In the annals of career decisions, few tales rival that of a young individual who, on the brink of completing their education, makes an audacious pivot that reshapes their destiny.
This is the story of Peter Kawa who, on September 28, 2005, stood at the precipice of a diploma certification but chose to veer off-course, defying convention and embracing the realm of creative arts.
Little did he know that this leap of faith would propel him into a world of theater, film, and talent management, ultimately culminating in a fulfilling and successful career.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
Background
Amidst the anticipation of completing his exams and embarking on a career in Information Systems, Kawa found himself grappling with doubts about his chosen path.
At the eleventh hour, he surprised his parents and himself by leaving the familiar confines of academia and venturing into the world of creative arts.
“I got my first acting gig in a travelling theatre. That’s how I dropped out of school,” Kawa revealed during an Interview with Daily Nation.
It was an audacious leap of faith that he acknowledges as one of the most pivotal – and initially perplexing – decisions of his life.
The abrupt departure from his educational pursuits left him pondering whether he had made a grievous error, especially after investing both time and money.
However, as the years rolled by, Kawa’s trajectory began to illuminate a different path.
A path that led him through the corridors of the entertainment industry, molding him into the celebrated actor, film/stage director, and producer he is today.
Kawa’s entry point into the entertainment world was the Foresight Streamline Production travelling theatre group.
For each performance, he earned a modest Ksh 500 – a sum that may have seemed trivial, yet it laid the foundation for his subsequent accomplishments.
The travelling theatre opened doors to the acting scene, where he honed his skills and carved a niche for himself.
Reflecting on his journey, Kawa expressed a sense of contentment with his unconventional route. “I don’t regret [my decision] because I have proved to my parents, myself, and the society that I made the right call,” he affirmed.
This assertion stems from over 18 years of evolution, during which he transformed from a daring dropout into a respected figure in the entertainment landscape.
One of Kawa’s most remarkable achievements is his role as a talent manager.
He has navigated the intricate labyrinth of talent management with finesse, representing notable content creators and actors, including Azziad Nasenya, Natalie Tewa, Pauline Kyalo, Peter Kamau, Millicent Kiplagat, Amalie Chopetta, Ruth Maingi, and Benson ‘Ben Tekee’ Ojuwa.
With his characteristic gift of gab, Kawa unveiled some of his strategies for success.
He revealed that he expanded his knowledge of talent management through online courses and by studying international talent management practices.
Kawa’s networking prowess further amplifies his accomplishments.
His 17 years of immersion in the entertainment world have cultivated an acute understanding of the industry’s nuances.
These insights, coupled with his adept negotiation skills, empower him to seize opportunities and secure lucrative deals for his clients.
When delving into the financial aspects of talent management, Peter Kawa illuminated the intricacies of his revenue streams.
Contracts play a pivotal role, with various clauses determining his earnings from each talent he represents.
In scenarios where a talent secures a deal independently, his remuneration ranges from five to ten percent, depending on his level of involvement.
However, when he initiates and finalizes a deal, his share increases to 30 percent.
”There is also a clause where, if the talent sources for a business deal on their own but asks me to do the negotiations instead, then my take is ten percent of the deal. The last case is if I bring in a business deal for a particular talent and I do lock it then I take 30 percent,” he adds.
Kawa claims the biggest deal he has ever locked for one of the talent he manage is Ksh11 million in one deal.
Despite his enduring passion for acting, Kawa has found a new focus in talent management.
“At the level I’m right now, I honestly no longer fight to have me cast in roles. Sometimes if I a client approaches me for a role and I feel that I have a talent who would perfectly fit the role I second them, not unless the clients insist on having me,” Peter Kawa shared.
