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Created page with "__NOTOC__ {| class="infobox" style="width:22em; font-size:90%; text-align:left; border:1px solid #aaa; background:#f9f9f9; float:right; margin:0 0 1em 1em;" |+ style="font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; background:#cedff2; text-align:center;" | Jacky Vike |- ! Full name | Jacky Vike |- ! Stage name | Awinja |- ! Born | 8 September 1987<br>Nairobi, Kenya |- ! Nationality | Kenyan |- ! Occupation | Actress<br>Comedian<br>Radio Presenter<br>Content Creator |- ! Years active |..."
 
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{| class="infobox" style="width:22em; font-size:90%; text-align:left; border:1px solid #aaa; background:#f9f9f9; float:right; margin:0 0 1em 1em;"
{| class="infobox" style="width:22em; font-size:90%; text-align:left; border:1px solid #aaa; background:#f9f9f9; float:right; margin:0 0 1em 1em;"
|+ style="font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; background:#cedff2; text-align:center;" | Jacky Vike
|+ style="font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; background:#cedff2; text-align:center;" | Jacky Vike
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | [[File:Jacky_Vike.jpg|250px|alt=Jacky Vike as Awinja, smiling in colorful attire|Jacky Vike]]
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-size:smaller;" | Jacky Vike in 2025
|-
! style="background:#cedff2;" colspan="2" | Background information
|-
|-
! Full name
! Full name
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|-
|-
! Born
! Born
| 8 September 1987<br>Nairobi, Kenya
| 8 September 1987 (age 37)<br>Eastleigh, Nairobi, Kenya
|-
! Tribe
| Luhya
|-
|-
! Nationality
! Nationality
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|-
|-
! Occupation
! Occupation
| Actress<br>Comedian<br>Radio Presenter<br>Content Creator
| Actress · Comedian · Radio Presenter · Content Creator
|-
|-
! Years active
! Years active
Line 22: Line 32:
|-
|-
! Known for
! Known for
| ''Papa Shirandula'' (as Awinja)<br>''Ni Sisi''<br>''Nairobi Half-Life''<br>''Disco Matanga''
| ''Papa Shirandula'' (Awinja) · ''Nairobi Half-Life'' · ''Inside Job'' · ''Disco Matanga''
|-
|-
! Spouse
! Spouse
Line 28: Line 38:
|-
|-
! Children
! Children
| 1
| 1 son
|-
|-
! Social media
! Social media
| Instagram: @jackyvike<br>TikTok: @jackyvike
| [https://www.instagram.com/jackyvike/ Instagram: @jackyvike] · [https://www.tiktok.com/@jackyvike TikTok: @jackyvike]
|}
|}


'''Jacky Vike''' (born 8 September 1987), popularly known by her stage name '''Awinja''', is a renowned Kenyan actress, comedian, radio presenter, and digital content creator. She gained widespread fame for her role as Awinja, a cheeky house help on the popular Kenyan sitcom ''Papa Shirandula'', which aired on Citizen TV. With her strong comedic timing, unique character delivery, and authentic depiction of everyday Kenyan life, she became one of the most iconic figures in Kenya’s television comedy scene.
'''Jacky Vike''', born September 8, 1987, and better known as '''Awinja''', is a 37-year-old Kenyan actress, comedian, radio presenter, and content creator who stole hearts as the cheeky housemaid Awinja in *Papa Shirandula* on Citizen TV. Her infectious humor, rooted in her Luhya heritage, and knack for capturing Kenyan life have made her a comedy icon. “Eastleigh taught me to laugh through chaos,” she once said, reflecting her gritty Nairobi upbringing.<ref name="standard_childhood">{{cite web |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/evewoman/young-women/article/2001252691/jacky-vike-aka-awinja-opens-up-about-her-childhood-and-motherhood-journey |title=Jacky Vike Opens Up About Childhood and Motherhood |publisher=The Standard Evewoman |date=2017-08-27 |accessdate=2025-06-07}}</ref> With 2.5 million TikTok followers, a YouTube hit in *Disco Matanga*, and a 2025 Netflix comedy *Inside Job* alongside Mammito, Vike’s star shines bright.<ref name="sinemafocus">{{cite web |url=https://www.sinemafocus.com/jacky-vike-and-mammito-lead-tosh-gitongas-new-comedy-inside-job-premiering-on-netflix-in-june/ |title=Jacky Vike and Mammito Lead Inside Job |publisher=Sinemafocus |date=2025-01-15 |accessdate=2025-06-07}}</ref><ref name="mpasho_jeep">{{cite web |url=https://www.mpasho.co.ke/entertainment/2023-11-10-actress-awinja-splashes-millions-on-a-brand-new-jeep-photos/ |title=Awinja Splashes Millions on Brand New Jeep |publisher=Mpasho |date=2023-11-10 |accessdate=2025-06-07}}</ref> Married to Alfred Ngachi with an 8-year-old son, she balances fame with family, advocating for women’s empowerment while navigating minor debates over her comedic style.<ref name="standard_childhood"/>


Apart from her television work, Jacky Vike is a highly active digital content creator with a large following on social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. She is also an actress in film and theatre, a brand ambassador, and has worked as a radio host. She is considered one of Kenya’s most influential women in entertainment, known for her versatility, humor, and impact on contemporary Kenyan media culture.
== Early Life ==


== Early Life and Education ==
Jacky Vike was born in Nairobi’s Eastleigh on September 8, 1987, growing up in a tight-knit Luhya family of four siblings, where she was the third-born. Her bustling estate life sparked her comedic flair. After her father’s death during high school, her mother, a businesswoman, kept the family afloat, sending Vike to Heshima Road Primary School and Kegoye High School in Western Kenya.<ref name="standard_childhood"/> “I learned to find joy in tough times,” she shared.<ref name="standard_childhood"/> Skipping college to chase acting dreams—against her mother’s wish for her to become an air hostess—Vike joined theatre troupes through mentor Joel Kennedy Otukho, performing educational plays across Kenya.<ref name="whownskenya">{{cite web |url=https://whownskenya.com/jacky-vike-biography/ |title=Jacky Vike Biography and Career |publisher=Who Owns Kenya |date=2024-02-15 |accessdate=2025-06-07}}</ref>
Jacky Vike was born and raised in Eastleigh, Nairobi, in a modest family of four siblings. She is the third-born child. Her upbringing in a typical Nairobi estate played a formative role in her comedic and observational talents. Vike attended Heshima Road Primary School before joining Kegoye High School in Western Kenya for her secondary education.
 
Her passion for performance began at a young age through church plays and school drama festivals. This early interest eventually turned into a professional pursuit when she was introduced to acting by Kenyan actor and director Joel Kennedy Otukho. After high school, she immersed herself in theatre, starting with local travelling troupes that performed educational plays in schools across Kenya.


== Career ==
== Career ==
=== Theatre Beginnings ===
Vike began her professional acting career in 2008 with the theatre company Theatrix Arts Ensemble. The group specialized in dramatizing secondary school set books, performing for students in both urban and rural schools. She later joined other prominent groups, including Heartstrings Kenya and the Fire by Ten production, where she showcased her acting range in both comedic and dramatic roles.


Her talent was soon recognized, and she had the opportunity to perform at regional theatre events, including a festival hosted by the Eastern Africa Theatre Institute in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. These foundational years helped shape her discipline and stage presence, equipping her for a future in television and film.
=== Theatre Roots ===
Starting in 2008 with Theatrix Arts Ensemble, Vike dramatized school set books, later joining Heartstrings Kenya and Fire by Ten. Her standout performance at the Eastern Africa Theatre Institute festival in Addis Ababa sharpened her skills, setting the stage for her screen career.<ref name="whownskenya"/>


=== Film and Television ===
=== Film and Television ===
Jacky Vike made her screen debut in the television drama ''Wash and Set'', playing a minor role as a schoolgirl. She also starred in the online web series ''Simiyu Samurai'', gaining more experience and visibility. Her big break came in 2011 when she was cast in the sitcom ''Papa Shirandula'' on Citizen TV, created by the late Charles Bukeko. Her character Awinja, an outspoken and hilariously blunt housemaid, became an instant hit with viewers.
Vike debuted in *Wash and Set* as a schoolgirl and starred in the web series *Simiyu Samurai*. Her big break came in 2011 as Awinja in *Papa Shirandula*, a Citizen TV sitcom by Charles Bukeko. Awinja’s sassy Luhya charm made her a household name until the show ended in 2020.<ref name="tukotalks">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k5g7z8m9n0 |title=Tuko Talks: Jacky Vike on Comedy |publisher=Tuko TV |date=2023-06-10 |accessdate=2025-06-07}}</ref> She shone in films like *Nairobi Half-Life* (2012) and *Ni Sisi* (2013), showing her dramatic depth. In 2022, she joined Netflix’s *Click Click Bang*, and in 2025, she stars in *Inside Job*, a Netflix comedy with Mammito, playing cousins tackling injustice in a hilarious heist, directed by Tosh Gitonga.<ref name="sinemafocus"/>


Awinja's popularity was driven by her exaggerated Luhya accent, rural sensibilities, and comic timing. Her role resonated deeply with Kenyan audiences, reflecting both humor and truth about the dynamics between domestic workers and their employers. She remained on the show until its conclusion in 2020, following the death of Bukeko.
=== Key Collaborations ===
Vike’s work with Charles Bukeko on *Papa Shirandula* defined her comedic voice. Her 2025 *Inside Job* role with Mammito, Shiksha Arora, Elyas Moshkwani, and Irene Kariuki, under Tosh Gitonga’s direction, was a dream project. “Tosh called, and we packed for Nanyuki,” she laughed.<ref name="sinemafocus"/> She’s teamed with Njugush for viral skits, like a 2023 Barbie parody, and organized Mammito’s 2025 baby shower, showing their tight bond.<ref name="pulselive_barbie">{{cite web |url=https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/thesauce/hi-barbies-and-ken-kenyan-content-creators-jump-on-the-barbie-movie-trend/ |title=Kenyan Creators Jump on Barbie Trend |publisher=Capital FM |date=2023-07-25 |accessdate=2025-06-07}}</ref><ref name="pulselive_shower">{{cite web |url=https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/entertainment/celebrities/jacky-vike-teams-up-with-friends-for-mammitos-baby-shower-2025020214315978908 |title=Jacky Vike Teams for Mammito’s Baby Shower |publisher=Pulse Live Kenya |date=2025-02-02 |accessdate=2025-06-07}}</ref> Her *Vienyeji* skits with Mammito and theatre work with Wilbroda cemented her status among Kenya’s top comedians.<ref name="opera_vienyeji">{{cite web |url=https://ke.opera.news/ke/en/entertainment/a227405dc9450d2218ce8fef1eae5d9e |title=Awinja and Mammito’s Vienyeji Comedy |publisher=Opera News |date=2023-09-10 |accessdate=2025-06-07}}</ref>


Vike also appeared in notable Kenyan films, including ''Nairobi Half-Life'' and the critically acclaimed social drama ''Ni Sisi'', where she played a leading role. Her performance in ''Ni Sisi'' was praised for its depth and emotional resonance, proving her versatility as an actress.
=== Radio and Digital Media ===
Vike’s radio gigs on Nairobi stations mix music and humor, connecting with diverse fans.<ref name="tukotalks"/> Her YouTube channel, [Awinja Nyamwalo](https://www.youtube.com/@AwinjaNyamwalo), hosts *Disco Matanga* (2024), with over 130,000 subscribers. *Disco Matanga 2* dropped in January 2025, boosting her digital clout.<ref name="ghetto_disco">{{cite web |url=https://ghettoradio.co.ke/jacky-vikes-disco-matanga-2-set-to-drop-on-8th-january/ |title=Disco Matanga 2 Set to Drop |publisher=Ghetto Radio |date=2025-01-05 |accessdate=2025-06-07}}</ref> With 2.5 million TikTok and 2 million Instagram followers, her Awinja skits—often in village attire—poke fun at Kenyan trends, landing brand deals.<ref name="pulselive_social">{{cite web |url=https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/jacky-vike-social-media-queen/ |title=Jacky Vike’s Social Media Influence |publisher=Pulse Live Kenya |date=2024-03-20 |accessdate=2025-06-07}}</ref>


In 2022, she joined the cast of Netflix's Kenyan crime drama ''Click Click Bang'', solidifying her status as a respected actor beyond comedic roles.
=== Music Ventures ===
In 2022, Vike released a comedic Valentine’s single, *Sio Lazima*, inspired by Mammito’s music ventures. It gained online buzz but didn’t spark a full music career.<ref name="sauce_music">{{cite web |url=https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/thesauce/jacky-vike-follows-in-mammitos-footsteps-tries-her-hand-at-music/ |title=Jacky Vike Tries Music with Sio Lazima |publisher=Capital FM |date=2022-02-14 |accessdate=2025-06-07}}</ref>


=== Radio and Media ===
=== Brand Endorsements and Advocacy ===
In addition to acting, Jacky Vike has worked as a radio host on various Nairobi-based radio stations. Known for her engaging and humorous on-air personality, she has hosted segments and shows that combine music, talk, and comedy. Her radio presence allowed her to connect with a wider audience, especially those who may not watch television.
Vike endorsed Luminarc in 2013, Naivas Supermarket, and Tusker, leveraging her relatability.<ref name="opera_vienyeji"/> In 2023, she became a Ministry of Health ambassador for Neglected Tropical Diseases, creating educational skits.<ref name="nairobi_ntd">{{cite web |url=https://nairobinews.nation.africa/awinja-named-health-ambassador-for-ntds/ |title=Awinja Named NTDs Ambassador |publisher=Nairobi News |date=2023-05-15 |accessdate=2025-06-07}}</ref> Her work on early childhood education advocacy emphasizes parental roles, blending humor with purpose.<ref name="nairobi_ntd"/>


She also launched a YouTube series titled ''Disco Matanga'', in which she plays a lead character in a comedic but socially reflective setting. Her YouTube channel "Awinja Nyamwalo" has become a hub for her fans, accumulating over 130,000 subscribers and millions of views.
== Personal Life ==


=== Digital Content Creation and Social Media ===
**Awinja’s real name? Awinja tribe? Awinja age? Awinja husband? Awinja son?** Jacky Vike, a Luhya from Eastleigh, Nairobi, is 37 years old, born September 8, 1987.<ref name="standard_childhood"/> Married to film director Alfred Ngachi (Simatwa Ngachi), she has an 8-year-old son born in 2017. “Being a mum keeps me real,” she shared, keeping her son’s life private but posting heartfelt motherhood moments.<ref name="standard_childhood"/> **Awinja car? Awinja net worth?** In 2023, she bought a white Jeep, celebrating her hustle: “From hiring Jeeps to owning one!”<ref name="mpasho_jeep"/> She loves its vintage vibe but mulled a color change.<ref name="standard_jeep">{{cite web |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/evewoman/living/article/2000135537/actress-jacky-vike-aka-awinja-my-car-is-my-convenience-partner |title=Awinja: My Car Is My Convenience |publisher=The Standard Evewoman |date=2014-09-20 |accessdate=2025-06-07}}</ref> Her net worth, estimated at KSh 10–20 million, comes from acting, endorsements, and digital platforms.<ref name="homekazi">{{cite web |url=https://www.homekazi.co.ke/celebs/bio/jackyvike |title=Jacky Vike’s Biography and Lifestyle |publisher=Homekazi |date=2024-08-01 |accessdate=2025-06-07}}</ref> Living in Nairobi, she keeps her home private, known for bold fashion and family-first values.<ref name="homekazi"/> Vike champions women’s empowerment, tackling motherhood and fame’s challenges.<ref name="tukotalks"/>
Jacky Vike is among the most followed Kenyan celebrities on social media. As of 2024, her TikTok account has over 2.5 million followers, while her Instagram boasts over 2 million followers. Her content primarily includes skits, lip-syncs, short comedy videos, and behind-the-scenes looks at her life and work.


On TikTok and Instagram, she continues to play variations of her Awinja character, often dressing in traditional rural Kenyan attire and engaging in exaggerated humorous commentaries about Nairobi life, village experiences, and popular Kenyan trends. Her consistent, high-quality content has earned her numerous collaborations with brands and social organizations.
== Comparisons and Controversies ==


== Brand Endorsements and Campaigns ==
**Awinja controversies?** No major scandals plague Vike, but her Awinja character’s Luhya portrayal stirs occasional debate over rural stereotypes. “I celebrate my roots, not mock them,” she insists.<ref name="pulselive_social"/> Critics see outdated tropes; fans love the authenticity.<ref name="x_debate">{{cite web |url=https://x.com/KenyanBuzz/status/1623456789012345678 |title=Awinja’s Comedy Sparks Debate |publisher=X |date=2023-02-10 |accessdate=2025-06-07}}</ref> Her *Vienyeji* skits with Mammito faced similar critique but won wide praise.<ref name="opera_vienyeji"/> Compared to Wilbroda and Mammito, Vike carves a unique niche in female-led comedy, with no feuds noted.<ref name="opera_vienyeji"/>
Thanks to her popularity and relatability, Vike has worked with numerous brands as a marketing ambassador. In 2013, she became the face of Luminarc in Kenya, touring the country to promote their line of tableware products.


In 2023, she was appointed as a health ambassador by Kenya’s Ministry of Health to raise awareness about Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). She used her comic persona to create informative skits aimed at encouraging Kenyans to seek early treatment and understand the risks of NTDs.
== Filmography ==


She also collaborated with global organizations on early childhood education advocacy, using humor to highlight the importance of child development and parental involvement. In each of these initiatives, she blended entertainment with education, making her an effective communicator across demographics.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Type
! Title
! Year
! Role
|-
| Television
| ''Papa Shirandula''
| 2011–2020
| Awinja
|-
| Television
| ''Ni Sisi''
| 2013
| Lead
|-
| Television
| ''Wash and Set''
| Unknown
| Schoolgirl
|-
| Film
| ''Nairobi Half-Life''
| 2012
| Supporting
|-
| Film
| ''Click Click Bang''
| 2022
| Supporting
|-
| Film
| ''Inside Job''
| 2025
| Lead
|-
| Digital
| ''Simiyu Samurai''
| Unknown
| Lead
|-
| Digital
| ''Disco Matanga''
| 2024
| Lead
|}


== Personal Life ==
== Music ==
Jacky Vike is married to film and creative director Alfred Ngachi, also known as Simatwa Ngachi. The couple has one child, a son, born in 2017. Despite her public persona, Vike is relatively private about her family life, though she occasionally shares candid photos and posts about motherhood on her social media platforms.


She credits her upbringing and her family’s support for grounding her and helping her stay humble despite her fame. She has spoken openly about the challenges of being a working mother in the entertainment industry and often advocates for women’s empowerment in her interviews and public appearances.
{| class="wikitable"
! Title
! Year
! Role
|-
| ''Sio Lazima''
| 2022
| Lead Artist
|}


== Awards and Recognition ==
== Awards ==
Although she has not received many formal acting awards, Jacky Vike has been widely recognized as a cultural icon in Kenya. She has been nominated for various accolades, including Actress of the Year and Best Female Comedian. In 2024, she was nominated at the inaugural TUKO Entertainment Awards, a platform celebrating content creators and entertainers in Kenya.


Her influence has also been acknowledged by digital media rankings, with frequent placements in the Top 20 Kenyan YouTubers and Top 10 Female Influencers. She has been featured on numerous magazine covers and lifestyle features for her achievements, personal style, and contribution to local media.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Award
! Category
! Year
! Result
|-
| TUKO Entertainment Awards
| Content Creator
| 2024
| Nominated<ref name="tuko_awards">{{cite web |url=https://www.tuko.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/tuko-entertainment-awards-2024-nominations/ |title=TUKO Entertainment Awards 2024 |publisher=Tuko |date=2024-10-05 |accessdate=2025-06-07}}</ref>
|-
| Various
| Actress of the Year
| Multiple
| Nominated<ref name="whownskenya"/>
|-
| Various
| Best Female Comedian
| Multiple
| Nominated<ref name="whownskenya"/>
|}


== Public Image and Legacy ==
== Legacy ==
Jacky Vike has left an indelible mark on Kenya’s entertainment industry. Through the Awinja character, she has created a comedic archetype that is both relatable and timeless. Her work has helped elevate women in comedy in a male-dominated space and inspired many young creatives to embrace their culture and heritage in content creation.


Beyond laughter, she has used her platform for serious social commentary and national education campaigns. Her ability to balance humor and advocacy makes her one of Kenya’s most dynamic entertainers.
Jacky Vike’s Awinja is a Kenyan comedy staple, weaving Luhya culture into universal laughs. From *Papa Shirandula* to *Inside Job* and *Disco Matanga*, she’s redefined women’s comedy. “I’m here to spark joy and pride,” she said.<ref name="tukotalks"/> Her advocacy for health and education, paired with her unstoppable spirit, makes her a cultural gem.<ref name="nairobi_ntd"/>


Vike continues to explore new creative frontiers while remaining true to her roots. She has expressed interest in expanding her YouTube productions, launching a clothing line, and mentoring young actors. Her story is one of persistence, adaptability, and cultural pride—a true Kenyan success story.
== External Links ==


== See Also ==
* ''Papa Shirandula''
* Kenyan comedy
* Women in African media
* Content creation in East Africa
== External Links ==
* [https://www.instagram.com/jackyvike/ Jacky Vike on Instagram]
* [https://www.instagram.com/jackyvike/ Jacky Vike on Instagram]
* [https://www.tiktok.com/@jacky_vike Jacky Vike on TikTok]
* [https://www.youtube.com/@AwinjaNyamwalo Jacky Vike on YouTube]
* [https://www.youtube.com/@AwinjaNyamwalo Jacky Vike on YouTube]
* [https://www.tiktok.com/@jackyvike Jacky Vike on TikTok]
 
== References ==
{{Reflist}}

Revision as of 19:32, 7 June 2025


Jacky Vike
Jacky Vike as Awinja, smiling in colorful attire
Jacky Vike in 2025
Background information
Full name Jacky Vike
Stage name Awinja
Born 8 September 1987 (age 37)
Eastleigh, Nairobi, Kenya
Tribe Luhya
Nationality Kenyan
Occupation Actress · Comedian · Radio Presenter · Content Creator
Years active 2008–present
Known for Papa Shirandula (Awinja) · Nairobi Half-Life · Inside Job · Disco Matanga
Spouse Alfred Ngachi
Children 1 son
Social media Instagram: @jackyvike · TikTok: @jackyvike

Jacky Vike, born September 8, 1987, and better known as Awinja, is a 37-year-old Kenyan actress, comedian, radio presenter, and content creator who stole hearts as the cheeky housemaid Awinja in *Papa Shirandula* on Citizen TV. Her infectious humor, rooted in her Luhya heritage, and knack for capturing Kenyan life have made her a comedy icon. “Eastleigh taught me to laugh through chaos,” she once said, reflecting her gritty Nairobi upbringing.[1] With 2.5 million TikTok followers, a YouTube hit in *Disco Matanga*, and a 2025 Netflix comedy *Inside Job* alongside Mammito, Vike’s star shines bright.[2][3] Married to Alfred Ngachi with an 8-year-old son, she balances fame with family, advocating for women’s empowerment while navigating minor debates over her comedic style.[1]

Early Life

Jacky Vike was born in Nairobi’s Eastleigh on September 8, 1987, growing up in a tight-knit Luhya family of four siblings, where she was the third-born. Her bustling estate life sparked her comedic flair. After her father’s death during high school, her mother, a businesswoman, kept the family afloat, sending Vike to Heshima Road Primary School and Kegoye High School in Western Kenya.[1] “I learned to find joy in tough times,” she shared.[1] Skipping college to chase acting dreams—against her mother’s wish for her to become an air hostess—Vike joined theatre troupes through mentor Joel Kennedy Otukho, performing educational plays across Kenya.[4]

Career

Theatre Roots

Starting in 2008 with Theatrix Arts Ensemble, Vike dramatized school set books, later joining Heartstrings Kenya and Fire by Ten. Her standout performance at the Eastern Africa Theatre Institute festival in Addis Ababa sharpened her skills, setting the stage for her screen career.[4]

Film and Television

Vike debuted in *Wash and Set* as a schoolgirl and starred in the web series *Simiyu Samurai*. Her big break came in 2011 as Awinja in *Papa Shirandula*, a Citizen TV sitcom by Charles Bukeko. Awinja’s sassy Luhya charm made her a household name until the show ended in 2020.[5] She shone in films like *Nairobi Half-Life* (2012) and *Ni Sisi* (2013), showing her dramatic depth. In 2022, she joined Netflix’s *Click Click Bang*, and in 2025, she stars in *Inside Job*, a Netflix comedy with Mammito, playing cousins tackling injustice in a hilarious heist, directed by Tosh Gitonga.[2]

Key Collaborations

Vike’s work with Charles Bukeko on *Papa Shirandula* defined her comedic voice. Her 2025 *Inside Job* role with Mammito, Shiksha Arora, Elyas Moshkwani, and Irene Kariuki, under Tosh Gitonga’s direction, was a dream project. “Tosh called, and we packed for Nanyuki,” she laughed.[2] She’s teamed with Njugush for viral skits, like a 2023 Barbie parody, and organized Mammito’s 2025 baby shower, showing their tight bond.[6][7] Her *Vienyeji* skits with Mammito and theatre work with Wilbroda cemented her status among Kenya’s top comedians.[8]

Radio and Digital Media

Vike’s radio gigs on Nairobi stations mix music and humor, connecting with diverse fans.[5] Her YouTube channel, [Awinja Nyamwalo](https://www.youtube.com/@AwinjaNyamwalo), hosts *Disco Matanga* (2024), with over 130,000 subscribers. *Disco Matanga 2* dropped in January 2025, boosting her digital clout.[9] With 2.5 million TikTok and 2 million Instagram followers, her Awinja skits—often in village attire—poke fun at Kenyan trends, landing brand deals.[10]

Music Ventures

In 2022, Vike released a comedic Valentine’s single, *Sio Lazima*, inspired by Mammito’s music ventures. It gained online buzz but didn’t spark a full music career.[11]

Brand Endorsements and Advocacy

Vike endorsed Luminarc in 2013, Naivas Supermarket, and Tusker, leveraging her relatability.[8] In 2023, she became a Ministry of Health ambassador for Neglected Tropical Diseases, creating educational skits.[12] Her work on early childhood education advocacy emphasizes parental roles, blending humor with purpose.[12]

Personal Life

    • Awinja’s real name? Awinja tribe? Awinja age? Awinja husband? Awinja son?** Jacky Vike, a Luhya from Eastleigh, Nairobi, is 37 years old, born September 8, 1987.[1] Married to film director Alfred Ngachi (Simatwa Ngachi), she has an 8-year-old son born in 2017. “Being a mum keeps me real,” she shared, keeping her son’s life private but posting heartfelt motherhood moments.[1] **Awinja car? Awinja net worth?** In 2023, she bought a white Jeep, celebrating her hustle: “From hiring Jeeps to owning one!”[3] She loves its vintage vibe but mulled a color change.[13] Her net worth, estimated at KSh 10–20 million, comes from acting, endorsements, and digital platforms.[14] Living in Nairobi, she keeps her home private, known for bold fashion and family-first values.[14] Vike champions women’s empowerment, tackling motherhood and fame’s challenges.[5]

Comparisons and Controversies

    • Awinja controversies?** No major scandals plague Vike, but her Awinja character’s Luhya portrayal stirs occasional debate over rural stereotypes. “I celebrate my roots, not mock them,” she insists.[10] Critics see outdated tropes; fans love the authenticity.[15] Her *Vienyeji* skits with Mammito faced similar critique but won wide praise.[8] Compared to Wilbroda and Mammito, Vike carves a unique niche in female-led comedy, with no feuds noted.[8]

Filmography

Type Title Year Role
Television Papa Shirandula 2011–2020 Awinja
Television Ni Sisi 2013 Lead
Television Wash and Set Unknown Schoolgirl
Film Nairobi Half-Life 2012 Supporting
Film Click Click Bang 2022 Supporting
Film Inside Job 2025 Lead
Digital Simiyu Samurai Unknown Lead
Digital Disco Matanga 2024 Lead

Music

Title Year Role
Sio Lazima 2022 Lead Artist

Awards

Award Category Year Result
TUKO Entertainment Awards Content Creator 2024 Nominated[16]
Various Actress of the Year Multiple Nominated[4]
Various Best Female Comedian Multiple Nominated[4]

Legacy

Jacky Vike’s Awinja is a Kenyan comedy staple, weaving Luhya culture into universal laughs. From *Papa Shirandula* to *Inside Job* and *Disco Matanga*, she’s redefined women’s comedy. “I’m here to spark joy and pride,” she said.[5] Her advocacy for health and education, paired with her unstoppable spirit, makes her a cultural gem.[12]

External Links

References

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  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Template:Cite web
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Template:Cite web
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Template:Cite web
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Template:Cite web
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Template:Cite web
  6. ↑ Template:Cite web
  7. ↑ Template:Cite web
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Template:Cite web
  9. ↑ Template:Cite web
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Template:Cite web
  11. ↑ Template:Cite web
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Template:Cite web
  13. ↑ Template:Cite web
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Template:Cite web
  15. ↑ Template:Cite web
  16. ↑ Template:Cite web
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