Creative Director: Ayanda Sithebe, Producer: Felicia Naiwa Sithebe, Trainee Creative Director: Tumelo Mogoane, Article Contributor: Zintle Dingilizwe, Photographer: Lesedi Mothoagae, Wardrobe Accents: Convoy, Production Team: Tshepo Marema, , Glen Nkuna, Bonolo Maswanganye, Tumelo Mochochoko and Siphokazi Ndwandwe
Through sheer hard work and perseverance, Brenda Wairimu has made a remarkable impact on Kenya’s TV and film industry, while also expanding her role as a producer and TV host. Her charm and vibrant personality have won hearts across the continent. Every room lights up as she enters, radiating purpose and value.
Actor Spaces is thrilled to welcome Brenda Wairimu! Here is a sit down conversation as we delve into her life’s journey and acting career.
Zintle Dingilizwe: Brenda, you are so beautiful and gracious. Once again Welcome to Actor Spaces. What does this Actor Spaces profile mean to you?
Brenda Wairimu: I was speaking to someone the other day and they were asking me what I think my achievements are and today it’s one of those. I always followed Actor Spaces and I really admire what the Space does for actors. I’ve been dreaming about this day when I would hold the infamous box. So I got to hold it today and I am thrilled. I believe in divine time and this time is so fitting.
Zintle: You were born in Eldoret, Kenya and grew up in Mombasa. How do you remember your upbringing?
Brenda: Honestly, I don’t have too much recollection about my childhood, just bits and pieces here and there. However, alot of it revolves around the vibrant coastal culture of Mombasa. From street food and cultural weddings. Kids would play outside until the sun was completely set because it was safe and the climate was warm.
Zintle: How has your home country influenced you as an Actor in terms of its culture and history?
Brenda: Kenya is home to over 40 ethnic groups, each having its own unique traditions, languages and customs. This diversity is a reflection of the country’s vibrant cultural festivals, music,art and of course Film and TV. So there is no shortage of cultural stories and how to tell them because of this fact. Our diversity and rich history provides a deep well of inspiration for any actor to draw from. We have vibrant folklore and historical narratives that offer great material for any creative project. This also helps shape the actor’s approach to authentically portray and understand complex characters by leaning on Kenya’s also complex and multifaceted identity.
Zintle: How do you feel about the impact you’ve created in Kenya
Brenda: Just a few days ago a friend of mine gifted me fridge magnets. I didn’t know what they were at first and when I did I found it so interesting. As I took a closer look, I saw that printed on them were all the shows I’ve ever been on. I immediately started crying my eyes out. That made me realise how much work I’ve put in over the past years and it’s a blessing, it’s luck. It honestly feels like such a privilege to have been able to embody all these roles.
Zintle: Brenda, you are an Actor, TV Host and Producer. Where does your strength and courage stem from to do all these amazing things?
Brenda: For me it’s the desire to be very good and excel in whatever I apply myself to and probably the only way to do that is practice. Everyday when I go to work it’s always about getting better than the last time. And even if I don’t get it right the first time, the beauty about it is that I get to try again and again. And most importantly my daughter inspires me to do better.
Zintle: The ‘Mommy 101″ show is one that’s very dear to you. How has motherhood impacted your life’s journey?
Brenda: Firstly, that show really matured me I must say. I enjoyed learning and engaging with other young mothers at the time because we shared similar experiences. Motherhood made me aware of my impact in my child’s life. How every decision made was a trickling or sometimes very instant effect on them. I had my first anxiety attack after becoming a mother, because the concern of their safety and wellbeing was ( still is) a constant in my brain. But I wouldn’t trade the feeling of intense love that is at the root of all this for anything in the world. I am more in love with my child than I have ever been in my life.
Zintle: We are in Women’s Month here in SA. Which female figure do you celebrate?
Brenda: Cliché answer but it is my mom. The first woman you get to observe from birth. I’m getting emotional because I don’t think I ever saw my mother not working. She was always on some kind of business, whether travelling to sell coal and wood or opening a salon amongst other things. She showed true grit and determination. I had spent most of my teenage years with her, until she passed on. We are four girls and one boy and perhaps that’s also the reason it doesn’t feel right for me to just sit. She was a strong one. The magnitude of my mother’s work still inspires me till this day. Her tenacity and fighting spirit will forever be her greatest legacy.
Zintle: You studied at the United States International University( USIU-AFRICA) to earn an International Business Management. What inspired you to pursue this qualification?
Brenda: I didn’t quite finish my qualification. And it’s funny that one of my former lecturers called me to say I should come back and finish my degree after so many years. It’s so fortunate that I still have my credits. So I’m excited to finish my degree. Also just to prove to myself that I can do it, and inspire my daughter that it is important and that it’s possible for a brown girl to be successful and educated.
Zintle: What’s your earliest memory as an actor? And looking back at your Career in acting, what’s the one thing that has sort of sustained you and has kept you going and made sure you stay on course?
Brenda: My earliest memory would be my first audition ever at a small hostel for Kenya’s top TV show at the time. I remember the entire process, how I felt and why I had decided to do it. And it’s not the reason you would think, I did it out of desperation. I needed money urgently because my mom’s health was getting worse. There were so many different jobs I could have done but I found myself in that audition room and it’s been quite the journey since. And what sustains me is perhaps that notion of always being self-sufficient- that fuels me.
Zintle: And how would you describe your essence?
Brenda: I would say I’m a thousand women in one. That helps me play these different roles and not judge the character because I relate to them in some way. I cannot truthfully portray a character if there’s nothing I can identify with.
Zintle: I read somewhere that your work mantra is “Believe. Begin. Become.” How has that shaped you as an Actor and as an individual?
Brenda: I still reflect to it till this day, but I feel like it served a really big purpose when I was beginning. It’s almost like the more people kept saying it to me or posting about it, I kept on believing it. This mantra is one of the tools I used to trick my mind into believing that I am an actor, and so it became. And perhaps that’s where I am now, in “becoming” the new and different versions of myself.
Zintle: How do you maintain mental stability and health?
Brenda: I believe in affirmations. When I open my mouth and speak positively towards my day, it’s almost impossible not to attract positive results. And in my affirmations, my actions are informed to align accordingly. And that will open up new and precious encounters with people. It’s also important to be aware that we’re living in a human experience so it’s important to give yourself grace when things are going south and also acknowledge your strength to pick yourself up again.
Zintle: You are currently on the TV drama ‘ZARI’. Can you tell us a little bit more about the show and your character ‘Lola’?
Brenda: I love ‘Lola’. I think she has a big heart but in it are so many different emotions and sometimes her jealousy covers up her loving nature. She’s a fun character to play because there’s always something that she would be up to. The downside of that is that that girl makes me work, but I love her. I’d play her again and again.
Zintle: It so happens that you work with Sarah Hassan on the same production (ZARI). How important is Actor synergy?
Brenda: I always joke that I can have synergy with a rock, but I must say, having wanted to work with each other for so long, finally having it happen has been so fulfilling for me. Our scenes together are always magic. It’s so beautiful to have someone feed you and feed off you the way Sarah and I do.
Zintle: You’ve been in the acting and entertainment industry for quite some time? What’s that one achievement that you’ve yet to reach?
Brenda: Well firstly going back to school. I’m excited for that and I’m excited to come work in SA you know..
Zintle: Looking at the current advancements of the entertainment industry globally, with avenues such as Netflix, Prime TV, Showmax, BET and HBO amongst many others, how important is it for the world to experience authentic African content?
Brenda: No one can tell our stories better than we can. As we are the ones who have lived them and still continue to live out our stories. Stories of magic, on how we love, on how we pray, on how we see the world and how the world sees us. These avenues, when used correctly, allow our stories to be on the world’s fingertips. It is our responsibility to make stories that are true to us as possible so that we can be seen as a true reflection of ourselves.
Zintle: What did you watch or read that certified the fine actor that you are today?
Brenda: Firstly, I watch a lot of TV when I can. I learn by seeing and doing. I enjoy “people-watch” so I can mimic human emotions in a more accurate way. What has also contributed to my art is reading Pulp Fiction, Umma Thurman especially. And also watched Oscar award-winning film, Tsotsi and District 9 by Gavin Hood.
Zintle: What other skills would you like to adopt in order to quantify your current acting skills/tools?
Brenda: Definitely accent work. I would also like to learn horseback and motorcycle riding.
Zintle: What is the purpose of this visit to South Africa? And how has the experience been?
Brenda: The purpose of this visit is to meet industry players for one. South Africa’s film industry is vibrant and growing. It is known for its diverse storytelling and unique perspective, which can provide valuable experience and vast opportunities for actors. I’m also here for networking purposes and to gain a possibility of a new audience. Also very dear to me is the possibility of collaboration between African storytellers. I think together we would be unstoppable.
My experience has been absolutely amazing. The people in South Africa are friendly, kind and helpful, always greeting me with a smile and a joke very often too! I also had quite the culinary experience.
Zintle: How do you use your platform as a well known figure to inspire change and contribute to society?
Brenda: I try not to label myself or allow myself to be labelled a role model. I’m too human. But what I can, I do. My most notable contribution would be the reusable sanitary towels initiative ” Tabithas Daughters”, where we can make and distribute these towels and other suppliers like soap and underwear to the less privileged in our society. I run this initiative with my grandmother and her lovely friends.
Zintle: Brenda what is Acting to you?
Brenda:
Acting is me getting to live a thousand different lives so that by the time I’m done, I would have played so many of them that I understand humans in a more deeper level.
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