When he gets on stage, he’s a no-nonsense fellow, but when he is off the stage, he is a different man altogether.
A jovial and outgoing individual whose hobby is mingling with the loving public.
Being sociable is important to him, an element he has used over the years to gather information in readiness for his auditions.
It is also during these meet-ups with fans that he gets criticisms and compliments from those who watch him on stage.
“Ideas from our fans and friends are key to our preparations. We use them during rehearsals, for our auditions ahead of official shows. We have in the past used this information to improve our work,” says Inspector Mwala.
Mwala, real name is Davis Mwabili, says that getting to the top is easier than retaining the status.
Keep Reading
“As a household name, maintaining the status quo as a renowned comedian is one of the toughest jobs in the entertainment industry,” he says.
“It’s easy to get to the top but retaining it is a different ballgame altogether. It requires total dedication, discipline and hard work. It has taken me a fortune to do so and I pray to Almighty God for my status to remain that way longer,” Mwabili, a celebrated actor in the comedy industry told Sunday Magazine.
The soften-spoken Mwala ventured into professional acting in 1994, acting in the Vitimbi comedy show with the likes of the late Mzee Ojwang’ Hatari (Benson Wanjau) Mama Kayai (Mary Khavere), the late Othorong’ong’o Danger (Joseph Anyong’a) and the late Amka Twende (Benjamin Otieno).
The programme, which was always sponsored due to its popularity was then aired by the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation.
By then, his twin partner in the shows was Likobe, born Aurelian Mwalukumbi Mliwa, who has since quit acting and is working with a government agency.
“This is a God-given inborn talent and I love it. I started acting in high school,” he says.
He says Vitimbi is the comedy show that catapulted him to fame.
When he got time, Mwabili used to get slots in the comedy series Vioja Mahakamani with the likes of Ondiek Nyuka Kwota and Mzee Ojwang’.
“I spent my time with Vitimbi actors but briefly in Vioja Mahakamani and that’s how I developed my skills,” he says.
Among the contemporaries whom Mwabili admires to have been inspirational to him, are Mzee Ojwang and Othorong’ong’o Danger.
The duo’s experience and charisma were instrumental in the popularity of the programme which resulted in it having a bigger viewership not only in Kenya but also in Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar in the 1980s and 1990s.
“These are the two actors who impressed and inspired me towards acting, their skills were admirable, which steered me to love this profession,” says the actor.
Asked how he fairs on in the Inspector Mwala comedy show, Mwabili says the show is superb. "I believe it’s loved by most Kenyans, just as they love Vitimbi and Vioja Mahakamani”.
He adds, “The profession pays well, I don’t regret having chosen it as a full-time career.
On whether he has other income-generating activities besides acting, the comedian says that he is an emcee.
“As a public speaker the experience gained from acting has inspired me to specialise in emceeing,” he says.
Besides his work, Mwala spares time for his family.
“I survive on acting and my family knows this as what puts food on the table. They respect me and my profession,” says Mwala who will not divulge much about his family. “Just know that I am a family man. And that’s it...,” he says.