VETERAN ACTOR LENNY JUMA TALKS ABOUT BATTLING CANCER, CASTING LUPITA IN SHUGA AND WORKING WITH ANGELINA JOLIE IN TOMB RAIDER 2

By Cheptoek Boyo | February 26, 2021

71-year-old Kenyan actor and casting director Lenny Juma has been in the film industry for over five decades, he has worked in international film sets and rubbed shoulders with top Hollywood actors. He talks to Cheptoek Boyo about his battle with prostate cancer and his experience as a casting director in the Kenyan film industry.

How did you start your journey in acting? Was it something you always wanted to do?

I was a very playful and dramatic young man I would often joke around with my mother who would say “this kid thinks I am his age”.My first real acting experience started in Jericho Social Hall, whereas young men we would go for games like badminton, boxing and table tennis. While there a guy by the named Rick Gitahi wanted to introduce theatre arts at the hall, he asked me to play a small role in a play called ‘Incorruptible Judge’. As a teenager I would often go to star light night club for an afternoon dance called The Boogies where I met a South African refugee called George Menoe who was a teacher at the National Theatre Drama School, he taught acting, stage management and stage movement.

I believe this was where the flame and interest in acting began for me after joining the school, but unfortunately after one year the government discontinued funding the school. We then formed a group called Inter African Theatre Group led by George Menoe. The group would go to different schools in Kenya and do set book plays. As actors form National Theatre where all International film companies that came to Kenya would come to National Theatre to look for actors and that is how we would take part in International films in the 70’s.

In 1973 the Inter Africa Theatre group was invited to perform in Japan on cultural exchange courtesy of a Japanese theatre group we had hosted at the National Theatre in 1971. We went to Japan where we performed from 1973, every six months we stayed in Japan and the rest of the six months in Kenya until 1982. All together we managed to take more than 200 youths from Kenya to perform in Japan. Where we took part in performing in all the expo’s held in Japan and performed in all Kenyan events held in Japan by the Kenyan Embassy.

You have been featured in so many international films. What is the one thing you learned being on those sets?

On set of any film, you learn to have patience, disciplined and be responsible because once you are given your costumes and props you must take care of them. It takes a long time to shoot one scene and you must be prepared to stay on set for a minimum of 12 hours until you are called to do your scene.

Your most memorable moment on an international set? 

Working alongside Angelina Jolie in Tomb Raider II: The cradle of mankind was one of my most memorable moments. The scene from Africa was featured on the trailer and many have said it was the best scene in the film.

Which role do people remember you in films and what reason do they give you?

The most popular film people remember me for is Mountain of the moon as the Jamadari leader of the caravan of people traversing across Africa with Dr. Livingstone the explorer. People say it reminds them of the history.

Kenyans love talking about your role on Tomb Raider, how did get it?

I got the role in Tomb Raider II without auditioning because I was the casting for extras for the movie. When I took pictures to the director to see the casting I had done, the director asked me if I was as actor and the rest is history.

How did you land your job as a casting director?

I landed my first casting job in 1982 when Njeri Karago wanted someone to do casting for one of her films, called The Eye of The Witness. Mostly those days the main casting was done by a white lady called Sarah Wither and assisted by me and the late Konga Mbandu or a guy called Earnest we used to do casting for extras.

It is in casting that I have excelled well in the industry as compared to being an actor. As a casting director I beat many of peers in Africa and around the world in casting several actors in major roles for example Lupita Nyong’o as Ayira in the TV series Shuga and I declared that she was the most beautiful actress for that role and even the production office would not agree with me but the world has attested to it.

Oliver Litondo in The First Grader as Maruge, Sidede Onyulo as Owour in Nowhere In Africa, which went on to win an Oscar for Best Foreign Picture, Evans Muthini as big man in A Better World which also went to win an Oscar for the Best Foreign Picture, Godfrey Odhiambo as strong man in Africa Mon Amour, Ojwang Anyura a nyatiti player in Benado Betoluchis movie The Siege and the list goes on.

What mistake do actors make during a casting? 

The mistakes many actors going for casting and not asking questions about the role so that you prepare accordingly. Questions like dress code and the look needed can set you apart from other actors. Kuuliza sio ujinga.

We last saw you on Kona TV series will you make a comeback? 

After Kona, I thought there would-be Kona II, unfortunately that did not happen. I am looking forward to Kona II If it will happen. I am lucky in the US I have already been featured in 2 short films ‘The King of Germany’ and ‘Glimpse’. Hopefully, I will come back and do some local ones soon.

We recently lost Papa Shirandula, how was it working with him? 

Papa Shirandula may his soul rest in eternal peace. He was a good and funny man, very disciplined on set I will miss him.

The role of the late Joseph Olita on The Rise and Fall of Idi Amin is still remembered, how was your interaction with him?

My Interaction with Joseph Olita was good as he was also my neighbor in Jericho. Even though we were not very close. May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace. I cast him in one film but could not do coz of rate he was offered

Why did you relocate to the USA?

I relocated to seek medical attention as I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

How is your health now? 

I am now in remission, I thank God. I believe God has more plans for me. I was among the first people to get Covid-19 and having underlying health issues and age, I beat it by the Grace of God. I am truly blessed.

Will you be coming back to Kenya? 

Yes, I will be coming back as soon as the lockdown is over and job opportunities arise. Or someone calls to do a film I am ready and available.

Tell us about your family

I am happily married to one beautiful lady called Anne Waithera who was once the face of Kenya Airways but do I say. We are blessed with six daughters, that is why I call myself a lady’s man and a very lucky man to have survived this far living with seven ladies, we are also blessed with eight grandchildren and one the way.

You once casted ambassador Hassan Wario, what was it about him that got him the role?

I cast him in the film because he had a bit of experience acting on stage at the National theatre. I cannot remember which role he played as it was a long time ago, I remember he played the part well.

What your secret to the longevity of your acting career?

I would say my secret is being disciplined, having patience, and Interacting well with crew and actors. It is important to be disciplined in this career, many temptations arise like drugs and alcohol. So, you must remain focused and disciplined it is important for your survival and longevity in this industry.

Kenya actors love drinking their money off, what your word of advice?

Wacheni pombe an kuvuta bangi. Give priority to things you need in the future because as an actor you do not know when your next job will come and so it is important to save for a rainy day. Live within your means and not status. Excessive drinking and using drugs will only steer you further away from your goals.

Having been in the Kenyan Film industry for five decades, what do you want implemented?

The question of Implementation is a hard one until we have the strong crew and Actors guild with the support from the government because the major problem, is the rate card for both international and local films, and TV stations, for better remuneration of actors and crew. And the Taxman should be lenient with Actors and Artists as jobs are not always forthcoming and can spend six months out of a job. If we pay Taxes when we are half the year, they should reimburse the Actors.