United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) goodwill ambassador Mercy Masika Muguro was a day ago elated to meet her childhood idol, the ever-funny Daktari actor Mathias Keya alias Alfonse Makacha dot Makokha.
Taking to social media to celebrate the famed Vioja Mahakamani actor’s successes, Masika stated in a video that has been viewed over 30,000 times that was thrilled and hopeful that the art industry in Kenya can actually give one a decent living.
“Watched Makokha on TV since childhood and I finally met him...I totally celebrate him. To see him drive told me you can act and have a good living,” read part of the singer's caption.
She, at the same time, urged other entertainers not to give up but rather continue putting in all the efforts and hard work.
“So, actors keep on acting. In Kenya we can act and make a living,” added the Muite Yesu hitmaker who was appointed as UNHCR goodwill ambassador mid this year.
“It is a great honour and joy to be given this appointment. I intend to work in my role as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador by relying on my faith as a child of God and my commitment to support people forced to flee.
"Refugees are just like you and me - they could, in fact, be any of us. I believe that, as an African community, we have a responsibility to invoke the spirit of Ubuntu; that we carry each other’s burdens by showing our warm-heartedness in the face of a refugee’s struggle,” she said.
Prior to the appointment, Masika served championed UNHCR's LuQuLuQu campaign that sought to change the narrative of refugees in Africa.
Alfonse Makacha dot Makokha
In an interview with the Nairobian two years ago, Makokha revealed that he first came to Nairobi in 1992 after his father was transferred to the city and settled in Eastlands’ Maringo estate.
“I had a very hard time with my diet. Transiting from a diet of cassava, sweet potatoes and ugali to bread and rice was not easy. In fact, my mother was not impressed with my endless appetite. The flush toilet and shower were both novelties, he told Cate Mukei.
He started acting while in standard three and landed in the much-acclaimed Vitimbi show by chance while performing at one of the hotels in Nairobi.
“I started acting as a young kid, I can vividly remember it all started when I was in class 3, at Dr Kraft primary school where I participated in music and drama festivals, a hobby-turned talent which I took along throughout primary school.
“After I joined form one, I still never let go of my talent, but I almost thought my dreams came to a halt when I was forced to drop out of school as a form two student, due to financial problems.
“Soon after dropping out, I joined a Jericho acrobats group by the name ‘Zuma Zuma’ where we used to perform in events and shows, which included performing in luxurious hotels in Kenya. My biggest breakout came after I joined Jericho Cultural dancers. Our dances and comedy shows earned us an unforgettable tour to Korea. ”
“I remember performing at one of the hotels in Nairobi, and Vitimbi’s Mama Kayai was present. She was impressed by my acting skills and invited me for a shoot, luckily enough I made it to the show without any auditions” he told Radio Jambo.
