Did you know this about Charles Bukeko aka Papa Shirandula?

Does the name Charles Bukeko ring a bell? Well, not to as many people as compared to ‘Papa Shirandula’. Bukeko made ‘Papa Shirandula’ a household name in Kenya through a comic television series where he is the lead actor and concept creator. Kenyans woke up to news of his passing on Saturday July 18th.

His fame went beyond the eight-year-old ‘Papa Shirandula’ programme. The 2010 Kalasha Award winner for the Best Actor in a TV series was known all over the world. In South Africa, Bukeko was well known through a Vodacom advert where he played the role of a dictator.

The advert is considered one of the funniest ever produced in the country. Those who watched television could also not miss to note his “Brrrrrr” moment in a global Coca Cola advert that was voted the 2007 Advertisement of the Year by the Creative Circle.

Who really was Charles Bukeko?

He described himself as an actor, director, thespian, singer, a father and a husband whose story gives hope to thousands of aspiring actors in the country having climbed from the unfathomable levels of deep poverty.

The father of three was the firstborn in a family of four and had the responsibility of helping his parents, Valeria Makokha and Cosmas Wafula, take care of the family.

Papa went to Jogoo Road Primary School and Upper Hill Secondary before getting free training on theatre basics for three years at the Phoenix Theatre. He has featured in internationally acclaimed films like Fernando Meirelles’ The Constant Gardener.

Besides acting, Bukeko was also a Goodwill Ambassador for South East Asia and did concepts for countries like China, Malaysia, Japan, Vietnam Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, Mauritius, Hong Kong and Macau whenever called upon.

Papa Shirandula died in Nairobi on Saturday morning leaving behind a widow, Beatrice, and three children.

Shirandula’s brother-in-law Ronald Wanyama said he experienced difficulty in breathing before he was rushed to the Karen Hospital.

“It is sad he didn’t make it out of the hospital alive. He had tested positive for Covid-19. We are devastated,” he said.

Mr Wanyama said the TV star had travelled to Western and returned to Nairobi on Sunday before he fell sick.

Shirandula was the main actor in the Citizen TV comedy series ‘Papa Shirandula’.

He was an award-winning actor who bagged the Kalasha Award for ‘Best Actor in a TV Series’ in 2010.

EULOGIES

In a condolence message to the family via Twitter, President Uhuru Kenyatta eulogised the thespian as a “gifted storyteller whose contribution to the development of Kenya’s entertainment sector will be cherished forever”.

Also via the social media platform, Deputy President William Ruto said, “We are heartbroken by the passing of the versatile television star. Bukeko was a towering, talented and skilful actor.”

He added, “His electrifying and distinctive performances will continue to enlighten and inspire many generations. We will miss his rich contribution on and off the stage.”

Post Views:
97