Actor Pascal Tokodi and his ex-wife Grace Ekirapa.
Pascal Tokodi, an award-winning actor celebrated for his various roles on screen, reflects on a transformative 2024.
From his humble beginnings at Makutano Junction to his rise as an international star, the year 2024 marked both significant highs and challenging lows.
Tokodi’s career flourished with projects like Pink Ladies and Makosa ni Yangu, which he credits as deeply impactful due to its exploration of issues such as gender-based violence.
Yet, 2024 also brought personal struggles, including a health scare that reshaped his outlook on life.
On the personal front, the actor candidly addressed his separation from Grace Ekirapa saying co-parenting their daughter remains a source of joy.
As he looks toward 2025, Pascal says he is focused on embracing new creative challenges.
1. You have come a long way from Makutano Junction to becoming an international star. How would you describe your growth, especially in 2024?
First of all, 2024 has been a whirlwind, honestly. I have had the best and the worst this year.
I started the year working on a high note. I have done various projects like the Pink Ladies, Makosa ni Yangu among others this year. I also travelled to Tanzania for a show called La Mata and then worked on a couple of advertisements.
I am currently also shooting another film, which will be out later in 2025. So it is been very busy but fulfilling.
It has been surreal to have people recognise me everywhere in Kenya.
I also went to Nigeria, which was a huge milestone. 2024 has been a true comeback for my career.
2. What project this year would you say has been the highlight of your career?
Honestly, each project has been special in its own way, but Selina was one of the biggest.
We shot that show for five years, so it holds a special place in my heart. However, the most impactful role for me this year was in Makosa ni Yangu. The show tackles issues like gender-based violence, abusive relationships, and more.
The emotional toll was heavy, especially because it is based on a true story.
It makes it even harder because now I imagine that a lot of people are going through this in life.
Having a daughter made me even more passionate about advocating for change. If I see someone who was doing something wrong or hitting a woman or a woman hitting a man, I will step in.
3. You have often played romantic lover-boy roles. Has this made you want to explore different roles, and has it impacted your personal life?
Yes. At 31, I am looking for new challenges. I want to push myself and do something different, maybe even work on my feature film in the future. I love doing romantic roles, but I am also ready for more complex and varied characters.
Award-winning Kenya actor Pascal Tokodi.
Not this year, I don't want to put a date on it. But I want to start expounding and digging more.
You see when you have something with a specific purpose, it might seem like it serves multiple purposes, but it still stays true to its original intent. That is the plan for the next couple of years.
As for whether my role as the "soft guy," has affected my love life, honestly, no.
It has helped me tap into a more romantic side, and sometimes I take bits of my roles and apply them in real life.
But it is also important to "deroll" after a film, to step away from the character and regain your true self.
It is something I am very conscious of, and the industry now has become more aware of mental health, with therapists now on set, which is great.
4. Can you talk about some of the hardest moments you have experienced this year?
One of the most challenging periods was facing a health scare. Undergoing surgery put my life into perspective. While it was a difficult time, I am grateful to have come through it.
This experience taught me the importance of compassion and active listening. I've learned to truly listen to others, recognizing that many people are present but not truly heard.
It also highlighted the importance of prioritizing my mental health. With the constant uncertainties and pressures of life, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. I've learned to cultivate a positive mindset, recognising that negative thoughts can be self-fulfilling. Finding support systems has been crucial. Joining a hiking group has been incredibly therapeutic, offering a release from the weight of everyday stressors.
If life gets heavy, don't hesitate to seek support. Talk to trusted friends, family, or consider professional help from a therapist or psychiatrist.
Remember, prioritising your mental health is not selfish; it's essential for your overall well-being. I encourage everyone to make mental health a priority.
5. Would you address the breakup with your wife Grace Ekirapa
I will not dig deep into that but from the very beginning, you know that my marriage life was meant to be private.
My wedding photos were leaked and that is how people came to know. The media coverage surrounding my divorce was unexpected and intrusive. It felt like a violation of my personal space. I believe that people should respect each other's privacy and focus on their own lives.
This is a sensitive period for me, and I'm still processing these events. I appreciate your understanding.
6. Do you think you were harshly judged after your separation went public?
Yes, I have noticed that most people are not kind at all.
The reason I did not speak about the breakup online is because social media is not the place to share your matters.
After all, most of these people are strangers.
Instead, I always recommend talking to a therapist or someone trustworthy who can help you keep things in perspective and out of the public eye.
For me, I feel like many people don’t truly understand themselves.
They forget they are addressing a human being when they talk about celebrities.
But therapy has taught me not to care about what others think because, honestly, I can’t please everyone.
I have never been involved in scandals; I have always kept my personal life private. But this year has taught me the importance of being even more intentional about privacy.
I urge other celebrities to do the same, don’t just engage your so-called fans. Engaging only fuels the fire.
Protect your peace and keep your matters out of the limelight.
7. How is it co-parenting your daughter?
Oh my God, it is beautiful! She is my queen, and I would move mountains for her.
I would catch a grenade for her, anything.
I respect her and understand the evils of this world, so I am committed to teaching her what I have learned and supporting her in whatever she chooses to do.
She has got a bit of me in her, and I am so proud of that.
Co-parenting with Grace is wonderful. Grace is a wonderful woman and being the mother of my child, I am sure my daughter will get the best foundation she deserves.
8. What are your resolutions for 2025?
I want to keep growing, reinvent myself, and collaborate more with other creatives. I have learned that you can’t do it alone, and I am excited about next year's upcoming projects.
2025 is about being free and not resisting the flow of life, trusting that everything happens as it should.
9. Is there anything you feel you could have done better in 2024?
That instead of trying to control everything, I need to flow with life. I was often resisting the current, but now I understand that God has already planned my path. I want to take a step back and trust in the process more.
10. Lastly, what advice would you give to other celebrities or couples in the limelight?
Keep your personal life private. Don’t engage with rumours or negativity. Focus on your work, and remember that your purpose is to make people smile and inspire others.
Protect your peace, and don’t let the noise distract you from what’s important.
