Veteran actor and stand-up comedian Generali George Mbuto consistently entertains the nation. For three decades, his performances on stage and in renowned TV shows, such as Beba Beba and True Stories, have lingered in the memories of millions of Kenyans. Comedy, his first love, breaks barriers by daring to challenge norms, encouraging audiences to rethink their perspectives. This is exemplified in his work, A Time to Twist the Knife, which questions our understanding of what is right and wrong, exposing the visible gaps in our beliefs.
The upcoming stand-up special aims to humorously challenge perceptions of modern society, culture, and science. But before delving into these topics, let’s take a trip back to the 90s.
In the bustling city of Nairobi, a cassette tape plays, catching the attention of young Mbuto. He hears a voice that is so charismatic it stops him in his tracks. Is it a preacher? If so, what message could be eliciting such loud laughter? It soon dawns on him that the voice belongs to Bill Cosby, sparking a burning passion within him.
What follows is a series of performances in various locations, including Texas in Dandora and Uncle Sam in Githurai 44. He landed these gigs alongside other comedians after a series of shows organized by Fred Obachi Machoka at the Kenya National Theatre. The group humorously dubbed the performances “Soo Time,” referencing their payment of 100 Ksh per show.
Mbuto’s comedy was not solely reliant on accents or current trends; rather, he skillfully utilized these elements to address sensitive topics, all wrapped in humor. This led to the creation of the renowned program, Redykyulass, where Mbuto distinguished himself with his tactfully delivered commentary. Unfortunately, instead of receiving appreciation, much of his work suffered from plagiarism, costing him potential job opportunities. However, Beba Beba changed the trajectory of his career. Eager to take on a role as the driver in the show, Mbuto ultimately portrayed the hilarious character Generali, which earned him a Best Actor in a TV Series Kalasha Award in 2014.
After the series ended, Mbuto returned to the stage more energized than ever. He put on shows like Pawa 254, Shit Proof, and Taste of the Nation, along with last year’s A Thousand Cuts for a Million Laughs, which earned him a Kenya Theatre Award.
On November 20, A Time to Twist the Knife will premiere at the Kenya National Theatre. This production aims to highlight pressing issues while delivering hard truths with an engaging and entertaining approach. #ATTTTK promises to explore a variety of subjects, including politics, religion, and tech culture, leaving no stone unturned. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!
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