From Vioja Mahakamani to Daktari March 2018 | Page 21

- passion. Nowadays, he adds, there is
money and the platforms are many as
a result of technology and the world
becoming a global village.
“Acting should be treated as any other
professional job. A good actor will
always respect others on set. In acting
there is no “I”, there is only “we”.
The moment you start thinking “I” is
the moment you start to slump. Pride
makes many good actors to fall. It is
a team effort. Respect the producer,
the assistant director, the director,
the make up artist, everyone on the
project,” adds Ondiek.
The trio is not just a bunch of
talented actors. They are organised
and professional. Hiram Mungai’s
leadership skills make him their
spokesperson often at the front
in negotiating deals and making
decisions. Peter Sankale is the man
behind the trio’s creative aspects. A
super-script writer, Sankale’s comical
outlook at life comes in handy for the
team. A business degree holder, he is
also the trio’s voice in matters finances.
Makokha on the other hand, can
always be relied upon when it comes
to delivery.
But how did the three personalities
from different backgrounds stick
together for so long and remain
relevant?
“Our different personalities
compliment each other. Where I am
weak, Sankale is strong, where Sankale is
weak; Makokha’s energy comes in handy.
We are professional,” says Mungai.
Apart from acting, Makokha, who
dropped out of school in primary, is
a recording artiste whose label, Zuka
Records helps upcoming artistes
record their music. He has also
recorded his own songs. His interest
in music came at an early age where
he used to perform in bands. He is a
good drummer.
“Muziki uko kwa damu! (Music is in my
blood!)” Makokha quips.
Peter Sankale is a professional
accountant but focuses more on
performing arts. He also has interests
in music where he trains church choirs.
Hiram Mungai says art is where his
soul is. He has a string of businesses
but believes his main business is art.
He quit a well-paying job as a sales
representative to pursue his love –
acting.
Olexander notes that before thinking
of leaving audience in stiches, comedy
should make an actor laugh first, as
you are the first audience to your
jokes.
“To act comedy, it must thrill you first
as an actor, before you expect it to
trickle down to the viewer. That’s what
we do. We have fun on set,” notes the
veteran actor.
Kokoto, another veteran actor, talks
about the changing tides in comedy
21
saying: “Current times are good
compared to previous ones. There is
money in the industry not only on the
TV shows but also away from screen.”
“Corporates come for us to promote
different campaigns and brands.”
Kokoto who is also a celebrated events
MC, reveals of his struggle with alcohol
which almost cost him his career. He
has since quit alcohol.
“When I lost my job at Vioja
Mahakamani, I knew things had
gone from bad to worse. I had to do
something,” he says.
On his part, David Konana (alias
Masalamu Nyabuto) agrees that
nowadays there is competition,
but this has only created more
opportunities. He however agrees
with his co-actors that nowadays the
motivation for acting is not always
the right one, hence quality of what is
churned out.
The trio hopes for a policy that would
help support actors and a budget that
could spur growth and development in
the entertainment industry.
For the troika of Olexander Josphat,
Alphose Makacha dot Makokha, and
Ondiek Nyuka-Kwota, the journey has
just begun.
“We are still handsome to our
audience. We will be for some time,”
chuckles Mungai.