This archive report was first published on 6 July 2020.
July 5, 2020, marked a candid interview with Daniel 'Churchill' Ndambuki, where comedian-cum-actor Steven Oduor Dede, alias DJ Shiti, shared the story behind his rise to fame.
Having started his career at Nakuru Players Theatre, DJ Shiti's big break came when his friend and comedian Eddie Butita introduced him to Abel Mutua. 'Butita really hyped me up, going as far as telling Abel that I was the real deal,' DJ Shiti recounted.
Abel Mutua was impressed by DJ Shiti's YouTube clips, and he directed him to Henry Gachuna, who was auditioning for roles in The Real Househelps of Kawangware. On the day of the audition, DJ Shiti was determined to land the role by any means necessary, which ultimately led to a hilarious mark on the show.
His inexperience in on-screen acting pushed him to adjust the director's script, which had indicated that he was supposed to eat a tomato as he engaged with a fellow actor. Eager to show off his prowess, he started munching away at a raw onion, which led to several takes and him literally crying through his lines.
As fate would have it, the actual challenge of maintaining a straight face and talking while eating an onion gave the scene the hilarious effect the director was looking for, and DJ Shiti was handed his famous role in the comedy series.
The comedian was quick to thank all the people who had played a role in propelling him towards realizing his dream as a comedian. He advised upcoming artists to live within their means, emphasizing that acting and comedy were careers like any others, involving relatable highs and lows.
At the start of his career on the Churchill comedy show, DJ Shiti used to struggle just to find a place to rest. He once opened up on how 'sisters' known to do business within Koinange street gave him money and temporary accommodation, in between his auditions.
Watch DJ Shiti's Hilarious Story Below:
