Mlevi Chakari: I don't drink, but I love the mlevi persona dearly

Kelvin Otieno. (Photo/Silas Nyamweya)

Kelvin Otieno Owala has been trending on social media with his Mlevi Chakari stints and comedies.

He tells Silas Nyamweya he always acts a drunkard yet he doesn’t take alcohol.

Briefly introduce yourself

I come from Kisumu County, Ahero Town Kakola village. I come from a family where I am the only child.

When and how did you discover your acting talent? I discovered my talent when in secondary school but I started taking it seriously after I finished studying and was doing my job as an electrical engineer.

Why did you choose to focus on Mlevi Chakari? I chose Mlevi Chakari because it is a character I took my time, natured and developed with an aim of entertaining people. I admire the funny things that come with drinking as a whole. I was realised that each time I do it, it is enjoyable and easy to make someone feel better through the plays.

Other than social media, which other platforms have you been featured on as a comedian? Other than social media, I have featured in a Luo movie, Kindwa, and another one we are working on.

What else do you do? Apart from acting, I am a qualified electrical engineer, doing wiring installation.

What impact has your type of acting made on your personal and professional life? Acting as a drunk has changed a lot of things in my life.  Particularly considering my act displays the side effects and humour of alcohol and dealing with a drunk person. I have been portrayed as a drunkard on many occasions, more so when I find myself in events. Many people assume I am a drunkard because of the character I play. In real life, however, I don’t take even a sip. The mlevi persona has, however, not affected my profession as an electrician in any way.  My clients appreciate what I do as an electrician and  also online. In fact some of them have become my fans. And for me, it is a great thing. Though some are very judgmental (huyu mlevi siwezi ita Kwa nyumba yangu anifanyie wiring. Ndo anichomee nyumba daaa!)

How much do you earn from acting?

I am yet to start earning from acting from my social media platforms. Though I do get some support from fans. Occassionally, Ka Mpesa inaingia hapo, kunywa kitu mlevi (laughs).

Any negativity or challenges from acting Mlevi Chakari? Negativities are many when it comes to working with brands and advertisement. Some advertisements aren’t going well or align with the character I do in my acting. As a comedian, usually people expect much from me. For the time I have been doing my skits as Mlevi Chakari, I have learned a lot and would wish to see myself doing well in the future.

Your parting shot?

As it’s said, making someone laugh can be tiresome but with good approach and focus anyone can achieve it. Content creation is not easy when you don’t give it time and have passion towards it.