Daniel Ndambuki

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Daniel Wambua Ndambuki (born 30 October 1977), known as Churchill, is a Kenyan comedian and television host. He is the creator and host of the Churchill Show , a well-known comedy program on NTV Kenya (formerly on TV47), and hosts a radio show on Classic 105. [1] He began his career in the entertainment industry in 1996, with Churchill Live Comedy Show debuting in September 2008. The show was renamed Churchill Show in 2012 during its third season. In addition to his television career, Churchill presents the Chacho Kids Festival, a performance and talent event for children. He also hosts Churchill Crossover, a New Year's Eve concert for worship and celebration.

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Early life

Churchill was born in the town of Kitui, but later moved to Machakos, Kenya. He attended Mumbuni High School and moved to Nairobi in 1990 to live with his uncle. [2] In his early career, Churchill partnered with fellow comedians KJ, Kajairo, Mdomo Baggy, and Nyambane to create the television comedy show Red Kona. Later, Churchill co-hosted a radio program with Maina Kageni on Classic 105 FM. He has been ranked 7th on Kenya’s list of the 100 most influential people. [3] Churchill is often credited with significant contributions to the development of stand-up comedy in Kenya, [4] and was described by CNN as one of Africa's funniest comedians in 2018. [5]

Churchill Show

The Churchill Show is a comedy program that includes interviews with Kenyan personalities, political figures, and people from various socio-economic backgrounds, infused with comedy. Some of the show's segments, such as Toto’s Corner, have become well-known in Kenya's pop culture. The Churchill Show has also toured various regions of Kenya and attracts large audiences to its performances.

Controversies

Criticism of content

Churchill's show has been criticized for some of its content, which is considered inappropriate for its wide family audience. [6] A 2015 study found that the show's widespread use of ethnic stereotypes formed and supported negative attitudes towards various tribal groups, which influenced study participants' behaviour in cross-ethnic communication. [7] To argue against this, Patrick Chesi Lumasia suggested that the show tries to undermine ethnic stereotypes through its multilingual use of English, Swahili and Sheng as well as its giving voice to performers from the marginalised Kenyan Somali community. [8] Furthermore, he argues that the show's humour works to break down the iniquitous and traditionally patriarchal structure of the Kenyan family while also portraying young Kenyan women in a way that reinforces their agency and independence. [8]

Treatment of comedians and crew

There have been allegations from some comedians and crew members who worked on the Churchill Show about unfair treatment, particularly regarding payment. Crew members and comedians have publicly accused Churchill and the show's management of delays in payment [9] or underpayment for their work. The complaints raised concerns about working conditions on the show, with some performers stating they struggled financially despite the show's success. [10] Churchill has responded to these claims various times but has not yet given a solid substantiated statement.

The mental health of comedians that are associated with the Churchill Show has also come into focus, especially following the deaths of comedians like Njenga Mswahili, [11] Kasee [12] and Othuol Othuol, who were all part of the show. Others like Njoro [13] and Paul Ogutu have been checked into rehab suffering from alcoholism and depression. Some critics argued that the show and its leadership could have done more to support struggling performers. Churchill and his team claim to have made efforts to raise awareness of mental health issues within the comedy community since these incidents but substantiation of this is yet to be found.[ citation needed ]

Blackmail attempts

Churchill has been a victim of international blackmail. In one incident, Churchill said that he was blackmailed by individuals allegedly from Nigeria. According to him, the blackmailers gained access to sensitive private information and attempted to extort him, threatening to release compromising materials if their demands were not met. [14] Churchill shared this experience publicly in an attempt to raise awareness of the threat of cyber-crime and blackmail, particularly from cross-border criminals, and encourage others to protect their personal data online. He took legal action and called for authorities to strengthen measures against cyber-related crimes.[ citation needed ]

Awards and honors

References

  1. ↑ "Churchill Show makes grand NTV comeback". Nation. 24 June 2024. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  2. ↑ Digital, Standard. "First Timer: Daniel 'Churchill' Ndambuki - I learnt to pretend that two pieces of ugali were enough". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  3. ↑ "Kenyan Online » Top 100 Most Influential People in Kenya". Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 13 March 2015.
  4. ↑ "Kenya's Top 15 Most Bankable Celebrities | Mwakilishi.com". Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 13 March 2015.
  5. ↑ Lauren Said-Moorhouse; Florence Obondo; Allyssia Alleyne. "Comedy Gold: Who are the funniest people in Africa?". CNN. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
  6. ↑ Digital, Standard. "You don't have to be obscene to be popular, Ezekiel Mutua lashes out at Churchill Show after distasteful episode last night". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  7. ↑ Ndonye, Michael; Bartoo, Phyllis; Khaemba, Josephine (2015). "The Tyranny of Televised Comedy: Modeling Ethnic Relation through 'Churchill Live Show' in Kenya". Scholars Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. 3(3A): 605-611.
  8. 1 2 Chesi Lumasia, Patrick (2021). "Churchill Show: Transgressing language codes and upsetting stereotypes". Tydskrif vir Letterkunde. 58 (1): 107-117. doi: 10.17159/tl.v58i1.8256 . Retrieved 31 March 2025.
  9. ↑ Messenger, Diaspora (24 November 2018). "Churchill Show Crew Calls Out Daniel Ndambuki Over Lack Of Payment". DIASPORA MESSENGER NEWS MEDIA. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  10. ↑ Mwarua, Douglas (23 February 2021). "8 Churchill Show comedians who have lived troubled lives as fame faded". Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  11. ↑ "Eric Omondi reveals Njenga Mswahili's struggles in life that went 'unnoticed'". Nairobi News. 14 November 2019. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  12. ↑ "Churchill Comedian Kasee Found Dead in Kinoo - Kenyans.co.ke". www.kenyans.co.ke. 29 June 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  13. ↑ Milimo, Dennis (21 July 2020). "I have attempted suicide 3 times –Comedian Njoro opens up on battling depression and alcoholism as he appeals for help". Pulselive Kenya. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  14. ↑ Oduor, Martin (5 March 2016). "Ghafla! Exclusive: How Churchill Was Blackmailed By Nigerian Men Who Used A Female Banker To Lure Him Into Her Bed Then Demanded Kes 10 Million Not To Leak His Raunchy Photos". Ghafla!. Retrieved 15 September 2024.

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