The pandemic stifled the entertainment industry in the grand scheme of things by putting constraints on live shows and other channels artistes derive income from.
On the other side of the coin; the sitch has presented a blessing in disguise for fledgeling entertainers who’ve subsequently garnered high viewership and broken into the entertainment scene owing to the pandemic. Here are notable Kenyan breakout stars of the pandemic.
- Elsa Majimbo
Definitely, comic Elsa Majimbo needs no introduction but here goes nothing.
The internet sensation broke into the limelight by recording her skit rants in her bedroom as she crunched crisps under her distinctive sound byte – issa pandemic!
Her videos have since been shared widely and is the biggest breakout star yet having transcended barriers and signed deals with international fashion lines like Rihanna’s Fenty and featuring on acclaimed magazine Vogue on their teen issue. - Azziad Nasenya
One day she is dancing to a song on Tik-Tok, the next she’s trending on Twitter and before you wrap your head around it all, she’s making her debut on acclaimed Kenyan Swahili soap opera and telenovela Selina.
Azziad has been quite through the rollercoaster since dancing to Femi One and Mejja’s song ‘Utawezana’ on Tik-Tok.
The dancer and actress has since been interviewed by a number of media personalities for her dancing spoils and has her own YouTube show; Shoe Game with Azziad. - Trio Mio
Country wide school closure opened a gaping door for singer and rapper Trio Mio.
The 16 – year – old grabbed the opportunity to focus on his music, ultimately taking his place on the high table with viral hit ‘Cheza Kama Wewe’ which has a remix featuring Nellythegoon and seasoned artiste Mejja.
Trio Mio has since drawn comparison to Czaar and rap legend E-Sir. - Shakila
Socialite Shakila popped into the scene after showing her twerking chops on Xtian Dela’s instragram show, Club Covid.
She has since sky rocketed to fame, albeit controversially, having also featured on singer Tory Lanez seedy Instagram live.
The 19-year old has perpetually been on the news since; featuring on seasoned comic Eric Omondi’s wife material show and setting on outlandish allegations on celebrities. - Alvan Gatitu
Having been a Tusker Project Fame contestant at one point, Alvan Love had petered out of the scene until he expressed his rent plights after being locked out of his house by his landlord at the prime of the pandemic.
Kenyans came through for the Tik-Tok star and since then his viral Tik-Tok videos have been a catch.
His Tik-Tok antics consequently paid off as he landed a radio job at Trace FM. - King Julias and Cartoon Comedian Actress
King Julias and Cartoon comedian command a similar style, the former doing sketches embodying the life of a university student and conveying the life of a ghetto lass and girls on the wider spectrum.
King Julius also runs a comic group and YouTube channel called Wololo TV and has since been interviewed on The Trend.
Cartoon Comedian Actress has also bagged interviews with seasoned comedian Jalango and The Trend.