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Daniel Wambua Ndambuki (born 30 October 1977), also known as Churchill, is a Kenyan comedian who hosts the comedy television show Churchill Show on NTV Kenya[1] (formerly on TV47). Churchill was born in the town of Kitui, but moved to Machakos. He has worked in the comedy industry since 1996, and has now become a household name in Kenya. He launched the Churchill Live Comedy Show in September 2008, and it was renamed the Churchill Show during its third season in 2012.
Early life
Daniel Ndambuki, aka Churchill, attended Mumbuni High School. Daniel moved to Nairobi with his uncle in 1990.[2]
Churchill, together with KJ, Kajairo, Mudomo Baggy, and Nyambane, created “Red Kona”, a comedy show on TV, which increased their fan base. Churchill went on to co-present with Maina Kageni on Classic 105 FM.
At one point, he ranked 7th among Kenya’s 100 most influential people. The president of Kenya at the time topped the list.[3]
He has nurtured and branded stand-up comedy in the country.[4]CNN recently classified him as one of Africa's funniest comedians.[5]
Churchill Show
Churchill Show Comedy TV program has featured influential personalities, politicians, big entertainment personalities and other remarkable people across the socioeconomic continuum.
“Interviews with Kenyan big names combined with a touch of Churchill's brand of comedy doused in comic brilliance on production makes it a program on par with none. All the while not forgetting the lighter note in "Toto's corner" It has contributed a lot to the pop culture in Kenya. The show has toured most Parts of the country and gathered huge crowds in sold out shows. The shows Format is 45 minutes featuring an open monologue from Churchill followed by the first comedian the shows then goes on break and another comedian opens the second segment followed by an Interview of guests. The show then goes on a small break and the final comedian of the show airs. This is followed by the musical guest who closes the show with a song. The show has a resident Dj, DJ E and a band, Baino Band.
Churchill Academy
Churchill as a mentor and pioneer in the industry of the genre, has managed to grow the comedy Industry in East Africa by scouting and nurturing talent.
Initially with a talent search program dubbed ‘Top Comic’ that has put forward leading comedy brands, now there are two weekly shows that air on TV i.e. #ChurchillShow & #ChurchillRaw…this offer a platform that acts as a spring board for the new talents and brands.
Working with a creative team of 20 mentors. The academy has managed to create 73 new comedians and counting, that have so far entered the market and are becoming household names with thousands others still in training and more signing up everyday!
Controversies
Content Censorship and Criticism. Churchill's show has been criticized for some of its content, which has been considered inappropriate for its wide family audience.[6] At various times, segments of his comedy have been seen as promoting stereotypes or making light of sensitive issues, including gender and tribalism. The show has also been criticized for making Tribal Jokes which have led to massive stereo typing of some communities This led to calls for better content regulation, especially given the show's popularity with younger viewers .
Treatment of Comedians and Crew Payment Issues. There have been allegations from some comedians and crew members who worked on the Churchill Show about unfair treatment, particularly regarding payment. Some crew members and comedians have publicly accused Churchill and the show's management of delays in payment[7] or underpayment for their work . These complaints raised concerns about working conditions on the show, with some performers stating they struggled financially despite the show's success.[8] Churchill has responded to these claims at various times, emphasizing the difficulties of managing a large production and defending the show’s business model.
Mental Health of Comedians. The mental health of comedians associated with the Churchill Show has also come into focus, especially following the deaths of comedians like Njenga Mswahili,[9] Kasee[10] and Othuol Othuol, who were both part of the show . Others like Njoro,[11] Paul Ogutu have been checked into rehab suffering from alcoholism and Depression. Some critics argued that the show and its leadership could have done more to support struggling performers, though Churchill and his team have made efforts to raise awareness of mental health issues within the comedy community since these incidents. The shows Creative Director Victor Ber has been accused of being too harsh, Rude arrogant and nepotism by selecting his wife Teacher Wanjiku In front of other deserving Talents. Many former comedians have left the show after reported discrimination.
Black Mail By Nigerians. In addition to the challenges within his own industry, Daniel "Churchill" Ndambuki has also been a victim of international blackmail. In one notable incident, Churchill revealed that he was blackmailed by individuals allegedly from Nigeria. According to him, the blackmailers gained access to sensitive private information and attempted to extort him, threatening to release compromising materials if their demands were not met. Churchill shared this experience[12] publicly to raise awareness of the growing menace of cybercrime and blackmail, particularly from cross-border criminals, and to warn others to be cautious about protecting their personal data online. He took legal action and urged authorities to strengthen measures against such cyber-related crimes, which have affected various public figures in Kenya.
Despite these controversies, Daniel Ndambuki remains an influential figure in the Kenyan entertainment industry, known for his contribution to the growth of local comedy.
