Advertisement
Jacky Vike explains how playing Awinja changed how people view her
01st April, 2026 09:29 AM
Actress Jacky Vike has said that playing the character Awinja changed how people see her in real life.
Speaking on a local podcast on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, she explained that many people now identify her more with the role than her real personality. She added that the strong connection to the character has shaped how she is addressed and understood.
“Ukikutana na wasee wengi, wenye wame watch Nairobi Half Life wataniambia, Awinja, mimi nakupenda sana lakini ile ya Nairobi Half Life, no,” Jacky Vike said.
Awinja, who has been vocal about her past experiences, including how her brother’s death affected her, explained that many people still connect her identity to the roles she has played. She said this has led to confusion between acting and real life. She added that people expect her to behave like the character she played on screen.
“Now you see, they can’t differentiate acting and real life. So watu wengi wanajua tu Awinja,” Jacky Vike explained.
She said the expectations placed on her are based on the traits of the Awinja character. She explained that the role is seen as loud, naive, and a rumour monger. She added that this image has influenced how she is perceived in daily life.
“So they want you to be that naive, loud, rumour-mongering Awinja,” Jacky Vike said.
Learning from Papa Shirandula
She also spoke about her time working with the late Papa Shirandula. She explained that he played a big role in her growth as an actress. She added that the experience helped shape her career and personal journey.
“He was my mentor. It was such an amazing experience, I learnt so much from him,” Jacky Vike said.
She explained that their relationship went beyond work and became more like family. She said the bond they shared made a strong impact on her life. She added that his guidance continues to influence her even today.
“That is why when we lost him, ili tu affect sana. It got to a point where we were a family, we were part of each other,” Jacky Vike explained.
She said the life she is living now is connected to the support and lessons she received from him. She explained that his mentorship opened doors and helped her grow, and added that she remains grateful for the role he played in her journey.
