Former “Papa Shirandula” star Jacky Vike, widely recognized as Awinja, has unveiled a captivating aspect of her life, revealing ownership of an impressive collection of over 30 “Kamisis,” each crafted for her diverse roles.
Beyond her distinctive television persona exuding rustic and vintage charm, Awinja is a versatile and well-acknowledged online comic who has left an enduring impact on the entertainment industry.
Awinja rose to fame for her portrayal of a housekeeper in the popular Citizen TV comedy series, “Papa Shirandula,” propelling her into stardom. However, her talents transcend television, making a mark in significant film roles, including notable Kenyan productions such as “Nairobi Half-Life” and “Click Click Bang.”
Her success in comedy persists as she collaborates with some of the most successful Kenyan comedy movies and drama series.
In discussing her unique collection of “Kamisis,” Awinja shared the inspiration behind incorporating these traditional petticoats into her wardrobe. She explained, “I started including ‘Kamisis’ because I wanted to embody that primitive girl from the village. ‘Kamisis’ had a certain vibe back then. I began developing that character. I now own approximately 30 of them, in various colors and designs, including both full and half-length ones. I prefer not to disclose where I purchase them from.”
Addressing her fashion choices, Awinja detailed, “The contrast determines the color choice. If I’m wearing a green dress, the petticoat has to be a different color.”
Despite her on-screen transformations, Awinja’s true character has captivated the heart of her most significant fan—her son. She shared that her son adores her acting persona and often watches her videos online. “My son is like, oh my God, Mum? But sometimes he calls me Awinja, and sometimes I catch him watching my videos on YouTube.”
Reflecting on the painful loss of their father in the entertainment industry, the iconic Charles Bukeko, known as Papa Shirandula, Awinja described the challenge of coping with his passing and how it brought the family closer. “Losing our dad was incredibly difficult. He was the one who brought us together, and we used to spend so much time as a family. We felt like we didn’t mourn him adequately, especially since he passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic. Everything happened so quickly, and we struggled to come to terms with it.”
