The Kenyan Nigerian

Dr Ofweneke, the comedian in different poses. [Photos: Maxwell Agwanda/Standard]

SANDE BUSH, 22, is a comedian who speaks in pure English of Nigerian accent that has confused fans into believing he is Nigerian and not Kenyan. He spoke to NANJINIA WAMUSWA

How did fans start confusing you for a Nigerian?

I landed a job as a comedian to co-host a show alongside Titi Nagwala at Milele FM. Initially, I was to present in Luhya, Kikuyu, Kamba, Kisii or Luo accent but other comedians were already good with these accents. Nagwala challenged me to come up with something fresh. I turned to Nigerian accent. He introduced the show, saying he had a visitor, Dr Ofweneke from Nigeria. I spoke in Nigerian accent and it has confused listeners to date.

What do you do for a living?

I am a comedian at a local radio station; I act in Vioja Mahakamani and participate in the monthly Crazy Monday Comedy Night sponsored by the Standard Group. I also write scripts and songs, direct and shoot videos, MC and a motivational speaker. I own Ofufu Media and Born to Smile initiative.

How did you acquire Nigerian accent?

I started watching Nigerian movies at a tender age. I also attend church at Winners Chapel on Ngong’ Road where pastors and many other people are Nigerians. Their lifestyle and accent inspired me.

What about the Dr Ofweneke title?

I used to entertain children in Nigerian accent at a shop in our estate. Then they wanted to know my name and before l could reply, they said l looked like Dr Ofweneke. I don’t know where they got it from. Later, while looking for job as comedian, l was asked the name l would use and I recalled Dr Ofweneke.

?How did you discover you were a comedian?

As a child, the people l interacted with told me l was funny. I took comedy seriously in high school and even started a programme called Bull’s Eye. Every Friday during assembly, I would make fun of the week’s funny events.

Where did you grow up?

I was partly raised in Western and Nairobi’s Eastlands. I attended many schools. In Western, I studied at, Nabongo, Malava, Ikonyero and Pine Breeze primary schools. In Nairobi, I attended Our Lady of Mercy and State House primary schools. I then joined Aga Khan High School before moving to Mwea Boys High School where I sat for my KCSE.

Can you describe yourself?

I am down to earth person, very social, funny and a great noisemaker.

 

Ever convinced your fans that you’re Kenyan and not Nigerian?

I have never struggled to convince them. I leave it to the suspense of my doubting fans. In fact, in one of the events l hosted, Nollywood stars who attended were shocked to discover that I was not one of their own.

How do you cope with celebrity status?

I know l can’t beat fans so l join them. It was easier with radio because people only recognise the voice. On television, it became a challenge since they recognise you.

When did you break into comedy?

In February 2010, l took a comic demo to Milele FM. Titi Nagwala then called me for a voice over. I landed a job. Last year, Vitimbi invited me to act with them. I started as a Nigerian pastor. Vioja Mahakamani also invited me and am still with them. In November last year, M-Net gave me a contract to do a comedy show in Uganda and more opportunities are coming.

Where have you travelled with your comedy?

I have only been to Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. I will be going to Nigeria next year and to the UK later.

Any challenges so far?

Breaking into the comedy industry was my major challenge. I did many voice demos and delivered to all radio stations. Receptionists, secretaries and watchmen who saw me often ignored me and some chased me saying I had nothing new to offer.

Who are your role models?

Internationally Chris Rock inspires me. In Africa, Nigerian comedian Glint da Drunk, Nkem Owoh and John Okafor. Locally, l admire Matayo Keya aka Makokha and Francis Njenga aka Mogaka. They are real. I feel honoured working alongside them.

How do you handle ladies?

I have met many. I always tell them we can just be friends but nothing beyond that. As a public figure or celebrity, two things — self-control and wisdom will always get you out of such temptations.

Any awards received?

The only major awards I have received are through mouths — people congratulating me for what l do.

What are your future plans?

I want to pursue a degree in Journalism and Media Studies and to officially get married. I also hope to own a TV show and move my comedy outside Kenya.

Tell us more about Born to Smile?

It is a motivational speaking initiative done in comedy and target youths. I want to go around schools and churches in all the counties entertaining, inspiring and motivating fellow youths to engage in noble deeds and work hard.

How did you become a motivational speaker?

It is all about experience. I had very rough life. My mother left me when I was one week old. We later met in 2010, but she passed on before we could know each other well. People who have gone through similar childhood need motivation from those with similar experiences. This way, they can be encouraged and become successful people in the society.

What does Ofufu Media Company do?

It deals with events organising and consultancy, artists’ management, graphic designing, T-shirt branding, video directing and script writing. I also nurture young upcoming artistes in comedy and music.

How did you learn all these things?

I am curious and also naturally talented. I have learned many things just by interacting with people who handle similar activities.

Is your comedy genetic?

It seems genetic because my father, late mother and uncle are all funny. I have combined both and upped it as a profession.

Achievements

My greatest achievement is keeping my audience entertained and educated. It was also a big honour to emcee Patience Ozokwor and other Nollywood actors and actresses’ events when they visited the country.