‘I DID HUMILIATING THINGS’ COMEDIAN EMMANUEL KISIANG’ANI ON PROFESSOR HAMO’S MENTORSHIP

Popular comedian and radio personality Emmanuel Kisiang’ani opened up about his mentorship under comedian Professor Hamo.

Speaking during a recent appearance on Buzz Central Podcast with CheptoeK Boyo, Kisiang’ani recalled his early days as Hamo’s dedicated understudy, when peers jokingly called him ‘mlambi wa Hamo’.

“Professor Hamo was the only one who gave me a chance,” he revealed. “At a time when other comedians were closed off, he allowed me to follow him to shows, carry his books, and even co-write scripts. We vibe on the same level.“

Though the role sometimes felt humiliating especially when fellow Rib Crackers comedians laughed at him Kisiang’ani credits Hamofor teaching him essential stagecraft.

“I learnt a lot from him because he was a very experienced performer. He used to call me his understudy but that thing really helped me, I learned how to read and audience. If a joke doesn’t work out how to turn it around.”

The comedian criticised the current mindset of many new comedians. “Nowadays, nobody wants to be an understudy. They do two shows, kill it, and think they’ve made it. Comedy like any craft requires patience. Hamo didn’t just make me a performer; he shaped my resilience.”