One-on-one with Comedian Mwirigi

Mwirigi has made a name for himself online through his hilarious skits and we got a chance to sit down with him and understand his inspiration.

When did you discover your interest in comedy?

It is the cliché story of people laughing at your comments, yet you do not find yourself funny. That used to happen to me when I was young. I would say something, people would laugh and I am left figuring out the joke. With time, I came to realise I was funny. I started serious comedy in 2017 when I was in Form Two. I remember there were times when teachers would have a serious face, but laugh at my jokes regardless of the situation.

What inspired you to get into comedy?

When I decided to seriously get into comedy, Comedian YY’s stage name inspired my artiste name, Comedian Mwirigi. However, at the time I was not so sure about having the comedian bit in my name. I started with Mwirigi Memes since the name suited my then content, which was memes in form of photos. That style was so prevalent at that time with other creators such as me, Larry Memes, Sliq Memes, Memes Vibe and the rest. I later felt like that did not align with my goals in comedy. Being a big fan of acting, I decided to do my content in the form of videos.

When did your breakthrough happen?

I had my first viral video in 2019. It was in August and I was in Form Four. I made this video that talked of how Form Fours have gaslighted each with tales of how they will come to clear after school with cars and the like. Many people found it very relatable, it got (a lot of) engagement and that’s when I can say people knew me at first.

Is this what you always wanted to do?

I did my KCSE knowing this is what I want to do with my life. I wanted to delve into content creation, stand-up comedy, acting and anything creative. I continued doing comedy and 2020 turned out to be a good year for me. It was during the pandemic period when everybody was on their phone so the audience was big.

There was a time when you had disappeared...

I joined the Multimedia University, in September 2020. When my physical classes started, I took a step back from comedy to pay attention to my schoolwork. I think I can say that 2021 to 2022 was a period for me to sit back and rebrand myself.

What inspires the kind of content you create?

I go with what is relatable. The creative process is weird because neither can I explain how I come up with that kind of content. Whenever inspiration comes to me, I act on it, regardless of whether it gets engagements or not. I must add that I am very observant. I am good with patterns and that could be what inspires my kind of content.

What are your biggest wins so far?

My biggest wins so far include having 100k followers on TikTok. Being recognised by these big people in the industry. I was also elected by a given magazine as a content creator of the week.

Loses you have had to take?

I have struggles like a normal person, but I am not one to put my issues out there. However, I can’t complain right now, I am in a good place.

What can you advise other content creators who look up to you?

Have a plan. Set a goal. Say that this is what you want and stick to it no matter what. Honestly, the formula I am using right now did not work immediately, it took time. I almost gave up, but I kept pushing and I can say I have started enjoying the fruits.

What are your long-term goals?

I want to be one of the best filmmakers in the world. One of the best actors, stand-up comedians and rappers. Music is something I am passionate about, and people might not take it seriously because of my comical nature, but I know I will have released a few albums by the time I retire.