Tanzanian star Christina Shusho will headline the New Year concert organised by Popular comedian Daniel Ndambuki, a.k.a. Churchill.
For many Kenyans, ushering in the New Year has become synonymous with crossover concerts.
Daniel Ndambuki, known as Churchill, shares insights into the inspiration and planning annual concerts, an event that features comedy and gospel performances.
“For us, December 31 has always been a special day,” he told Nation Lifestyle, “This year, we have an incredible lineup of artistes from East Africa. We’re also taking the performances to Arusha, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, and Nigeria.”
Churchill says interestingly, that he never performs comedy on that night.
“Instead, I use the moment to thank God for the year that has passed.”
This year’s lineup includes Christina Shusho, Israel Mbonyi, Joel Lwaga and Eunice Njeri, among others.
"We look at who the audience is listening to, like Israel, Joel Lwaga, and Christina Shusho. We chose Christina Shusho again because she has proven her ability to captivate audiences,” he said.
Reflecting on expanding into the region and growth of comedy industry
“I'm so proud because it’s like a primary school teacher seeing their students succeed. That's the kind of joy I experience when I see people packing halls to watch comedy. This is an opportunity whose time has come, and people can earn from it. For instance, I'm thrilled that comedian Mammitto [Eunice Wanjiru] can fill an entire auditorium. MC Jessy [Jasper Muthomi] recently completed a remarkable project, and Crazy Kennar [Kennedy Odhiambo] is putting on amazing shows,” he said.
Reflecting on 2024, Churchill admits the year has been challenging.
“Economically and socially, it has been tough for everyone. This has been a learning curve for me, a big one he said, “but you keep learning and introducing new things to the industry. That is how you grow and continue being relevant.”
As for his 2025 resolutions, Churchill says he plans to venture into writing and film.
“We have so much planned, maybe write a book or venture into film,” he said.
Churchill says he has built a strong connection with Tanzania over the years.
“I've been invited by the Tanzanian President, Samia Suluhu, and the Regional Commander of Arusha. After that, we will be heading to Dar es Salaam,” he says, adding, “People have followed my work for a long time. Kenya, on the other hand, is incredibly busy, almost too busy to notice certain things.”
Are you suggesting Kenyans do not fully appreciate their own? I ask.
“I would not say they don’t appreciate us. It’s just the level of appreciation is different. Kenya operates as a capitalistic state, not a social one. That means it’s every man for himself, and we're all caught in a rat race. Here, negativity tends to go viral faster than positivity. Praise often goes unnoticed unless it is demanded. In other countries, though, it is different. They celebrate their role models and genuinely wish for their success. They don’t delight in seeing someone fail,” he said.
Pressure of fame
Churchill acknowledges the challenges celebrities face being in the limelight.
“I really applaud couples who put their lives out there; it takes a lot,” he said, adding, “I've always been careful not to mix family with business. My family isn’t in the limelight. I don’t want them to face the same battles I do. I protect them,” he said.
On how he handles criticism, he is candid.
“Criticism is part of the job. Everyone has their day, and the best thing is to focus on building your brand,” he said.
