DANIEL NDAMBUKI; THE COMIC BRILLIANCE OF CHURCHILL

THE COMIC BRILLIANCE OF CHURCHILL

This funny man is no stranger to the Kenyan populace. The man Daniel Ndambuki, also known as Churchill, has been rib-cracking his way into the hearts and minds of many, with his hilarious jokes, comedy sketches, to having us hooked every week, on his syndicated television show. The man is not only humorous but knows how to profit out of it, while inspiring his mentees to carve a niche for themselves within the comedy industry. It is for this reason that we endeavour to celebrate this chuckle some icon on this black history month.

Granted that there are people born without a funny bone, and therefore do not get to see humour in the jest performed by others but trust one Churchill to prescribe the correct medication for such a people. None can honestly say that they do not find Ndambuki to be an amusing person, because he most definitely is, and he does it with such ease. I mean, the jokes come flying out of his mouth with an intentional wit that you would think he memorized them. Yet, it is the gift he possesses that has opened golden doors of opportunity beyond his wildest dreams.

Those Redykyulass Show days formed a solid foundation for this rib-cracker, when he teamed up with his predecessors, who also happen to be comedic legends including; Walter Mongare (Nyambane), John Kiarie (KJ), Anthony Njuguna, Maurice Otieno (Mudomo Baggy), and Peter Kaimenyi (Kajairo), to create a phenomenal show, which had Kenyans cracking up in laughter for days. This is the comedic root of Daniel Ndambuki, whose story cannot be written in completion without the above mentioned comedic stars, who gave him a leg up and instituted his come up into the show business.

Red Kona was my favourite show, of which Churchill was one of its creators, partnering up again with the very same heavyweight funny heads from the Redykyulass Show, in order to cure our sorrows momentarily with much laughter. Churchill became so popular that he was headhunted, and landed himself a radio gig at Classic 105 FM, teaming up a pace with the talented radio presenter, Maina Kageni, with whom they co-host the famed morning show, which has since made them a great duo.

Churchill is now a brand and a one stop-shop for everything entertainment, with numerous sub-branches popping out of the same trademark, building people and growing the craft at the same time. Moreover, Mr. Ndambuki produced the Churchill Show, a weekly program that features influential personalities across the socio-political and economic continuum. During the show, the comedian himself engages the biggest names in Kenya and outside, in interviews, combined with his brand of comedy, that makes up for comic brilliance. Besides the popular show, there are sub-creations of the same show comprising of, Churchill Live and Churchill Raw, with live tapings  commonly recorded at the Carnivore restaurant, which make up for sweet entertainment. Moreover, Daniel Ndambuki is the founder of Laugh industry Kenya, a company that supports and sustains the Churchill brand.

Additionally, Daniel Ndambuki has several aliases constituting of, his reputable tag name of Churchill, Mwalimu King’ang’i, as well as Philigona, that were created to entertain his radio audience. But Churchill is the prized code-name, which he typically goes by and identifies with. Nonetheless, why did he nick-name himself as Churchill? I guess he is a fan of Winston Churchill, the former Prime Minister of United Kingdom, or he could love to attend church, or better yet, someone baptised him with the nickname. Who knows? Only he can grant us a clear and precise answer. Still, what I do know for sure is that Daniel Ndambuki as Churchill, is Africa’s funniest comedians, he one of the most influential people in Kenya, and has millions of fans worldwide.

Anyhow, the thing I admire the most about Churchill is his visionary eye, whose keen focus is on growing the next generation of comedians in Kenya and beyond. It is for this reason that Churchill created the Top Comic Show, in order to scout for the youth with comedic talent. I dare say that Churchill is perhaps the only comedic legend to ever grow talent out of his platform, with some of the famous names we currently know and appreciate including, Eric Omondi, Teacher Wanjiku, Professor Hammo, MCA Tricky, Jemutai, and DJ Shitii among many. Churchill is so futuristic in that he is aware of a time in the distant future, during the final curtain call, when he will humbly bow out, to make room for his students to take on the limelight, and shine the more brighter, not willing to leave a vacuum, when he finally exits the comedy stage.

Here is to you Daniel Ndambuki; as you progress towards you dream, know that you have touched the hearts of many and changed the lives of most, by sharing in your dream. As you have done it to the children of men, so shall your children receive the uttermost divine favour beyond the wildest dreams.