Daniel Ndambuki

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Daniel Wambua Ndambuki famously known as Churchill (born 30 October 1977) is a Kenyan comedian who hosts the comedy television show Churchill Show on NTV Kenya^[1] (formerly on TV47). Churchill was born in Kitui town, 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 but was renamed Churchill Show during its third season in 2012.

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 with the then president topping the list.^[3]

He has nurtured and branded stand-up comedy.^[4] CNN recently classified him as one of Africa's funniest comedians.^[5]

Churchill has brought a new and fresh style of comedy to the Kenyan airwaves and mainstream media since the early 2000s, that has garnered him hundreds of thousands to millions fans on radio, television and the Internet. Churchill is now a Kenyan household name.

His wide recognition as a comedian started heightening in the all-time hit comedy show “Redykyulass” in which he acted alongside Walter Mongare(Nyambane), Peter Kaimenyi (Kajairo), Maurice Otieno (Mdomo Baggy), John Kiarie (KJ), and Anthony Njuguna. He currently boasts a successive Live TV, the Churchill Live.

His hit show Churchill Live has increasingly become East Africa’s most popular and hilarious TV Show in addition to gaining momentous international interest from comedy enthusiasts in the US, the UK, India, Germany, and the rest of the world.

He hosts a weekly NTV show "Churchill Show” with live recordings on Thursdays at the Carnivore Restaurant which has become “a must attend” event, Churchill's show is in its sixth edition and currently ^[6] the number one show in East and Central Africa with a viewership of 11,000,000 Kenyans across the country, according to ratings.^[7][8][9]

Churchill Show Comedy TV program has featured influential personalities, politicians, big entertainment personalities and other remarkable people across the socio-economic 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 programme 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 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!

1. 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.^[10] 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 .
2. 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^[11] 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.^[12] Churchill has responded to these claims at various times, emphasizing the difficulties of managing a large production and defending the show’s business model.
3. 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,^[13] Kasee^[14] and Othuol Othuol, who were both part of the show . Others like Njoro,^[15] 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 Infront of other deserving Talents. Many former comedians have left the show after reported discrimination.
4. 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^[16] 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.

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The Churchill Comedy Brand has grown by leaps and bounds and garnered loads of awards and honours including but not limited to:

• 2015 Olx SOMA (Social Media Awards)- Overall Personality of The Year
• 2015 Bingwa Music Awards (BMA) – Showbiz Personality Of The Year
• 2014 PRISK Award – for being a founding director
• 2014 Sanaa Theatre Awards – Best Production Of TV Comedy Recorded Before A Live Audience
• 2014 Cheka Awards – Best TV Stand-up Comedy Show
• 2014 Cheka Awards – Male TV Stand-up Comedian
• 2014 Kalasha Awards – Best TV Comedy
• 2014 Olx SOMA (Social Media Awards)- overall personality of the year
• 2014 Olx SOMA (Social Media Awards) –Most influential Media Personality
• 2014 Transform Kenya Awards -Winner in the Arts & Culture Category
• 2013 Cheka Awards -Winner Best TV Stand Up Comedy
• 2013 Cheka Awards -Comedy Mentor Award
• 2013 Olx SOMA (Social Media Awards) - Winner Facebook Fan page Of the Year
• 2013 Olx SOMA (Social Media Awards) - Overall Social Media Personality Of The Year
• 2013 Olx SOMA (Social Media Awards) - Television Show Of The Year
• 2013 Sanaa Theatre Awards - Best Comedy Kenyan Pig Cat And Dogs - Heartstrings Kenya
• 2012 Marketing Society Of Kenya Awards - Winner Best Personal Branding Effort
• 2012 Kalasha Awards - Best TV Entertainment Churchill Live – Cinematic Solutions/ Laugh Industry
• 2012 UK Kenya Achievers Award For Excellence In Comedy
• 2011 State Commendation Award -Order Of The Grand Warrior (OGW)
• 2011 Marketing Society Of Kenya Awards -Best Personal Branding Award
• 2010 CHAT (Chaguo La Teeniez Awards) Winner Teeniez’ TV Comedy Or Reality Show
• 2010 CHAT (Chaguo La Teeniez Awards) Winner Teeniez’ Role Model
• 2009 Kalasha Awards Winner -Best Comedy Program
• 2009 Kalasha Awards Winner - Best TV Program Overall
• 2007 Word Of Life Winner Theatre Person Of Year
• 1999 Mavuno Awards Winner Best Narrator

• Daniel Ndambuki's channel on YouTube