Hired by the streets

From grit to glory - how Brian Kamandi danced into his destiny. [Jayne Rose Gacheri/ Standard] "The streets are always hiring," says Brian Kamandi, because for him this is where he shaped a career and life. In the vibrant streets of Nairobi, where chaos collides with creativity, Kamandi's story starts - a tale of dreams, daring, and unwavering determination. From the fourth-born in a family of six to the founder of TtHS Production House, Brian's journey is proof that life's stage is never too big for a bold heart. Picture this: a young Brian, sandwiched between five siblings, all vying for attention, resources, and a place at the dinner table. Life wasn't sprinkling fairy dust on his dreams. When he landed a spot at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) to study Project Management, it was cause for celebration-and a slight panic. How could he afford it? Determined to find a way, Brian turned to his passion for street dancing. It all started in Juja, home to his campus, JKUAT, alongside friends who shared his flair for performance, Brian began doing gigs and street dances across Juja. Soon, they spread their performances to other towns as demand grew. Their impromptu shows became the lifeline that kept his educational ambitions alive. "We danced for survival, but we danced with joy," Brian recalls. "Every performance felt like a step closer to my future." For four years, Brian balanced the challenges of academia with the demands of street life. Nights were spent choreographing moves, days were dedicated to lectures, and weekends reserved for performances. It was a juggling act fueled by sheer determination and the hope that brighter days lay ahead. Years later, Brian vividly remembers one particular night on the dimly lit streets of Nairobi. His team performed tirelessly, their worn sneakers skidding on uneven pavement. Their audience, curious onlookers, and loyal fans cheered as they turned street corners into stages. That night's earnings-a modest stack of coins and notes-were enough to pay his semester's fees. "Whenever I feel stuck, I think back to that night," Brian shares. "It reminds me that even small victories can lead to big dreams." Graduation was bittersweet. Brian hoped his project management degree would lead to career stability, but opportunities proved elusive. Undeterred, he pivoted to his creative roots, embracing street culture. "I couldn't find a corporate job, but the streets? They were always hiring," Brian jokes. Street dancing evolved into modeling gigs and MCing performances. Brian's natural charisma and knack for captivating audiences soon earned him recognition in Nairobi's vibrant artistic circles. The streets became his training ground, where raw talent met real opportunity. Fast-forward to January 2022. With years of experience and an undeniable passion for storytelling, Brian launched TtHS Production House-a venture born from his desire to amplify grassroots voices and celebrate community resilience. "Starting TtHS was terrifying," Brian admits. "It felt like jumping off a cliff, but I trusted my wings would carry me." However, his stints at institutions like Postal Corporation of Kenya, Safaricom, and VSKIT Kenya gave him the confidence. The production house quickly gained traction, collaborating with organizations like Oxfam and Badili Africa. From documenting women's empowerment forums to capturing peace dialogues in universities, recording wildlife safaris, and content production, TtHS became synonymous with transformative storytelling. "We don't just create visuals," Brian says with a smile. "We create moments that stick with you longer than a catchy tune." Behind the scenes, Brian's family played an Oscar-worthy supporting role. As the fourth-born, he learned resilience from his elder brothers and sister, while his younger siblings looked to him as their superhero. "My family's challenges shaped my drive," Brian explains. "I wanted to show them that no mountain is too steep if you've got good shoes-or dancing feet." His mother's influence was equally profound. As a respected photojournalist, she provided Brian with a masterclass in storytelling. Her evocative images-each capturing untold stories of everyday lives-instilled in him a deep appreciation for the narrative power of visuals. "Her work taught me that storytelling is about connecting hearts," Brian reflects. "And that's what I aim to do with every project." Brian's father, a retired employee from Kenya Postal Telecommunications, brought a contrasting influence-steadiness and structure. Watching his father's dedication to duty inspired Brian's belief in the importance of discipline, a value he carries into his entrepreneurial endeavours.

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