Olexander Josphat, popularly known as Peter Sankale, has been a household name in Kenya for decades.
He is best known for his roles in popular TV programs like Vioja Mahakamani, Vitimbi, and Daktari, and is known for his humorous Maasai accent on TV. However, until recently, little was known about the man behind the funny characters.
Josphat’s journey into comedy started when he was just a young boy. He was named the best actor in his class during a parents’ day celebration, and he was given an exercise book, pencil, and rubber as a gift.
Even at a young age, Josphat had a natural talent for performing, but it would take many years for him to realize his potential.
After completing college, Josphat got a job as a teller at Panafric Bank. He wore a tie and suit every day, just like any other banker, but he knew deep down that he was meant for something else.
One day, his manager, Gitonga, noticed his sense of humor and suggested that he try acting.
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“Peter you are a very funny man. Have you ever acted? In fact, do you know any person in Vitimbi or Vioja Mahakamani?” the manager asked him.
Sankale, who was a fan of the popular TV comedies, responded that he knew some of the actors. The manager then encouraged him to pursue his talent and suggested he audition for Vitimbi and Vioja Mahakamani.
Despite the disapproval of his family and community, Sankale took a leap of faith and quit his job at the bank to pursue his passion for comedy. It was a difficult decision, but he knew that it was the right one for him.
“I left banking for comedy and that was a disaster on the home front, my mother was not happy,” he explained in a recent interview. “She told everybody ‘my son has left banking, a job that makes him don a tie and suit every day and going to do some funny things that I don’t understand on TV. Is making people laugh a job?’”
But Sankale remained undeterred. He pursued his talent and worked hard to develop his skills. He started at Vitimbi, where he introduced his Maasai accent to the show, and eventually landed leading roles in two TV shows on KTN Home.
Today, Sankale is a successful comedian, earning close to million of shillings on a good month from his TV and radio adverts, emcee jobs, and leading roles in TV shows.
Olexander’s success in comedy did not come overnight. He advises young comedians joining the industry to be patient and persistent until they finally make it. He warns against the temptation to seek overnight success, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication.
He is also a devout Christian and advises others to stay away from the ‘celebrity’ tag, even as they pursue their passion.
In his view, being a celebrity can lead one to lose sight of their true purpose and values.