Not There Yet: Why Comedian Mulamwah Rejects the ‘Celebrity’ Label

David Oyando, popularly known as Mulamwah, is one of Kenya’s most recognisable faces in digital comedy.

He recently sat down with presenter Shiksha Arora on the Feast with Friends podcast to discuss his career and personal growth. During the candid chat, the comedian surprised fans by stating he does not consider himself a celebrity.

Defining Fame

Despite boasting over five million followers across his social media platforms, Mulamwah believes he is still on the "road map" to stardom.

He told Arora that celebrity status is defined by the level of recognition one receives in public. To him, if people ask for a selfie, you have reached that mark, but he feels there are still levels to achieve.

"I think I’m on the road map to be that person because as long as there are people above you then it means you are not."

The comedian compared his reach to global icons to put his success into perspective. He noted that while he has a significant following, stars like Diamond Platnumz have 20 million followers.

He also pointed out that legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo can attract millions of likes within just five hours.

From Nursing to the Lime-light

Mulamwah’s journey to the top was not a traditional one. He is a qualified nurse who studied at Moi University. He even completed a one-year internship at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

However, he chose to leave the medical profession for the media industry.

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He jokingly remarked that "money is money," leading him to move away from the bedside to pursue comedy full-time. Although he started his journey in 2012, he only became a household name around 2019.

A New Chapter

The comedian also shared how fatherhood has changed his outlook on life. He explained that having a child made him a "provider" and brought out a softer side to his personality. He now focuses more on creating lasting memories and being present at home.

"It brings out the softer version of you... once a child comes to your life then it activates another aspect of you that hadn’t been activated before."

In a move that may shock his followers, Mulamwah hinted at a future away from the screen. He told Arora that he plans to leave the internet soon to "enjoy life" and diversify into business.

He believes it is important to leave the forest before it gets dark, suggesting he has gathered enough from his digital career. For now, he remains a dominant force in Kenyan entertainment, even if he refuses the "celebrity" title.