What you didn’t know about TV comedian Awinja

Kenya: No female comedian brings humour to TV better than Papa Shirandula’s Awinja, real Name Jacky Vike. Shirley Genga caught up with the person behind the character.

Generation Next: How long have you been an actress?

Jacky Vike: Acting has always been part of my life; I acted in Sunday School, I continued to be active in primary school all the way to high school, but professionally, I have been acting for about five years now.

GN: When did you get your big break into the acting industry?

JV: When I got the role on Papa Shirandula as Awinja, about two years ago. Being on the show has really put me out there in terms of publicity, and has drawn lucrative opportunities. I am currently the brand ambassador of Luminarc (a French tableware and home decoration brand) as Awinja.

We toured the country the whole of August doing road shows and creating brand awareness for the winda na Luminarc promotion. The role of Awinja has opened many doors for me including emceeing at events.

GN: You are the complete opposite of the character Awinja. You look like two different people, how do you pull it off?

JV: Thank you. Truth is, when I get into my character, I have a lot of fun. I effortlessly allow myself to become Awinja the house help not Jacky Vike anymore. When you act and your audience tell you that you look different from the ‘role’ that you play, it assures you that you nailed your role.

GN: Tell us a bit of your work history?

JV: I first got into acting professionally back in 2008 with Theatrix Arts Ensemble, a travelling theatre that re-enacted high school set books. After a stint with the group, I joined Heartstrings Kenya and did different stage plays before joining Theatre Company for a project called Fire by Ten project staging play called Excess.

Afterwards, I had a chance to work with the Institute of Performing Arts (Ipal) working on a play that we performed in Addis Ababa during the Eastern Africa Theatre Institute festival.

Soon after, I made my first television debut on Wash n set playing a schoolgirl. That opened the silver screen door for me. I got a role on an online series called Simiyu Samurai and then got to act in Nairobi Half-Life as a twilight girl before Papa Shirandula came in which I still am on currently. Oh! I am also the lead actress in the 2013 film Ni sisi that focuses on post-election violence.

GN: What are some of the challenges you face as a young, upcoming actress?

JV: When I first got into acting it was very challenging. I would go for auditions and get rejected over and over which was demoralising. To add to this, even when I clinched roles, the pay was dismal and when the pay was good, it would it would take too long, sometimes even after the show had aired, and other times you did not get paid at all.

GN: What do you love most about acting?

JV: It pleases me that I get to play other characters different from my personality and character.

GN: To date, what is your favourite acting role and why?

JV: I do not have a favourite role really. Let me just say I have enjoyed all the different roles I have played in theatre, film and on television.  

GN: Do you have a preparation ritual for a role? 

JV: No. I, however, research and get to understand the character assigned. When it comes to live events like road shows, I do breathing exercises before getting on stage.

GN: Are you in school, and if yes, where and what are you studying? 

JV: Yes, I am studying Broadcast Journalism at Media School Africa, but currently on break to focus on the road shows. I resume school early next year.

GN: Has the industry grown to the point where you can you survive on acting?

JV: Times have really changed and to be honest, I survive on acting entirely unlike before where you had to have a side job for sustenance. Acting is all I do, even my side on the side gigs like road shows or voice-overs all involve acting.

GN: Tell us about your background?

JV: I am the third born among four siblings, though one of my brothers passed on a few years back. I grew up in Eastleigh, and attended Heshima Primary School and went to Kegoye High School in Western

GN: Any other hidden talents?

JV: I am a professional dancer trained in contemporary dance, hip-hop, Afro fusion, flamenco and salsa. I am also a yoga instructor.

GN: Are you dating?

JV: No, I am very single.

GN: You are very stylish, who is your style icon and why?

JV: Solange Knowles style is inspirational. She rocks the old school style just the way I like it.  I am into vintage stuff, which she also knows how to dress. When it comes to hair, I look up to Janelle Monae’s style.

GN: What are you future plans?

JV: I plan to have my own production company and also settle down and start my family.

GN: Advice for a young and aspiring performer who intends to follow your path?

JV: You can have anything you want, but only if you believe in what you do. In this industry, determination, patience and positioning is everything.