Comedian and content creator Terence Creative has shared some nuggets of wisdom for fellow artists, offering a glimpse into his journey from humble beginnings to a celebrated figure in the Kenyan entertainment industry.
Nuggets of Advice
Terence Creative’s advice to artists comes from a place of experience and understanding. He has consistently used his platform to encourage other creatives to persevere through challenges and stay focused on their craft.
“Dear fellow artists, I have witnessed how they treat you during your fame and hay days, I have also seen how they treat you when fame fades,” Terence began.
“My advice is simple: invest in your future self, get a land, build for your family hata kama ni mabati, look for a side hustle, hata kama ni kuuza mayai ama njugu have some cash flow, save, have insurance ya health, Education policy for your kids, and also save to have an emergency fund and kitu tu unaweza kulanga dividends,” he poured out his heart.
He also advised them to constantly be thinking of their retirement plan, saying that, like many other things, art also has a shelf life.
“Think of your retirement now while you’re making cash. This career of ours also has a shelf life; learn from those who were here before us, long live the industry. Ask me how I know this, I worked behind the scenes for over 7 years, I’ve seen it all,” he said.
The Journey to Stardom
Born Lawrence Macharia, Terence Creative’s path to success was far from easy. He grew up in the Mlango Kubwa slum in Mathare, Nairobi, and lost his parents at the age of nine.
This early tragedy forced him into a life on the streets, where he battled with poverty and addiction. His life, however, took a turn when he was rescued and taken to a children’s home, where he discovered his love for theatre.
Before becoming a household name with his viral characters like ‘Papa Fred’, Terence worked odd jobs, including as a security guard and gardener. His relentless effort eventually led him to the National Theatre and later a gig at the popular Churchill Show, where he wrote jokes for some of Kenya’s biggest comedians.
It was during this time that he met his wife, Milly Chebby, who has been a pillar of support, helping him overcome personal struggles, including a gambling addiction that almost cost him everything.
A Picture Tells a Story
The images Terence shared are a testament to his journey. The “before” picture shows a young man with a gaunt face and a subdued demeanour, a stark representation of the struggles he faced.
This is in direct contrast to the “after” picture, which features a vibrant, well-dressed man, his face beaming with a confident smile.
The transition from a troubled past to a successful present is visually striking, a powerful symbol of his triumph over adversity.
BY moses sagwe
