Fortune: Acting, hustling and school

Catherine Wakio Munene ,who prefers to go by the name Fortune, is the last born in a family of three children. PHOTO| FILE 

In Summary

• He advised me to go there and fight for my place in this industry because there are many young people who want it.
• I went and did a video clip called A Committee Meeting which went viral and my parents were not happy about it.
• I had just finished school and they were not amused about it, but I stood my ground and explained to them that this is what I wanted in my life.
• Now they are ok with what I do and are supporting me through it.

By HILLARY KIMUYU
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At 20 she believes it is her consistence that has gotten her to where she is as an actor. Catherine Wakio Munene ,who prefers to go by the name Fortune, is the last born in a family of three children. Fortune spoke to Hilary Kimuyu about her acting career and what it took to convince her parents that acting is what she wanted after her video clip went viral.

When did you start acting?

Believe it or not, I started when I was in standard three. I remember I was the smallest girl in my class room but my voice was big. I attended several school plays and won several awards. I think the reason I’m doing it is because I have always been very passionate and eloquent in what I do.

Did it continue after your primary school?

Yes, it did. After I joined high school, both the two high schools which I joined were more focused in sports and they did not believe in drama clubs. It was not easy and the teachers wanted us to concentrate in our studies but I kept bashing them until they gave in. We went on to win a few divisional awards.

Apart from acting what else do you do?

Acting is number one. I am also a student at Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology were I’m studying Business Administration, majoring in procurement and marketing. I also have a small business that I ran here in the city.

What was your first professional on screen?

I met a producer who was working at Jymo Ule Msee brand for his show in 2015. He advised me to go there and fight for my place in this industry because there are many young people who want it. I went and did a video clip called A Committee Meeting which went viral and my parents were not happy about it. I had just finished school and they were not amused about it, but I stood my ground and explained to them that this is what I wanted in my life. Now they are ok with what I do and are supporting me through it.

What character do you play in the show?

Since my first video went viral, I have remained as one of the main characters. The show is not scripted so normally the creative director tells us what to do in every episode and you have to be ready to change and get to your character every time. 

Have you done anything else apart from Jayme Ule Msee?

Yes I did two episodes of House Wives of Kawangware were I played a very old woman. But I want to finish school first before I can open my arms fully to the industry. So far I’m happy to be building my brand here. 

Anyone in your family in the entertainment industry?

Yes my elder sister is a model in Kenya and she has done several modelling gigs in Kenya. She was once a runner up of Miss Fabulous in Kenya.