US-based Kenyan comedian Elsa Majimbo revealed her philanthropic side as she emptied her bank accounts for a noble cause.
Majimbo, speaking in a video posted on social media, said she couldn’t justify earning $500,000/Ksh69 million when other people were struggling to make ends meet.
The 22-year-old said she instructed her managed, about two years ago, to drain her bank accounts and give the money to the people who needed it more.
“About a year ago, I would say a little over a year ago, I asked my manager and my business manager to drain all the money in my bank account and give it to people who needed it more than I do. My reasoning was as a 20-year-old I couldn’t justify earning half a million dollars (it’s on Forbes this is public information) I couldn’t justify that, I just didn’t need that kind of money to support my lifestyle,” Majimbo said.
“And don’t get me wrong, I do not deprive myself of luxuries. I fly first class, I like a nice Gucci bag, I love all that but still, there is more left. And if I have been- so blessed why not bless other people? And you know when I came to this decision they were telling me like ‘you’ve earned it, you are so talented, you are so deserving’ but other people are talented too why aren’t they in my position? Other people are deserving too to be in the position I am today,” she added.
Elsa Majimbo further stressed that she still yearned to make more money after draining her accounts for the noble cause.
“Am I grateful for what I earned? Yes. Do I love what I earn? Yes. Do I want to continue earning what I earn and more? Are you joking! Absolutely. But I have more and I will always have more and I want my blessings to bless other people because I am deserving but so is everyone else,” she said.
The vicenarian noted that she gave back to the less privileged because her life was also made much better by other people.
“I am so grateful for everything I have guys, every single day I wake up and I thank God for everything I have. I have been so blessed wow. I have been so incredibly blessed and I want my blessings to bless other people and I hope and pray that is something I stick by until the day I die – making someone’s life a little bit better because mine was made so much better,” she said.
Covid lockdown
Elsa Majimbo shot to fame while she was still a journalism student at Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kenya.
Majibo became way more famous outside the borders of Kenya than locally as her comedy skits thrilled international audiences in 2020 during the dawn of the Covid-19 pandemic.
As the world shut down with movements restricted, Majimbo took over social media by storm as she created funny clips leaving users in stitches.
The young comedian provided comic relief to millions of people globally by sharing her satirical monologues on social media.
Majimbo’s skits quickly earned her global recognition even as many people in Kenya didn’t even know who she was.
The comedian’s skits earned her appearances on Comedy Central as well as a partnership with MAC cosmetics.
She was also featured by some of the biggest international media outlets including CNN, The Guardian, New York Times etc.
Her skits also made their way to international celebrities who loved what she was doing on the internet and befriended her.
Majimbo first became friends with acclaimed Kenya-based British supermodel Naomi Campbell before roping Barbadian billionaire singer Rihanna.
Her biggest breakthrough was perhaps the endorsement deal she inked with Rihanna’s cosmetics brand Fenty Beauty.
“You see me in these and you want to look me in the eye? Oh na na, what’s my name? Money,” Majimbo said in a monologue used to announce the endorsement.
2021: Blessings galore
In February 2021, Majimbo shared a letter Rihanna sent her at the beginning of her career. She shared the letter while celebrating the singer’s 33rd birthday.
“Elsa, You a baddie and you know it. And your reel was fire!!! Love, Rihanna A.K.A Your childhood friend,” the handwritten letter from Rihanna read.
Riri sent me this letter at the beginning of my career and has given me immense support and good advice. You know how much I adore you, have an Amazing and incredible birthday. Sending you great love. Happy Birthday @rihanna !!! ♥️🎉💃🏾😘 pic.twitter.com/4xWW3dwQLv
— Elsa Majimbo 🇿🇦 (@ElsaAngel19) February 20, 2021
That same February, Majimbo became among the first people considered by Beyoncé when she sent her a brand new Icy Park that she had just rolled out.
The Kenyan comedian was among the A-list celebrities who received the collection of the Beyoncé x Adidas collection.
Just before receiving the gift from Beyoncé, Majimbo had announced a partnership with Valentino. She wore Valentino on the cover of Teen Vogue.
“On Tuesday I was wearing Valentino on the cover of Teen Vogue. On Friday I announced I’m working with Valentino. That’s how we do baby. It’s absolutely insane to me that less than a year into my career I get to collaborate with one of the biggest designers in the world! #blessed,” she shared on social media.
Controversy, adoption
Elsa Majimbo rubbed Kenyans the wrong way when she claimed that she felt safer in South Africa, where she has a home, than in Kenya.
The young comedian appeared in an interview with AB Talks YouTube interview with Anas Bukhash in May 2021 and gave reasons why she was not planning to return to Kenya.
She said that she has had a bad relationship with Kenya, adding that when she left the country she didn’t look back.
“I think I’ve faced a lot of bullying there, it really did seem like everyone in the city was against me, so I have a home in South Africa & I’m really glad I do, I feel safe there but Kenya is not that place…”
— Boombuzz Kenya (@BoombuzzKE) May 28, 2021
Elsa Majimbo on AB Talks pic.twitter.com/5MLjFdOG6F
In January 2022, Majimbo was interviewed by popular American talk show host Steve Harvey and she repeated her story of how she was bullied by Kenyans.
Harvey was moved by Elsa Majimbo’s story and he ultimately decided to adopt her as his niece.
An interview that turned strangers into family♥️ I love you Uncle Steve @IAmSteveHarvey pic.twitter.com/lkKjpAHwCn
— Elsa Majimbo 🇿🇦 (@ElsaAngel19) January 20, 2022
In June 2022, Elsa Majimbo bagged two modelling gigs with top agencies in Hollywood.
