TY NGACHIRA EXPLAINS WHY KENYAN COMEDIANS STRUGGLE TO EARN ROYALTIES

Comedian and lawyer TY Ngachira has shed light on the harsh realities facing Kenyan comedians when it comes to earning residual income from their work.

Speaking during a candid interview with Cheptoek Boyo on the Buzz Central Podcast, Ngachira pointed out a misconception in Kenya’s entertainment industry. “One thing we conflict in Kenya is fame and money. Being known does not mean being paid. I think we should cut Kenyan artists some grace. It’s like any other job where the company might fold.“

Ngachira added, “If we start seeing comedy as just a job like any other, and realise that fame and money are not necessarily the same thing, it would help. But I understand why it’s different for artists, if you’re making money from my face, I should get paid. The problem is our shows don’t generate that kind of money yet.”

The comedian explained why residual payments (royalties for reused content) remain elusive for most Kenyan comedians. “Very few shows have saleability beyond a certain point. You can’t expect residuals forever from shows about current affairs and trending topics that become irrelevant. Even with sitcoms, it’s rare to find content people will watch years later. For comedians, it’s even harder because surprise is an essential element of comedy. You can’t listen to the same jokes three times and laugh as hard. Musicians get proper residuals because people replay songs, but comedy doesn’t work that way.”

However, comedians can opt to take lower payment in advance and earn royalties in big productions, “Only when you’re dealing with a big company that you know will make proper money can you negotiate for residuals, maybe take a smaller upfront payment for backend royalties. But our industry isn’t there yet.”