Meet the boss of Papa Shirandula

In most TV shows, William Juma plays the role of a flashy, mean and authoritative boss. Could this be his character in real life?

You are an interesting character we see on TV. Please introduce to us Juma Anderson…

I am an actor. I also do commercials, direct plays and documentaries, and write scripts for movies and plays. I am a board member in a stakeholders committee involved with youth funds meant for the entertainment and film industry.

When did you realise you could act?

I got interested in acting after Dr Opiyo Omumo and University of Nairobi theatre students came to Kamukunji High School and staged plays for set books. I knew I could act because l was a good debater and spoke good English. I got in touch with the late Dr Omumo and in 1998, cast in a play titled The Marriage by Nicolai Gogol.

What was your dream career?

I admired my uncle who was a pugilist. I also wanted to be a boxer like him. But he wanted me to join armed forces, which wasn’t my interest. However, arts won my heart and I don’t regret. I enjoy what l do.

What defined your role as boss in Papa Shirandula?

It was accidental. I was called and told to carry my suit. During the shoot, l was told to put on the suit, given a car and told to act like a boss. That was in 2006. The director liked it and since then, l have been the boss.

Can you play another role, say a mugger, pickpocket or a poor person in tattered clothes?

Yes, but it has to be gradual because people are so used to me in my current role. As an artiste, you need to challenge yourself with various roles. I have acted in a Russian movie as a thug. However, after the directors learned that I act well as boss in local movies, they made me boss of the thugs.

How hard is it to live a normal life, away from your boss role?

It is hard because people expect you to live the character’s life. My family and some elite people can draw the line, but others can’t differentiate. There are, therefore, shocked when they see me walk, board a matatu or drive a small car. And when they see me in a big car, they think I am acting.

 What is the biggest misconception about you?

I have been mistaken for a policeman a thousand times, by both members of the public and police themselves. I think it is because of my mean, authoritative and serious character. Also, because of my boss role, people think I am rich. They invite me for many harambees and expect me to give out millions of shillings.

Did you have a challenge breaking into entertainment industry?

Yes. I had many auditions without success. At that time, producers were looking for artistes who were already established and those with faces that could sell — you couldn’t blame them. My effort paid off when l first cast in The Marriage play, followed by acting in various set books such as Siku Njema. I was also cast in Radio Theatre, a programme aired then on KBC, where l was paid Sh300 per episode.

Have you faced unwanted female attention, and how do you deal with it?

My authoritative, serious and mean character keeps many ladies away. But the bold ones come. I am polite and listen to them. Some just want to associate with fame, and nothing more.

What don’t people know about you?

I don’t take alcohol. I am very shy. I am not the tribe people think I am, and want them to keep guessing. I am easily accessible.

Tell us about your family background and education.

I qualify to be an East African person. I was born in Tanzania 37 years ago where my father worked. I have lived in Uganda where my mother works to date. I have lived with my aunt in Thika, Nairobi in South B estate, and Busia. I am married with a family. I have a degree in Literature from the University of Nairobi.

What is the highlight of your career?

I have raised and nurtured many artistes who are now big shots in the entertainment scene.