By Faith Nyambeki
Making people laugh is no walk in the park. Stand-up comedy as we know it today was nurtured by Daniel “Churchill” Ndambuki, a man who has come to realize running the Laugh Industry is no laughing matter. Churchill has opened doors to many unknown comedians (who are now big brands) through his shows-the Churchill Show and the now defunct Churchill Raw-are gainfully employed or running their hustles on social media platforms and YouTube.
So how much are the comedians paid?
Those who are featured in the main show pocket kes20,000. Comedians who perform during the live recording but don’t make it to the main show are paid kes5,000.
The pay was revealed by Sleepy David who was talking to Mpasho. He went on to say that Churchill had paid all the comedians he owes.
These figures have been disputed by comedian Zeddy. During an interview on Bonga Na Jalas, straight shooting Zeddy told Jalang’o that comedians who don’t appear on TV “Churchill Show” are not paid a dime, including transport. The veteran comedienne faulted the management of Churchill Show singling out Victor Ber and J Blessings for his colleagues woes.
The mother of three said that a good number of comedians are suffering in silence giving an example of Wakimani, Sleepy David and Njoro. She also gave an example of one of her colleague who is homeless due to the politics involved on who appears on Churchill Show.
Some of the artists who are now big shots courtesy of Churchill include;
The comedian made a name for himself when he appeared on Churchill Show. He became a sensation and even attempted his show on KTN that ended up being a big flop. Omondi reunited with Churchill before venturing out on his own. He has a successful YouTube channel and a very active social media presence. Ericko, as he is popularly known, is a brand ambassador for a number of products.
Is another funnyman who got a big break courtesy of Churchill. Although he lied a great deal about his past-like claiming at some point he was a street urchin-MCA Tricky (real name Francis Nyamasyo Munyao) has become a much sought after comedian thanks to Churchill. The comedian exited the show and now works at Radio Maisha.
Professor Hamo
Like most successful people in their careers, Professor Hamo-real name Herman Kago-never gave up until he got what he wanted. He went for the auditions even after being chased “out of the stage” to try his luck. He finally made it and his persistence has earned him a secure job at NTV.
