Flaqo Raz

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Flaqo Raz
Flaqo Raz
Flaqo Raz in 2025
Background information
Birth name Erastus Ayieko Otieno
Born 12 June 1990 (age 34)
Kayole, Nairobi, Kenya
Birth place Kisumu, Kenya
Occupations Comedian, singer, scriptwriter, dancer
Years active 2018–present
Partner Keranta (former)
Known for Comedy skits as "Mama Otis"
Website https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjG66-ryVCszrs7k_Y2pn3Q

Flaqo Raz (born Erastus Ayieko Otieno; December 25, 1995) is a Kenyan comedian, singer, scriptwriter, and dancer, widely recognized for his multi-character comedy skits on social media, particularly for portraying "Mama Otis." His creative versatility and relatable humor have made him one of Kenya’s leading online entertainers.

Early Life[edit | edit source]

Flaqo Raz was born on December 25, 1995, at Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu, Kenya, to a Luo family [1]. As the eldest of three siblings, he grew up in a humble household with a younger brother and sister [2]. His birth on Christmas Day led to nicknames like Emmanuel and Noel, though he has noted that holiday festivities often overshadowed his birthday celebrations [3].

He began his education at Pinocchio Primary School before transferring to Xaverian Primary School in Kisumu. He later attended St. Mary’s Yala for secondary education, where he was known as a diligent student [4]. In 2018, Flaqo graduated from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, though he chose not to pursue a career in this field, feeling destined for entertainment [5].

Career[edit | edit source]

Comedy and Social Media[edit | edit source]

Flaqo Raz launched his entertainment career in August 2018, initially experimenting with comedy skits on platforms like WhatsApp, where early efforts were met with skepticism by peers [6]. His breakthrough came in early 2019 with a viral skit imitating Kenyan rapper Khaligraph Jones leading a prayer, which garnered widespread attention and rapidly grew his following to 10,000 Instagram followers and 50,000 YouTube subscribers [7]. His signature style involves portraying multiple characters—such as Mama Otis, Baba Otis, Otis, Akoth, and Uncle Bakari—in solo skits that humorously depict Kenyan family life [8].

His YouTube channel, [Flaqo Raz](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjG66-ryVCszrs7k_Y2pn3Q), became a primary platform for his content, earning a Silver Play Button for surpassing 100,000 subscribers before a temporary termination in October 2020 due to copyright claims [9]. After resolving the issue, he resumed posting, and his channel continues to attract significant viewership [10]. By 2025, his Instagram account, @flaqo411, had amassed over 1.3 million followers [11].

Flaqo created the web series *The Othentiks*, based on his popular characters, further expanding his creative portfolio [12]. His skits, often filmed with a small crew of longtime friends from Kisumu, reflect authentic Kenyan experiences, contributing to his widespread appeal [13].

Music and Other Ventures[edit | edit source]

Before comedy, Flaqo pursued music as an R&B artist, releasing songs like "Insincere," "Hold You Down," "Soul Cry," "Make it Home," and "Regrets" [14]. Although music initially took a backseat to comedy, he remains active in the industry, owning Hittites, a music recording studio in Mamboleo Estate, Kisumu, which supports emerging artists [15].

Flaqo is also a scriptwriter and dancer, skills he integrates into his comedy productions. He has expressed ambitions to develop television show scripts, indicating plans to expand into traditional media [16].

Media Appearances[edit | edit source]

Flaqo has been featured in several high-profile interviews, offering insights into his career and personal journey: - **Churchill Show (2021)**: In an interview with comedian Daniel Ndambuki (Churchill), Flaqo revealed he initially aspired to be a neurosurgeon before embracing comedy [17]. - **Chatspot on Switch TV**: He discussed personal experiences, including a past relationship where an ex-girlfriend claimed credit for his success, prompting him to send her KSh 100,000 in frustration [18]. - **Plug TV (2022)**: Flaqo disclosed earning approximately KSh 20 million during the COVID-19 pandemic through advertisements, though he noted the financial success impacted his mental health [19]. - **Nairobi News (2022)**: He addressed rumors about dating content creator Keranta, emphasizing their platonic, professional relationship [20].

His media presence extends to collaborations, such as a 2020 meeting with content creator Azziad Nasenya, sparking fan speculation about potential joint projects [21].

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Flaqo Raz has been candid about his personal experiences in interviews and social media interactions. He was in a high-profile relationship with content creator Winnie Keranta, which drew significant public attention. In October 2023, Flaqo gifted Keranta a car for her 22nd birthday, an event widely covered online [22]. However, the couple reportedly parted ways by 2024, with Keranta confirming Flaqo repossessed the car post-breakup during a Nation interview [23]. Earlier rumors linked Flaqo to rappers Ssaru and Noti Flow, which he neither confirmed nor denied [24].

In a 2020 Q&A session, Flaqo addressed speculation about his sexuality stemming from his cross-dressing as Mama Otis, firmly stating that the character is fictional and he is heterosexual [25]. He has also discussed mental health challenges, revealing in a 2022 YouTube interview that the pressure of playing multiple characters led to emotional overwhelm, including periods of crying [26].

Flaqo values fan engagement, regularly reviewing comments and direct messages for feedback and job opportunities [27]. He has dispelled rumors of having a twin brother, clarifying that a video featuring a character named Henry was a comedic skit [28].

Discography[edit | edit source]

Flaqo Raz has released several R&B singles, reflecting his early music career: - "Insincere" [29] - "Hold You Down" - "Soul Cry" - "Make it Home" - "Regrets"

His music is available on platforms like [Deezer](https://www.deezer.com/us/artist/14612511), though comedy has largely overshadowed his musical output.

Awards and Recognition[edit | edit source]

While specific awards are not well-documented, Flaqo received a YouTube Silver Play Button in 2020 for surpassing 100,000 subscribers, a significant milestone before his channel’s temporary termination [30]. His influence is acknowledged in lists like Ghafla’s "10 Kenyan Online Comedians Who Cracked Our Ribs in 2020" [31].

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

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