ONE ON ONE: Churchill Show star Professor Hamo

Herman Gakobo Kago or Prof Hamo to his fans had no idea he would end up on the silver screen just two years ago. PHOTO| CHARLES KAMAU 

In Summary

• The 30-year-old star of Churchill Show opens up to JOHN MUCHIRI, narrating how he stopped selling mandazi in Nakuru to pursue a career in the biggest comedy show in East Africa.

By JOHN MUCHIRI
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Herman Gakobo Kago or Prof Hamo to his fans had no idea he would end up on the silver screen just two years ago.

BUZZ: Were you actually born in Nakuru?

I was born and brought up in Nakuru. In fact, I grew up in the military base in Lanet since my father was in the army.

You also went to school there?

Yes, I went to Kenyatta and Nakuru East primary schools, then went to Nakuru Day for my high school. I later went to Kisumu Polytechnic, and that’s the only time I studied outside Nakuru.

What did you study at Kisumu Polytechnic?

I did electrical engineering. But I never finished… I gave up halfway.

Why?

First of all, my going to college was to prove a point to my family that I could actually do something with my life. I lost the morale halfway and started missing classes. I finally dropped out and went back to Nakuru.

What happened next?

I started hustling here and there to make ends meet, mostly by engaging myself in different businesses.

Nothing to do with electronics?

Let me tell you, up to date, I have never touched any electronic work, other than changing a light bulb. When I left college, I forgot about it completely.

So how did you make ends meet?

I started going to the Nakuru theatre, where I met many thespians. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. I joined a band called Tamasha as a vocalist. This is like four or five years ago. But I still wasn’t happy. Most of the people I went to school with were doing well and had jobs.

Was the band paying you enough?

I was getting very little from a band that had about five people. So I started a mandazi business. I would cook them and transport them to the shops using a bicycle. That’s how I survived.

Was it profitable?

Well, it grew from one crate to several crates a day, but I was getting too tired. I didn’t have time to sleep or rest, because I was always cooking, transporting or going back to the shops to collect cash. I gave up on that. But I still sang in the band.

So how did you end up in Churchill Show?

I learnt that they audition on Tuesdays in Nairobi, so when I first travelled to Nairobi last year to try my luck, the judges didn’t even listen to me. They just chased me out of the stage. I did not give up, I kept on going back to the auditions.

Had you tried comedy before?

Not at all. Even in school, I never did. I was very shy while in school, so I never tried things that would make me stand in front of people. The only thing that gave me confidence was being in a band.

At what point were you accepted during the auditions?

The judges never accepted me. Not until when they finally did Churchill on the Road and ended up in my hometown Nakuru. That’s when I tried my luck again.

How did that go?

One of the judges, Allan Weku, remembered me. He had no idea I used to go to Nairobi all the way from Nakuru just to audition. He particularly liked the ‘Njooni mlio lemewa na mizigo’ joke, and he gave me a chance. That’s how it all began. I started off as Hamo, the Prof bit came later.

When was that?

Late last year. After the Nakuru show went well, I had more opportunities to perform in Nairobi during the recording of the show at the Carnivore. The first few shows, with the help of people like Weku and other comedians, I was able to create the character Prof Hamo. It has been a wonderful journey so far.

What makes you different everyday as Prof Hamo?

I take daily life challenges and create the comical side. I listen to people, look at different situations that happen in real life and I make jokes out of that.

Lots of comedians who do very well tend to get greedy and start their own shows prematurely, what do you say about that?

Being in the band taught me about being patient in life. I believe I’m still learning now and I will continue to listen to mentors like Churchill. I still audition every Tuesday because I believe in learning new things every day.

Do you still live in Nakuru?

From Tuesday to Thursday I’m always in Nairobi and spend my weekend with family and friends in Nakuru. I love remaining humble, even with the new fame.

Tell me more about your family?

I am the fifth born in a family of eight. None of my siblings are in showbiz.