Former “Papa Shirandula” actor Jacky Vike, popularly known as Awinja, has unveiled an intriguing facet of her life by disclosing her ownership of an impressive collection of over 30 “Kamisis,” each tailored for her various roles.
Beyond her distinctive television persona, which radiates a rustic and vintage charm, Awinja is a versatile and well-recognized online comic who has left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Awinja initially gained fame for her portrayal of a housekeeper in the renowned Citizen TV comedy series, “Papa Shirandula,” a role that propelled her into stardom.
However, her talents extend beyond the television realm. In addition to her memorable stint on “Papa Shirandula,” she has left her mark in significant film roles, featuring in notable Kenyan productions such as “Nairobi Half-Life” and “Click Click Bang.”
Her success in the comedy genre persists as she collaborates with some of the most successful Kenyan comedy movies and drama series.
Discussing her unique collection of “Kamisis,” Awinja shared the inspiration behind incorporating these traditional petticoats into her wardrobe.
“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.”
When asked about her fashion choices, Awinja explained, “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 captured the heart of her most significant fan—her son.
She revealed 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.”
During the interview, Awinja took a moment to reflect on the painful loss of their father in the entertainment industry, the iconic Charles Bukeko, known as Papa Shirandula.
She 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.”
