By Prudence Minayo
Comedy is an effective way to soften some of life’s painful blows. Many may have a sense of humor, but using this skill to make people laugh is not a cakewalk. Therefore, finding a footing in the budding Kenyan comedy industry is not easy but Mulamwah has managed to make a name for himself. The hilarious rib cracker is doing an amazing job in online comedy. The upcoming comedian draws his inspiration from real life situations and wishes to empower others. He has managed to find the niche and garner a large social media audience and here are some facts about his life.
Real Name and Early Life
David Oyando is his real name and he was born in 1993 in Butere. Growing up, Mulamwah aspired to be like Vitimbi’s Mzee Ojwang and Mama Kayai, Redykyulas’ KJ, Anthony Njuguna and Nyambane and Red Kona’s Mdomo Baggy and Kajairo. However, he had a strict father who believed education was the only key to success, even joining acting clubs in school was forbidden.
Comedy Career
Joining Moi University to pursue a Nursing Degree in 2012 was a blessing in disguise. Finally, David had the freedom to do whatever he wanted without the prying eyes of his strict father. The university’s CU provided a platform for him to grow his comic skills. Together with his fellows, they would act short skits and through this a DJ introduced him to a group of comedians in Eldoret. The group had a comedy show every Sunday and David’s stage name was Muindi. This provided him with little pocket money.
His dream
One of the greatest dream was to perform at Churchill show. Financial constraints were a major hindrance to this dream but that did not stop him. At one time, he sold his phone to raise transportation money to Nairobi so as to try out for Churchill auditions. For three years, the online comedian auditioned unsuccessfully for the show. This did not deter him and he applied for internship at Kenyatta National Hospital in order to be close to the Churchill and House Helps of Kawangware auditions.
A determination to succeed
Despite his efforts, luck was not on his side and he did not get into any of the shows. An idea to upload a video on his Instagram struck him on February 2019 as he was leaving work. The video was well received and propelled his comedy Career.
Earnings
The 27-year-old is a registered nurse and this is one source of income he has. Comedy is also putting food on the table for him. He says he has received some brand endorsements that have managed to earn him some cash and he wishes to receive more bigger deals. There is also his YouTube channel with more than 38k subscribers and 2.2M channel views.
Estimated YouTube Earnings
February 2020 – $48
January 2020 – $97
December 2019 – $72
November 2019 – $331
October 2019 – $126
September 2019 – $218
Lastly, he managed to do his first show on Churchill two moths ago proving that persistence pays.
The comedian may not be drowning in money, but he is obviously making enough. At the beginning of the year, he bought yet another motorcycle and posted it on Facebook with the caption:
“The process of labor was really long and tough but finally the third baby to the fleet is born named liquid, brother to konki and fire. Another job is created to fellow youth man wa mtaa. We thank God for the blessings as we start the year 2020. I usually post just to inspire someone out there that the process is gradual and that you can be whatever you so wish to be….pole pole tu. Have a blessed year ahead.”
Criticism
No matter how good you are, you won’t be everybody’s cup of tea and this is especially true for David Oyando. While some find his content entertaining, others have negative feelings towards some of his videos. The young comedian takes all this positively knowing that haters will always be there and he can only succeed by remaining true to himself.
The entertainer also criticised Wambilianga, a Churchill show comedian for stealing his joke. He took to social media to express his dissatisfaction:
“ We post our videos online because we haven’t found a chance to be on TV yet. That doesn’t mean we don’t own them. It hurts sitting on TV at home watching your jokes being performed. If they have to be used then credits have to be given to the initial credits.”
Separation With Girlfriend
The comedian was in a relationship with actress Caroline Muthoni, who is known among her fans as Carrol Sonie. They lost a baby they were expecting and the two seemed at the time inseparable.
The two have since gone separate ways. Here is the long post Mulamwah shared on social media after their break-up.
while was too preoccupied making sure that you remain at the top . I always believed that when you elevate your woman she will stand in for you when you are at your worst , and for many others in society too. That’s all I ever wished and still wish for you , the very best in life , and in all aspects . Lessons are there to be learned, and eggs have to be broken to make omelettes . Mwenye alienda haja husahau , but mwenye alikanyaga hatawai . I believe all this will one day make sense . Asante sana for always being there for me . You made sure that am not a caricature. Can’t say any more but wish you all the best the world can offer in your Bussiness , familly and careeer. I respect everything about you and decisions , what makes you happy makes me happy too , for the gender is for the goose , For this , Some will be happy (Kamati) , some sad but What matters is how you feel and progress on , even as we part ways I will always love you and keep you at heart until the day I will undergo rigor mortis , livor mortis and algor mortis . The when , the why and the how remains between us . Merci mi amor
