Andrew Levi is a significant part of the “Becky” series on Citizen TV, where he portrays the character Junior Katana alongside Lucy Maina, who plays the role of Becky.
For many of his admirers, Levi is a fresh face in the local film industry, captivating audiences with his distinctive deep voice and urban accent. In recent interviews, this enigmatic star has begun to unveil some of the mystery surrounding his past, his background, and the journey that led him to secure a lead role in one of Kenya’s most popular TV shows. Here is his remarkable story as narrated by us:
Early Life and Education:
In an enlightening conversation with Radio 47’s Mkamburi Chigogo, Andrew Levi disclosed that he was born in Zambia. His parents, serving as diplomats in the Kenyan government, led him to spend his childhood in various foreign countries, including Britain, Israel, and China, as they moved to fulfill their diplomatic duties. His educational journey took him to the prestigious Brookhouse Group of schools located in Karen, Nairobi, renowned as one of Kenya’s most prestigious and expensive educational institutions.
Interestingly, Brookhouse has also fostered the talents of some well-known entertainers in Kenya, including Size 8, Kagwe Mungai, Emmanuel Jal, and Janet Mbugua, among others. Following his time at Brookhouse, Levi pursued higher education at the prestigious Oxford and Cambridge universities, where he explored careers in both law and medicine. Upon completing his studies, he embarked on a diverse career path that involved occupying senior positions in corporate roles and even teaching as a lecturer at Strathmore University. Before venturing into acting in the “Becky” series, he worked as a freelance consultant.
Venturing into Acting:
Speaking with Youtuber Trudy Kitui, Levi shared that he had a passion for acting from a young age, unofficially starting his acting journey at the tender age of four. His love for acting continued throughout his primary, secondary, and university years. However, his parents often discouraged him from pursuing an acting career, emphasizing the importance of academics.
It was a pivotal moment in Levi’s life when his father passed away from cancer. This tragic event served as a catalyst for his decision to pursue acting. He remarked, “When my father passed away from cancer, I realized that life is short. I decided to try something that I had always wanted to try, i.e., acting.” One day, while scrolling through his Instagram feed, he stumbled upon an audition advertisement. He applied without hesitation, only later discovering that the auditions were for “Becky,” a new Swahili series set to air on Citizen TV. The show was produced by Jiffy Pictures, a prominent film production company owned by the well-known Citizen TV power couple, Lulu Hassan and Rashid Abdalla.
Becoming Junior Katana:
Levi chose to audition for the character of Junior Katana because he found that the character’s life experiences bore a striking resemblance to his own. He noted, “It was as if the scriptwriters were referring to my personal life for their storyline.” The auditions for “Becky” were unlike traditional casting calls. They began the moment candidates entered the audition venue. Judges closely observed how candidates interacted with the gatekeepers and fellow auditionees.
While Andrew excelled in many aspects of the audition, there was one scene that proved challenging for him – the act of crying on cue. His inability to produce genuine tears left him uncertain about his chances. However, to his surprise, he received a call a few days later informing him that he had secured the role. He modestly admitted, “I was shocked. Anyone could have gotten the role.”
Challenges and Triumphs:
The transition from the corporate world to the television industry presented its unique set of challenges. Levi had to master the art of balancing emotions, often needing to project cheerfulness even during personal moments of sadness. Rehearsals sometimes extended into late-night hours, with stretches lasting up to two weeks. “Sometimes you only get two to three hours of sleep,” he recounted.
Another obstacle they faced was dealing with unpredictable weather, which occasionally forced outdoor shoots in chilly conditions. To combat the cold, Andrew and his fellow actors had to engage in impromptu exercise routines to stay warm.
With “Becky” now delighting audiences for over two months, Levi aspires to see the show’s popularity expand beyond Kenya’s borders, reaching the broader East African region. He also expressed his desire for the series to be subtitled, making it accessible to viewers in other African countries such as Nigeria and South Africa.
