From Butali to belly laughs: Babunye’s comedy journey inspires! – VIDEO

• His ability to make people laugh and bring joy to their lives fuelled his passion for comedy as a career.
• Shirika looks up to Tanzanian comedian Madebe Lidai, admiring the educational value of his work.
• Babunye is eager to see similar support for himself and his peers from local leaders, particularly Malava MP Malulu Injendi.

Boniface Shirika, a young dynamo from Butali village in Malava sub county, is lighting up the world of comedy, despite his humble beginnings.

Known on stage as Babunye Comedian, Shirika’s journey began at Namanja School, where he finished primary school in 2015.

He then attended Namagara Secondary for two years before transferring to Matioli Secondary in Butali, where he completed his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2019.

For Shirika, comedy isn’t just a hobby—it’s a calling.

By the time he was in Form Two, he was already cracking up his classmates during school parades, turning everyday news into hilarious acts.

His ability to make people laugh and bring joy to their lives fuelled his passion for comedy as a career.

Drawing inspiration from real-life situations, Shirika crafts comedy rooted in the African experience, aiming to educate his community on various societal issues.

Since high school, he has been dedicated to his craft, using humour to highlight and combat vices like drug abuse and to promote positive activities such as sponsoring football tournaments to engage the youth.

However, the road to comedic stardom hasn’t been easy. Shirika admits that creating content can be a laborious process, often requiring time and financial investment that doesn’t always pay off.

He’s faced challenges with shooting locations, sometimes having to remove content when individuals object to publicising certain venues. Despite these setbacks, his faith keeps him optimistic that his big break is just around the corner.

Shirika looks up to Tanzanian comedian Madebe Lidai, admiring the educational value of his work.

“Comedy pays, but it needs a brother to hold your hand on the way up,” he says, dreaming of global success and wealth.

While other regions invest in talent and provide platforms for youth, Babunye feels that leaders in his area could do more to support local artists. He points to the success stories of Langata MP Felix Odiwor, known as Jalang’o, and Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie Waweru, known as KJ of Redykyulass, as examples of what can happen when talent is nurtured.

Both comedians turned politicians were given opportunities and support that propelled them to prominence.

Shirika also highlights the journey of Eric Omondi, one of Kenya’s top comedians, who rose to fame thanks to those who believed in his potential.

Babunye is eager to see similar support for himself and his peers from local leaders, particularly Malava MP Malulu Injendi.

He urges them to rally together to help budding talents in the area discover and hone their skills, paving the way for future stars.

With his unwavering dedication and infectious humour, Babunye Comedian is poised to make a lasting impact—not just in Malava, but across the globe.