During the COVID-19 pandemic, many entertainers found themselves grappling with financial hardships as live events and public gatherings were restricted. Among them was Dr. Ofweneke, a comedian and content creator, who openly shared the struggles he faced during this challenging time.
At the time, Ofweneke had just welcomed a newborn baby, and the pressure to provide for his family became overwhelming. He was married into a well-off family, which added to the strain as there were high expectations to maintain a certain lifestyle. However, the sudden halt to the entertainment industry left him in a precarious situation. Live events and shows were put on hold, and with no income from his usual work, he was forced to think creatively to survive.
In a candid recount of his experiences, Ofweneke revealed that he resorted to hawking samosas as a way to make ends meet. The pandemic’s restrictions had severely impacted many entertainers, and like many others, he found himself in dire financial straits. Despite the pride that often comes with being a public figure, he admitted that he had to put his ego aside to do whatever was necessary to feed his family.
The strain wasn’t just financial; it was emotional as well. Ofweneke mentioned how the pressure from his wife’s family was particularly difficult. With their perception of entertainers’ future looking bleak, he felt the weight of their concerns, knowing that he wasn’t meeting their expectations. The social and financial uncertainty during those early months of the pandemic was exacerbated by personal and familial pressures.
The situation got so dire that auctioneers came knocking at his door, a first in his life. Having never experienced such a situation before, he was forced to drain his savings. With no alternative means of income, he resorted to hawking snacks, including samosas, as a means to survive. At that moment, it didn’t matter that he had to sell snacks; it was about survival. It was a humbling experience for Ofweneke, who had once thrived in a bustling entertainment industry.
Despite these hardships, the pandemic also catalyzed a shift in the entertainment industry. The rise of online content creation allowed entertainers to connect with their audience in new ways. As Kenyans adapted to staying home, there was a surge in demand for digital entertainment. Some comedians, like Elsa Majimbo, gained international fame through their lockdown skits, while others like Azziad Nasenya and Flaqo gained recognition for their creative online content.
Although the pandemic created many challenges, it also highlighted the resilience and adaptability of those in the entertainment industry. For Ofweneke, the journey of perseverance during this time served as a reminder of the importance of adaptability and the value of humble beginnings.
