Eddie Butita is one of the newer brand of male comedians who has done well for himself. The man has been able to establish himself as a legitimate star in the industry.
In a recent interview I had with him, I asked him his thoughts on the plight of fellow comedians like the recent case of Omosh.
Omosh
He said, “First, I wouldn’t want to talk about him not using money well, as I wouldn’t know how much he was getting from TV. But most of the times the things that make you go broke as an artiste; 1) Living beyond your means, 2) Alcoholism or substance abuse, 3) Not being paid. Those are the factors that can make you go into a situation where you have a big name but don’t have money.”
He explained how important it was to invest in oneself saying, “Now again if you get the opportunity to have that money, invest it back in the trade. There are a lot of artistes who don’t even have a simple thing like a camera or even a phone that can take good photos. Sometimes when you invest back it helps the brand grow., and more money will come in. When the brand is not growing clients run away.”
Adding, “Even you as Classic105, your rate card changes depending with the growth but it only grows when you put back money in it or in other things that will bring money. Diamond spends a lot on a video, so he can get a lot from it. In Kenya, we have the problem where people are getting money from the entertainment where you make money then you eat it.”
He also used the example of Khaligraph to explain how one invests in their own brand.
“Let me give an example; there’s Khaligraph Jones and there’s Brian Omollo. Now when Khaligraph Jones makes money the brand Khaligraph Jones has to benefit and not Brian Omollo eating all the money that belongs to Khaligraph Jones, that is what we are doing. You go for a performance/show where you get a hundred thousand shillings then you eat it. You don’t do a photoshoot, in essence, you’re not feeding your brand. then the brand dies.”
“Of course, it’s not easy because even we are ourselves are struggling as we head in that direction of saving. We are not yet there this is something if we are able to solve, many artists will live well.”
And who had taught the comedian these smart investment tips?
“It is seeing the way things are happening because most of these things are not new under the sun. What has happened to Omosh has happened to someone else. If you look carefully you will find them.”
He finished off by concluding that better permanent solutions are needed for the issues facing going poor in the entertainment industry.
“But now when it happens we come out and we talk about it and also fundraise but we don’t talk about permanent solutions. What happens when another artist comes out with the same problem? Will we fundraise again? Yes, the artist will become good but what about the next one who comes after him? Will we call for another harambee? We need to know what’s the problem and share ideas. and then grow as entertainers.”
