By Betty Luke
For lovers of Isiolo-based Radio Shahidi 91.7, Papa Shikolokonyez is not a new name.
Barely two years old at the faith-based radio station, his fourth in five years, the radio presenter has rapidly been gaining popularity due to his unique ability to imitate several voices and personalities.
His Shahidi Overtime show that he hosts alongside Sophy Kadosh between 4 to 8PM from Monday to Friday is among the most listened to shows.
What many do not know is that Papa, the old comical Luhya man whose jokes you have been laughing at, is actually a 28-year-old Muniu Muchai.
Born and raised in Nakuru County, Mr Muchai discovered his talent after completing Secondary School in 2015 when he got an opportunity at one of the local radio stations where he acted in Kimeru accent.
The popular comedian, who also doubles as a one-man guitar artist, could easily pass for a young man headed for a date due to his usual casual clad but that is before he sits in front of the mic in the studio.
Besides the elderly’s Papa role that he perfectly executes, his ability to quickly switch to another accent without his listeners noting is somewhat startling.
Before joining the radio station situated at St Eusebius Cathedral Church, Mr Muchai had imitated several languages among them Maasai, Meru and his native Kikuyu.
Mr Muchai, who is slowly becoming a household name in the Upper Eastern region, is also the brain behind the about 15-minutes Vibonzo segment that airs from Monday to Friday from 8:50PM where he doubles Olekarinko (Maasai) and Papa’s roles.
When thepresspoint.com catch up with him at Mukuu area near the Kulamawe diversion from Isiolo town, Mr Muchai is busy talking with residents and learning what they go through.
And while he engages in rigorous conversations with a group of bodaboda riders waiting for customers under the huge tree, shopkeepers, tailors, fruit sellers and Mama Mbogas around, none of them know that he is Papa Shikolokonyez though he is hilarious in real life.
The ever-fresh jokes you hear from him are sought from the normal happenings within the society but he insists that apart from making all things humorous, creativity is very crucial.
“I pick my content from the daily activities, I also see everything as funny and is always keen on how people speak,” Mr Muchai told thepresspoint.com
But where did the Luhya accent originate from?
“I had a friend called Sakwa whose accent amazed me and I kept imitating him. One day I just decided to imitate him while on radio and the fans loved it and kept demanding that I share more stories about Sakwa. That is how Papa Shikolokonyez was born,” he said during a recent interview.
“I really admired how he said ndugu yangu (Swahili for my brother) and I wished that one day I would speak like him,” he goes on.
The switching of the roles, he says, comes with advantages and bottlenecks as well.
“It is not easy playing more than one role at the same time because sometimes you forget the character you are at a particular time which could reveal the secret,” he laughs adding “Many are times I read news with the Luhya accent”
His heart elates for making listeners forget the stressful day they had and laugh off and if need be, force them to laugh and laugh until the worries are gone.
Of the three characters that he well fits in, he loves the Luhya one due to the community’s friendliness and welcoming nature.
“If I had a chance to be born again, I would choose to be a Luyha,” he said.
On several occasions, he has had fans make phone-ins in Luhya language but the talented champ always finds a way out.
“Some people will call during the show and demand that (poor me) speak Luyha while the only thing I know is greetings and good night wishes,” he said amid laughter.
The radio star has increasingly become the source of laughter to thousands of listeners through his radio programme that entertains and educates the masses.
From politics to religion, lifestyle and current affairs discussions, Muchai continues to draw huge listenership during his stay at Radio Shahidi.
“As a radio comedian,” he says, “one must be creative and outgoing, you can’t tell a joke twice because it will irritate your listener”
His outstanding skills has seen many advertisers seek his services in packaging of content for commercials.
“I love his Luhya accent and how he says ‘yes’ during the show. The guy is so hilarious and his show is simply amazing,” 26-year-old fan Mumina Guyo said.
The presenter draws a lot of encouragement from comedian Ngoni wa Thoita aka Ole Matope who is celebrated for his comical Maasai accent.
Mr Muchai looks forward to imitating as many personalities and voices as possible and insists that he will not compromise on the quality of his work.
“My fans should expect bigger things in the future. We are taking the game to the next level and they should expect a lot from me. I am not letting them down, not now, not soon, never,” he concludes.
