Oga Obinna recalls dressing like a woman during early comedy days
By Steve Ireri, July 9, 2025Comedian Steve Maghana, alias Oga Obinna, has opened up about his early career, revealing that he used to wear women’s clothes as part of his comedy acts while he was still exploring his identity on stage.
He explained that this phase was a time of self-discovery and experimentation, and he soon realised that such an approach was complicated, prompting him to shift his style.
Speaking when he hosted digital creator Pritty Vishy for an interview on the night of Tuesday, July 8, 2025, Oga Obinna acknowledged that he was still learning and evolving as a performer.
“There are many things that I did back then. I used to perform comedy, and I used to dress like a woman. Then I came to the realisation that this is tricky, and I shifted.”
He further emphasised that he continues to learn and adapt even today.
Oga Obinna also reflected on his age and maturity during that period, clarifying that the time he wore dresses was not when he was at his prime.
He said that at that time he was between the ages of twenty and thirty, and contrary to popular belief, no man is in his prime during those years, as they are usually experimenting and figuring things out.
“There are many things I used to do in my past life. Not in my prime. I am not in my prime now; this is my prime. Between the ages of twenty and thirty, no man is in his prime. We are trying to figure out things. Around the ages of thirty, thirty-five, and forty, that is when most men get into their prime.”
His remarks came in response to allegations made by social media personality Prity Vishy, who accused him of body-shaming her in the past.
Addressing these accusations, Oga Obinna pleaded for understanding and forgiveness for his previous self, drawing a clear line between comedy and intentional body-shaming.
He lamented that many people, particularly Kenyans, have grown accustomed to misunderstanding comedy and body shaming, explaining that the accusations he sometimes faces stem from moments when he was merely attempting to make a joke.
“Please forgive my other self. However, there is a difference between body shaming and comedy. It is just that Kenyans nowadays are too sensitive.”
Obinna elaborated that comedy, by its nature, often involves pushing boundaries, but that audiences today are less tolerant of such expressions.
Radio humour
Oga Obinna went on to recall his time working in radio, where he frequently used humour and jokes to engage listeners.
He noted that the changing social climate has made it more difficult to joke freely without offending people.
“Nowadays, one cannot joke about anything or anybody because people are too sensitive. When I was in radio, I used to joke a lot. I think that at that time I used to tell you, ‘Ah, Vishy, never ever,’ but that was a joke. Things like that.”
He expressed regret for any offence caused by his past remarks and highlighted how he has since become more cautious with his humour.
“I apologise for the Obinna I was then and the one I am now. These days, I try to reduce even the things I say because people are too sensitive. Nowadays, even when guests come for interviews, I ask them if they are okay with me joking about certain topics,” he explained.