- Chris Kamau was a household name in the 80s and early 90s
- He was the face of Blue Band Margarine Campaign in 1984, the aged 11 years old.
BlueBand margarine, a staple in many households, recently celebrated its 60th anniversary in Kenya.
For those who remember the iconic Blue Band Margarine Campaign in 1984, an 11-year-old Chris Kamau (now 50) became a household name in East Africa by gracing the Blue Band tin with a slice of bread generously spread with the popular margarine.
Today, Chris Kamau is not only known as the ‘Blue Band boy,’ but he also holds the esteemed position of chairperson of Kenya’s Actors Guild.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
Chris Kamau, fondly referred to as ‘BB’ by some of his childhood friends and relatives, had a remarkable journey that began with this unexpected stint as the Blue Band boy.
He was the eldest of three siblings, growing up in Nairobi and living briefly in Europe before returning home and eventually moving to the USA in 1997.
There, he pursued further studies in arts, entertainment, and media, graduating from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, USA.
He also serves as the chairman of the Kenya Actors Guild.
One might wonder how Kamau found himself on the Blue Band tin all those years ago. In his own words, “You either believe in angels, miracles, pure luck, or all three.”
His journey to becoming the ‘Blue Band boy’ involved a curious set of circumstances, as he explains, “My mother had an appointment with my auntie, a frustrated creative director, and an equally bewildered team at a major multi-global advertising, marketing, and public relations concern,” The rest, as they say, is history.
The feeling of seeing himself on the Blue Band tin was nothing short of amazing for Kamau.
It was exhilarating, and even to this day, some people still affectionately refer to him as “BB.”
He took this playful nickname in the intended spirit of jest, recognizing the light-heartedness of it all.
Decades later, Chris Kamau remains a familiar face to many.
From his early days as the Blue Band boy, he has seamlessly transitioned into a diverse and successful career in the world of entertainment.
You can watch him on screens, singing and dancing as part of the group Five Alive, or playing intriguing characters in movies and series.
What’s particularly interesting is Kamau’s versatility in his acting roles.
While he began as the sweet little Blue Band boy, he has carved a niche for himself by often playing the role of the antagonist in various productions. His special skills include character voices and continental accents, showcasing his range as an actor.
Beyond his acting career, Kamau is a founding member of Five Alive, East and Central Africa’s premier Gospel/R&B Acapella singing group.
He has been a part of numerous local and international productions, such as “On the Bench,” “Mind Tricks,” “Taharuki,” “Ogas at the Top,” “Sumu la Penzi,” and “Maisha Magic’s Jane & Abel.”