Kenyan comedian and digital content creator Timothy Kimani, widely known as Njugush, has opened up about the inspiration behind his popular satirical skits.
Speaking in an interview, Njugush explained that most of his comic skits are inspired by real-life issues affecting ordinary people in society.
Emphasising that art often reflects what is happening on the ground, the award-winning comedian further revealed that his audience often asks him to talk about the current situations affecting them.
However, he admitted there are some topics he avoids not out of fear but because he lacks firsthand knowledge or reliable information.
“The art reflects what is happening in society; the audience is the one who asks me to talk about what I am talking about from a point of information. There are some things that I will not talk about because I have no information, but we are talking about real things happening to real people,” Njugush said.
Beyond the laughs, Njugush says his platform exposes him to the harsh realities many Kenyans face.
“I have a lot of medical appeals in my DM, and the only best thing you can do for them is to stand up,” he added.
Real-time skits
Njugush said many of the videos that seem to address current issues were created long before the events happened. He added that he only reshared those that align with the present situation.
“50 per cent of those videos are videos I did long ago, so they are sort of videos I did, and they fit the current situation. I am lucky to be long enough in terms of creativity, so you will find I have already created something,” he said.
For Njugush, comedy is more than entertainment; it is a powerful mirror held up to society. His skits might draw laughs, but they also spark thoughtful conversations.
Comedy journey
Njugush rose to the limelight through a comic show dubbed Hapa Kule, which aired on a local TV station. However, in 2023, he revealed that comedy was never part of his original plan.
“No, comedy was not initially what I had in mind, but life has a way of leading you down unexpected paths,” Njugush said.
He also credited fellow actor and scriptwriter Abel Mutua as being pivotal to his acting career.
“I met Abel Mutua, who was looking for someone to host a new show he had launched. He noticed how funny I was and saw potential in me.”
