Cucu wa Kangemi inspired my character - Mama Nyaguthii

Mary Adhiambo aka Mama Nyaguthii [Photo: Courtesy]

Mama Nyaguthii whose real name is Mary Adhiambo is one of the interesting characters in the TV series, Papa Shirandula.

She is depicted as a tough landlady, who often walks with an exaggerated limp and has a deep Kikuyu accent. Interestingly, she is Luo and not Kikuyu as Silas Nyamweya found out.

If you were to bump into a stranger, how best would you describe yourself?

I am a humble, God-fearing and generous family woman. I have kids and siblings whom I adore very much.

We all know you as that no-nonsense woman in the show. Tell me, how and when did the acting bug kick?

I started my acting career in 1994. It was all by coincidence. That year, Legal Resources Foundation Trust was looking for young people to train in acting since they wanted to use Arts as a medium of passing information.

So, their Project Officer then (Black Odanyiro) visited the Chief’s Camp in Kangemi to look for young people. He managed to get a young guy who was our neighbour and convinced him to look for other young people who were interested. I was part of the team of interested youth and from there, the rest is history

How did you join Papa Shirandura show?

In 2007, I received a phone call from Charles Bukeko (Papa Shirandula). I was at Langata Women’s Prison doing my legal clinics (I am a trained legal officer) to the remand inmates. I first ignored his call since I didn’t know the caller but when he called again, I responded.

He told me of the new programme they were starting and he thought I would play the role of Wilbroda well. I took up the offer, but when the producer came in, he thought my body size could not march that of Bukeko and ended up giving me the role of Mama Nyaguthii.

Mary Adhiambo aka Mama Nyaguthii [Photo: Courtesy]

You have a heavy Kikuyu accent, yet you are not one! How now? 

I got the kikuyu accent from Kikuyus. I was raised up in Kangemi which was majorly inhabited by Kikuyus. I learnt their language as a kid and mastered their accent.

 Is there a real-life person you imitate in Mama Nyaguthii? 

Yes, there was this cucu in Kangemi called Cucu Wangari. She was very rich and had very many rental houses but was very mean to herself. She lived in a one-roomed timber house with her very old mother.

She would wear the same clothes every day and walked most of the time. With time because of always carrying kiondos full of food on her back, she bended and developed problems with her feet hence the walking style of Mama Nyaguthii.

Do you have a disability as you normally appear on TV?

No, I do not have any form of disability, but Mama Nyaguthii, the character has. You should meet me wearing my high heeled shoes and looking elegant. You will not even recognise me.

Which other business/job do you do besides acting?

Apart from acting, I am an employee of Legal Resources Foundation Trust in-charge of Training Paralegals, but also, the Coordinator of Paralegal Support Network (PASUNE), an umbrella body for Paralegals in Kenya.

I am also trained in law and hence a paralegal. I practice mostly in the prisons where we have many people who cannot afford the services lawyers so I give them free legal education especially on the trial process so that they can self-represent themselves.

As a legal officer, how do you juggle between work and rehearsals?

I don’t do rehearsals at all. I think I have mastered the art. I only need to look at a script once and then shoot. My acting takes very little of my time. I’m only needed once or twice a month so that means I have the rest of the days to serve the inmates and the community at large.

Are your fans familiar with you in real life situation?

Very few are. Majority cannot recognise me in real life, which I really like because I am one of those people that does not like the attention that comes with a celebrity status.

Mary Adhiambo aka Mama Nyaguthii [Photo: Courtesy]

Which is your best/worst episode ever?

I have very many good episodes that I enjoyed watching but my best would be those episodes that I tried mediating between Papa and his wife Wilbroda. I’m also a certified Professional Mediator so you will understand why I loved such episodes. I’m yet to experience a worst episode

Do you have a family and what is their take in your acting role?

Yes, I have a family that is very proud and supportive of my acting career. You know the celebrity status is extended to them too. They get help and recognition any time they reveal they are related to me.

Any embarrassing blunders you have made on screen?

Oh yes. There was a time I forgot my walking style and I walked upright! I felt very bad and wondered how we all never noticed that. It actually went on air like that.

Do you have next plans after Papa Shirandura show/any plans to join any other TV program?

Well, I would wish to join any other TV programme because acting is my life, I love it to the core and any platform that gives me the opportunity to showcase it I take.

Which other TV show do you admire in Kenya?

Well, they are many. I love watching Mother-in-law because it brings out family values and how to handle conflict within the family when they occur.

I also like Machachari because I am an advocate for children’s rights. Also, Inspector Mwala, because it has a relation with the kind of work I do every day, Real Househelps of Kawangware for a good laugh and Aunty Boss for a laugh too.

How can you rate the comedy and film industry in Kenya?

Comedy and film in Kenya has come a long way but the development in the years is commendable. A big improvement is evident but more can be done especially in content and remuneration of actors.

Mary Adhiambo aka Mama Nyaguthii [Photo: Courtesy]

Does comedy pay well?

I would say No, and Yes. Why? Because, sadly, it depends on the station that has given you the opportunity. Some pay actors badly and really exploit them but others pay well.

Personally, I’m not complaining, Royal Media has set good standards but out of the TV programme you get other opportunities like being a brand ambassador of a product, Master of Ceremony on big events, skits for special occasions etc.

How do you handle fame?

I’m a very humble person. Fame has never got into my head. I always want to be treated just like any other person and I get along with people of all kinds. I love being around people and being on the same level with them.

What do you advice those with passion in comedy and acting, where should they start from?

I would advise them not to sit on the talent. Go out and look for the opportunities. Nowadays, you can showcase your work on social media but also get hooked up in the same social media.

They can visit Theatres like the Kenya National Theatre for opportunities too but what you find and the board of the theatre will already be in social media like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and even youtube. They can also hook up with actors on social media for upcoming opportunities.