Stand-up comedy is a form of entertainment that has taken the world by storm. It is a craft that requires immense skill, dedication, and perseverance.
Daniel “Churchill” Ndambuki, a Kenyan comedian, has been at the forefront of nurturing and showcasing stand-up talent in the country through his popular shows, the Churchill Show and Churchill Raw.
However, not all comedians who have graced these shows have been able to maintain their success, especially during the challenging times brought about by the pandemic. One of these comedians is Johnny Boy.
Johnny Boy, whose real name is John Ndugu, is a Kenyan comedian who gained popularity through his appearances on the Churchill Show. He was once a household name in the comedy scene, earning good money and living a comfortable life.
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When the pandemic hit, everything changed. Gatherings were banned, and the Churchill Show was suspended, leaving Johnny without a source of income.
In a recent interview, the comedian revealed that he had to turn to his savings just to survive, but it wasn’t enough. He then resorted to inviting fellow comedians to share his living space, but this arrangement did not work out, and he was left alone.
‘I had hosted another comedian Consumator, then another one Tiny Kev, who asked me to live with me. I agreed, so we were three. Things were tough providing for them, yani kila kitu was all on me. So I depleted my savings.
“I asked them if we could peach pay rent on rotation. They agreed but never held up their end of the agreement”
Desperate to pay his rent and bills, Johnny Boy had to sell his household items, including his television, just to make ends meet.
“I started selling household stuff to pay my rent. When there was nothing else left, I was forced to move into a another house,” he disclosed.
He then moved to a small single room in Kahawa West, where he now lives without electricity and has to charge his phone at shops.
Despite his struggles, Johnny Boy did not reach out to Churchill for help, citing his upbringing and the belief that one should handle their issues from within.
“Growing up, even if we ate saltless food, my mother would never allow us to borrow salt from the neighbour,” he stated.
However, he has now come out publicly to appeal for help, stating that he is willing to take on any job, especially in showbiz, to get back on his feet.