TAKE 5: Justin Karunguru

Justin Karunguru is a multi-faceted man; he is an actor, comedian and TV host.

He has, in the past five years, risen from being a stage actor doing plays at his church, CITAM Valley Road, and local theatres, to become a screen actor featuring in acclaimed local series and films including the TV sitcom ‘Briefcase Inc’, telenovela ‘KONA’ which aired on DSTV’s Maisha Magic, ‘Black Wedding’ and ‘Circle’, both produced by Zamaradi Productions.

In 2015, he joined the improvisational comedy troupe, Because You Said So, and is set to co-host a local TV show.

When not busy on stage or screen, Justin is an avid rugby fan, and played the game until club level with Mean Machine RFC. He is also an avid reader and motor cycle enthusiast. 

1.How did you find out you were a funny guy?

It was mostly by chance. I did a number of theatrical productions and always ended up type cast as the funny man in the play. Even getting cast for the improv-comedy show, Because You Said So, was almost by chance. For a long time, I have been passionate about the creative arts space, and it was not until I did my first commercial play with Wholesome Entertainment, that it occurred to me that it was a commercially viable trade. 

2. What would you say is your first love?

Being in front of people performing. As long as I am comfortable with the content, I find a lot of fulfilment in acting. From a very young age, I fell in love with playing different characters and using my imagination to create a world that other people can get lost in with me. Would I go back to my field of study? (business administration) I do not think I have left that, as I am still involved with the day to day running of a family enterprise. 

3.Are there challenges that come with being an entertainer in a largely secular space?

Yes and no. I have come to learn over time that it’s only as difficult as one makes it out to be. I would want to do work that not only makes me proud, but that which can make my children proud of me too. The difficulties arise when one has to take a ‘black and white’ stand on a ‘grey’ issue, and at the end of the day, those are influenced by one’s fundamental value set, in my opinion. 

4. Why are there not as many female comedians as there are men?

Perhaps due to our largely patriarchal society, where many vocations are male-dominated. It is only recently that we have seen an increasing in number of ladies boldly stepping into vocations that were seen as manly, for instance engineering, mechanics, the military and driving, say, taxis. Our society is empowering women to think of themselves as more than homemakers, and now, more and more girls are boldly stepping into fields that in the past were the preserve of men. 

5.What is your favourite joke?

Hmm......that is a hard one. I’ve heard so many good ones that have floored me. If I had to pick however, I would say one by my favourite comedian, Trevor Noah, where he described Count Dracula as being called Vernacular in Africa.

________

Hotspot

Too Early For Birds

 Too Early for Birds is back with a second, richly detailed and superbly acted instalment with stories borrowed from Owaahh’s blog (though originally, from Kenyan history), enacted by the talented Abu Sense and Ngartia, and accompanied by an energetic supporting cast consisting of Laura Ekumbo, Anne Moraa, Brian Njagi and William Mwangi, among others. Last time, the house was full. The early bird tickets are already sold out, so I advise that you buy a ticket as soon as you can. It’s a show that teaches you about where you came from, why your country is the way it is and who our heroes are. Hint: You won’t see Superman, but the ticket will be worth it.

*****

Blog review

Dear Doris

http://www.mydeardoris.com/ 

Dear Doris is back! This popular blog, described as letters to the author’s favourite plus-size woman, always starts out as a love letter, and then turns into colourful storytelling about the things that go on in the writer’s eventful life:  He’s been gone for 125 days, but thankfully, he’s back.

He writes,

It has been 125 days since we last spoke. Forgive me my love. You already know my tiny heart has nothing else but utter love for you. Your image congests my entire frame, yet every time I try to say something to you, words fail me. If you were here with me my lovely Doris, I am certain we would not need words…