Comedian and TV personality Dr. Ofweneke recently opened up about the financial struggles he endured during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing how he turned to selling samosas as a way to support his family.
In a candid discussion on his YouTube channel, Ofweneke shared the profound impact the pandemic had on entertainers, especially those who relied on live performances. He explained, “Our industry runs on crowds—we need people.” During the crisis, with events and shows canceled, he had no choice but to pivot. “I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned this, but during the COVID period, I sold samosas. At that point, nothing else mattered—what mattered was that samosas were selling.”
The timing of the pandemic was especially challenging for Ofweneke, who had just welcomed a newborn child with his wife. With the entertainment industry crippled and his income streams completely cut off, he was faced with an urgent need to make ends meet. “My child was born just a month into the pandemic. I had married into a wealthy family, and the pressure was real. People had already told my wife, ‘Wasanii wameisha’—entertainers are done,” he recalled.
The financial strain reached a breaking point when he found himself at risk of losing his belongings due to mounting debts. “I had nowhere to turn. Auctioneers showed up at my door. That had never happened to me before. I squeezed every last coin from my savings until there was nothing left,” he confessed, highlighting the dire situation he was in.
The entertainment industry in Kenya, like many around the world, was hit hard by the pandemic. With the first cases of COVID-19 reported in March 2020, nationwide lockdowns and curfews were imposed. Public gatherings were banned, effectively halting the entertainment sector overnight. This left many entertainers without a steady source of income, forcing them to explore alternative ways to make a living.
For some, the digital shift became a lifeline. While the pandemic brought devastating challenges, it also sparked a growth in online content creation in Kenya. With people staying home and spending more time online, the demand for digital entertainment skyrocketed. This shift gave rise to new stars, with several creatives taking advantage of the surge in online viewership.
Comedians and content creators like Elsa Majimbo, who became a global sensation with her viral lockdown skits, and TikTok star Azziad Nasenya, who quickly became a household name, capitalized on the growing appetite for digital entertainment. Additionally, Flaqo, known for his humorous and relatable videos, saw his popularity rise during this period.
Despite the hardship, the pandemic reshaped Kenya’s entertainment industry, proving that adaptability and creativity could help individuals find new opportunities, even in the toughest of times. For Ofweneke and many others, resilience became key in navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic and emerging with new ways to connect with their audiences.
