Comedian Gideon Winner |photo courtesy|
Gideon Winner, known by stage name as ‘Nduthi man’ has defied odds to make a name in the stand up comedy.
Mr. Gideon who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from St. Paul’s University has performed across Tanzania, Dubai, and on the renowned Churchill Show. But behind the spotlight, his journey is a testament to perseverance and hard work.
Winner’s early years were marked by struggle. He grew up facing severe hardships, often going to school without shoes and wearing tattered clothes.
This challenging environment, however, became the foundation for his comedic talent .
“Life was hard; sometimes we had only one meal a day,” Gideon recalls. “I was often seen as a failure, but that pushed me to use humor as a coping mechanism. My family, especially my grandma, has always been a source of humor in my life.” He said
After high school, he took on various jobs including ‘shamba boy’ , a casual laborer in construction sites, car wash attendant, and boda boda rider. At one point, he was even imprisoned for 14 days.
Following his release, he faced the devastating loss of his belongings, which led him to sleep in clubs.
Despite these setbacks, Gideon’s humor continued to shine through his adversity.
His journey in comedy began to take shape when he began dropping off comedians for free rides, learning about the industry as he went.
“The road to success isn’t as glamorous as many might think,” he says. “I’ve been in this industry for nearly eight years. It’s not just about talent; discipline, patience, and hard work are key.”.
Gideon’s experience in the boda boda industry has been instrumental in his comedy career. It provided him with a stable income and valuable networking opportunities.
“Boda boda has significantly boosted my comedy journey. It allowed me to support myself while learning from others in the industry,” he explains, adding that “Smart Joker played a crucial role in guiding me.”
Motivation for Gideon comes from a place of acceptance and ambition. “I had to accept my role as a boda boda rider before transitioning into entertainment. Despite numerous setbacks, my focus and ambition never wavered,” he shares.
His success with Nduthi Man Radio and the Nduthi Man Show reflects his relentless drive and belief in his abilities.
For young aspiring individuals, Gideon advises, “Be yourself and stay consistent. Consistency is the foundation of success.” His own story of persistence serves as a powerful example of how dedication can turn challenges into triumphs.
The former ICS – College student is also supportive of the growing presence of women in the boda boda industry. He believes their involvement will only enhance the sector, which has provided employment to millions.
“It’s fantastic to see more women joining. This industry has employed more people than the government, and the competition is only growing,” he notes.
Looking ahead, Gideon has exciting plans. Next month, he will be touring East Africa—Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. By December, he says, he’ll be performing in China.
His extensive media presence, including appearances on over 42 radio stations and 10 TV stations, is a testament to his hard work and the positive impact he aims to make.