Nick Kwach recounts being paid a plate of pilau after performance
Media personality, creative director and comedic actor Nick Kwach has shared a humbling memory from his early career, an experience that underscored both the challenges of breaking into Kenya’s entertainment industry and the unexpected lessons gleaned along the way.
Speaking during an interview with a local media station on Friday night, August 1, 2025, Kwach revealed that there had been a day when they had gone to a show and were paid with a plate of pilau after performing.
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He recounted how the organiser then brought them the pilau, told them to eat and enjoy and said they would meet again next time to perform more.
“There is a day we went to a show, tukalipwa na pilau after performing, jamaa alituletea pilau akatuambia tukule msikia poa tutaonana next time tupige yengine,” he revealed.
Acting gig
In addition, Kwach disclosed that he began his acting career with a travelling theatre troupe and used to perform high‑school set books.
He added that when he started his first gig performing with a travelling theatre troupe, they used to be paid about Ksh 300 after completing a show.
“When I started my first gig ever, when I was doing travelling theatre, we used to be paid like Ksh 300 after doing shows,” he added.
Rising from humble beginnings
Kwach has charted a remarkable path from touring high schools in western Kenya to earning the title of Best Actor in East Africa at the prestigious Zanzibar International Film Festival in 2024.
“BEST ACTOR IN EAST AFRICA. I am elated to announce that I was voted the Best Actor in East Africa by the jury at the Zanzibar International Film Festival for my role in Otis Janam. Thank you @ziffestival for validating the immense effort put in by the entire team,” Kwach said after winning the award.
“Thank you @drzippyokoth for the opportunity to live my dream, and the team at Legacy Arts Lab, hello producer @vigilance_atieno . Thank you, waya @lorellajowi for casting me in this project. Thank you @sarahmasese, you are the best. The whole crew and cast of OTIS JANAM, this is yours.”
He now co-runs The Crony Productions. His rise from informal performances in local venues to recognised stages is a testament to his perseverance and comedic craft.
