I am the least funny person in my family

Teacher Wanjiku of Churchill live on stage during "One nation one vibe" concert at the KICC grounds on Sunday December 1, 2013. Photo/FILE

What you need to know:

  • Royal Media wanted the character Teacher Wanjiku and we both agreed to call the show Teacher Wanjiku, nothing more. The rest belonged to them from content to producing it.

  • The show was rushed and since they owned the show, I did not have a say. When they cancelled the show, I left. There was a rumour that it was cancelled because of Twitter and the backlash but that was not the case.

  • It was just not well executed. Lessons were learnt and we have to move on.

Q: How did you get into acting?

I was introduced by a close friend of mine 10 years ago. I have been hooked since then.

 

What were you doing before?

I used to sell second-hand clothes hawking from door to door.

 

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Eastland’s, Huruma estate (Nairobi).

 

Why did you part ways with comedian Churchill?

I chose peace and walked away. Once a champion twice an enemy.

 

What happened to the show that you started after parting ways with Churchill?

Royal Media wanted the character Teacher Wanjiku and we both agreed to call the show Teacher Wanjiku, nothing more. The rest belonged to them from content to producing it.

The show was rushed and since they owned the show, I did not have a say. When they cancelled the show, I left. There was a rumour that it was cancelled because of Twitter and the backlash but that was not the case.

It was just not well executed. Lessons were learnt and we have to move on.

 

Do you write your own lines?

Yes I do. However, I get help from my creative team. No-one is an island.

 

What are you currently doing?

I am on bed rest; I am pregnant but will resume immediately after giving birth.

 

What else do you do besides comedy?

I’m a businesswoman and I also have a production company called “Mwalimu Production” that I own with my husband who is my director, my manager and mentor.

 

Compare Teacher Wanjiku and Carolyne?

Teacher Wanjiku is funny and gets away with stuff; her fashion sense is out of this world. Carolyne is more sophisticated, calm, collected and very serious.

 

Why the dressing code and the character?

I wanted to be unique from other actors (laughs); imagine I do not even know how I came up with such creativity but I am glad it worked out for me. Isn’t the dressing unique?

 

What drives you?

My fans. They are the people who I really need most.

 

Tell us about your family

You will not believe this but it’s the gospel truth. We are all funny in our family. I am the fourth born in a family of six — four girls two boys. Sit down with them and you will realise that Teacher Wanjiku is not anything close to being funny.

God willing, we will start our own comedy team.

 

What challenges do you face as a public figure and a female comedian?

Challenges are part of life. As a public figure, your life is not yours anymore, people are watching you in everything you do. So you need to be careful on what you say especially on social media.

 

What do you do for fun?

Watching TV series. I love catching up with my girlfriends.

 

Who has had greatest influence on your life?

My husband. He is amazing and, for that, I am grateful. I have my good and bad days but he is always there and I look up to him …

 

How many kids?

I have a 12-year-old daughter and a five-year-old stepson. I am expecting my last-born.

 

What has brought the most joy in your life?

My family and children, they have been there for me in good and bad times.

 

What is the biggest lesson you learnt from your parents?

‘Always be focused on whatever you do and avoid negative people who want to bring you down because they are not your basic need.’ These were my mother’s words when I started my acting career. I have always lived by them.

 

Has your position as a comedian affected your relations with people?

No, not at all, it’s much better. I am loved here at home and also in the diaspora. People always laugh when they meet me, whether in character or not, and they respect and appreciate what I do.

 

What do you think you are best at?

Being patient and keeping time.

 

What next for Teacher Wanjiku?

I have a series of shows prepared for next year.