“It was not meant to trend, I just did it for fun,” those were the words of 24-year-old Ombuti Matata when we inquired about the video that made him famous.
When Lake Region Bulletin caught up with him, was conducting product promotion as a brand ambassador.
On March 21, 2020, the comedian was at a construction site in Mamboleo, Kisumu working as a ‘mtu wa mkono’.
We were wondering whether somebody working at a construction site like us could contract covid
Ombuti Matata
When they took a break for lunch Ombuti and his colleagues were having a conversation about covid.
“We were wondering whether somebody working at a construction site like us could contract covid,” said Ombuti.
This was because of their strong physique.
Later that evening, Ombuti recalled the conversation and found it interesting and decided to record it and post on his status for fun.
Face of Comedy
Gregory Ambogo believes he is now the face of comedy in Kisumu.
Just like South African comedian Trevor Noah, Ombuti’s dream is to hold a total-sold out comedy event in Kisumu’s biggest auditorium.
Am not planning to leave Kisumu like other comedians do, they will recognize me while am here
Ombuti Matata
The first born in the family of five who has joined the list of popular comedians from the lake like Erick Omondi, Flaqo, Owago Onyiro among others believes he will achieve this dream.
Known for his hilarious jokes that lightens people’s faces whenever the bump to his jokes on WhatsApp status, Ombuti now wants to put his name on the Kenya’s map while in Kisumu.
“I’m not planning to leave Kisumu like other comedians do, they will recognize me while am here,” said Ombuti confidently.
The Break through
When he woke up in the morning after placing the ‘covid’ video on his status for fun, Ombuti found numerous messages.
“I was used to three or four messages, a good morning message from my girlfriend and two others from WhatsApp groups,” Ombuti said jokingly as he paused to great a fan.
The video had gone viral and all his friends were texting him.
He took advantage of the situation and recorded more videos.
This earned him fame and he got a job as a brand ambassador for United Millers.
Comedy Journey
But his comedy journey did not begin here.
The Kondele Primary School alumnus always entertained his peers in school.
His teachers saw him as a distraction to his colleagues.
While at Withur Boys High School, he participated in the drama festivals but never got a chance to participate at the national level.
Working with Seth Gor, Wilbroda, Awiti has helped me learn a lot in term of making money from my art
Ombuti Matata
Fast forward, Ombuti is an Automotive engineering student at Kisumu National Polytechnic, and a member of the drama club.
It is here that he sharpens his skills.
Since his break through, the status comedian has done several collaboration clips with various comedians who have set their foot in the industry.
This he says has exposed him to numerous opportunities.
“Working with Seth Gor, Wilbroda, Awiti has helped me learn a lot in term of making money from my art,” he said.
On the receiving end
Early this year, Ombuti almost lost hope in comedy after receiving rage from a section of his fans.
They trashed his content but he persisted until they stopped.
That is one of the greatest surprises I have ever got from a fan
Ombuti Matata
However, the comedian says most of his fans have been his pillar.
At one time he posted that he wishes to board a flight to Nairobi.
To his surprise a stranger sent him an air ticket and booked for his accommodation.
“That is one of the greatest surprises I have ever got from a fan,” he said.
Ombuti says his dad is his role model and greatest fan and hopes to continue making him proud.
His main aim now is to hit national headlines and compete with the fast rising comedians like Mbena wa Malines.