MC Japolo, one of the most sought after event emcees and comedians in town

Who is MC Japolo in a nutshell?

I am a fourth born in a family of six, raised by a single mom Millicent Caroline Otieno who was also my primary school teacher. I was born in Masiro Kathieno in Ugenya, Siaya county.

I schooled at Murumba and Luanda Primary, later joined St Mary’s Yala High School, then St Charles Lwanga in Mombasa.

I have acquired knowledge in plants operations, clearing and forwarding and now pursuing a course in mass communication. And I am a lover of arts.

How did your journey in the comedy industry begin?

My journey dates back in primary and high school days. I would always make my friends laugh and I was your go-to emcee for our schools’ events and even the infamous ‘funkies’.

Joining college, I perfected my craft and at some point I had to drop out to do informal jobs to support my school fees, maximising on minor gigs to make ends meet.

What inspires your craft?

I am inspired by the people. A majority of my friends have ‘9 to 5’ jobs, and at the end of the day, they are tired and need to unwind and that’s where I come in.

I also draw inspiration from every day activities and happenings, and also by the young generation who are also looking up to me to try to hustle hard with  talent just to be like me in future.

What are some of the greatest moments you’ve had in the industry? 

I am happy to be one of the official emcees for the Luo Festival and Mr and Miss Mbita; events that only happen annually, but we in the creative and performing industry have had immense challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. So, not much has been coming our way presently. 

How has the pandemic affected your career? 

The pandemic has been a double-edged sword for me. On one end, I lost many planned gigs and events, meaning lost income and networking opportunities.

On the other hand, I was able to explore alternative sources of making income, hence the birth of Japolo Holiday Homes Ltd.

Who has been your greatest support system?

I would say the women in my life are the greatest support system; my mother particularly. Having brought me up as a single mother, her disciplinary nature and prayers have helped me to be where I am today.

My girlfriend too is someone I am grateful to have in my life. Akoth sees my vision, prays over it and gives me the genuine correction and support that has always made me achieve my goals since the day she came into my life.

My manager too Glory Dorcas aka Gee Dee has been coaching me and ensuring that all plans we have are real, met on time and achieved.

I also have friends and a father figure Ken Owino, who has really helped me in my journey.

He has played the biggest role in my life. In fact, many people know that I am his biological first-born son.

Do you think Kenyan comedy industry has evolved?

As an industry, we are at a very crucial point. We’ve grown, but we are not there yet.

We are at a point where with good guidance and determination, many of us in Kenya (not just a few) can now actually make a living from comedy. 

What else do you do besides emceeing?

When I am not at an event emceeing, I am working with the companies that I am the brand ambassador for including Kenlan Construction Company and KenOwino Motors Ltd, especially producing content to be used for marketing.

The rest of time goes to my business empire (beauty products shop, maize farm in Ugenya and Japolo Holiday Homes).

What are your plans going forward? 

We have big plans and projects. As a team, we plan to grow our brand to be one of the most formidable in the country, with mentorship from some of the best we have in and outside the country.

We plan to bag in more ambassadorship and grow Japolo Holiday Homes to international levels.