTuber. Here is the profile of the funnyman.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
Education
Alex was a student at Kerugoya Boys High School in Kirinyaga county. After his O-levels, he joined Kenyatta University and went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Education (Arts) majoring in English & Literature in 2009.
Career
His seven page portfolio is impressive. This was a man destined for the big stage and he knew it quite early. Like most actors, he started building his career blocks while he was young and by the time he was in high school he knew he wanted to be a comedian.
He successfully auditioned for the famed Kenyatta University Travelling Theatre soon after he had been admitted at the institution in 2005.
He was cast as a dancer. Focused on his trade, the comedian went on to become the Executive Director of the theatre group that has churned out such greats as Kajairo, Caroline Nderitu, Mdomo baggy, Reddykyulass and the list goes on and on.
His obvious talent saw him work with Bornfree Foundation, Redykyulass Limited and Scan Ad. Mathenge also made appearances in movies that include Mizoga, Comrade Taka, Merchant of Venice and BBC’s Comic Relief. All these achievements while he was still a student at KU.
The name Mathenge-meaning a bunch of billy goats in Kikuyu-was coined while he worked as a volunteer in KU radio station in 2008 as a morning show host. He popularised the radio station with his funny anecdotes that garnered him a sizeable following.
The comedian played the character of a money crazed Kikuyu man. Mathenge other responsibilities at the station included creating commercials and was in charge of the studios on Saturday.
After graduation in 2009, Mathenge worked with XYZ show that was aired on NTV as a writer and a voice talent. At XYZ, he was the voice of Moi and Kiraithe. He later on joined the now defunct Nation owned Q-Fm breakfast show where they had been allocated a segment for SERYKALY.
They played two crooked police officers with his partner Eric Kilingo on SERYKALY. The formidable duo also hosted Klabu Raha show on the same station every Saturday from 9-12PM.
In 2014, Mathenge called it quits at Qfm to pursue other interests.
According to his profile, Alex has been an MC in over 100 social and corporate events since 2009 when he went professional.
Makarao TV
Is a popular webisode that tells the story of two police officers with a humorous touch. The animation idea came from Alex Kirui and has gained traction over the years. Mathenge says producing animation is tedious and once it is out the storyline may as well be stale.
Makarao has 48k subscribers and counting. Total watchtime is 4,313,881 views.
Alex Mathenge YouTube Channel
The award winning content creator has 194k subscribers on YouTube and a total watchtime of 11,334,107 views.
Alex Mathenge was among ten creators who were awarded with the Silver Button in 2019 after surpassing the 100,000 subscribers mark. Others were MCA Tricky, King Kaka, Bahati, Ajaabu TV, Sharon Waniz, Timeless Noel, Wabosha Maxine and Willy Paul.
Based on estimates on YouTubers.me
| month | estimated earnings |
| April 2020 | $ 293 |
| March 2020 | $ 277 |
| February 2020 | $ 327 |
| January 2020 | $ 917 |
| December 2019 | $ -9.58K |
| November 2019 | $ 1.03K |
| October 2019 | $ 1.05K |
| September 2019 | $ 843 |
| August 2019 | $ 2.17K |
| July 2019 | $ 1.76K |
| June 2019 | $ 797 |
| May 2019 | $ 367 |
| April 2019 | $ 460 |
| March 2019 | $ 453 |
| February 2019 | $ 975 |
| January 2019 | $ 8.53K |
| December 2018 | $ 36 |
| November 2018 | $ -77 |
| October 2018 | $ -9.7K |
| September 2018 | $ 1.01K |
| August 2018 | $ 3.43K |
| July 2018 | $ 2.12K |
| June 2018 | $ 312 |
| May 2018 | $ 138 |
| April 2018 | $ 108 |
| March 2018 | $ 1.95K |
| February 2018 | $ -5.7K |
| January 2018 | $ 1.09K |
| December 2017 | $ -224 |
| November 2017 | $ 660 |
| October 2017 | $ 258 |
| August 2017 | $ 84 |
| May 2017 | $ 212 |
| March 2017 | $ 120 |
| February 2017 | $ 57 |
Wife
Your favourite Youtuber is a loving husband to Rosemary Nyambura, a media consultant. The couple are blessed with two beautiful children-ShawnLeon Mutugi and Shay Wamuyu.
