Olexander Josphat: I Quit banking Job For Comedy
- While speaking on Churchill Show Journey Edition, Olexander revealed that he actually went to school and ended up working at Pan African bank as a secretary.
Peter Sankale aka Olexander Josphat has graced our screens for the longest time all the way when KBC used to be the only Television station in the country.
He kept many glued to their screen to watch their favorite programs Vioja Mahakamani and Vitimbi. But until Sunday 19th July, little was known about the funny many who kept many laughing thanks to his witty character.
While speaking on Churchill Show Journey Edition, Olexander revealed that he actually went to school and ended up working at Pan African bank as a secretary.
Olexander who candidly speaks fluent English, says he is a advocate of education and urges many to shun traditions that hinders development. He advocates for education and nurturing talent.
Olexandar narrated that it was her parents wish that he works in a formal sector. But when he quit his banking job for comedy, his parents did not take it well.
“It was a really big problem back home. My mum was lamenting to anyone who would care to listen how I had walked away from a respectable suit and tie job, to go an make people laugh on TV. I was questioned everywhere I went including church,” he explained.
The Rise
Olexandar revealed that he used to make people laugh back from the days he was at school. It was while working at Pan African bank that his manager at the bank, Charles Gitonga, realized his talent and advised him to try out TV comedy. He asked him to look for Masanduku who was at the moment gracing the screens with comedy.
“My manager at the bank called me to his office, he said that I was very funny as I made everyone around laugh, he asked me if I can look for people like Masanduku and try out TV comedy.”Olexander stated.
Olexander started out as an extra – this involved playing the role of a customer at a hotel which was part of the sets in the show.
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During this period, he still used to double as a bank clerk to make ends meet, however, after one year, he quit and decided to direct all his energy towards his career in comedy.
He went on and joined Vioja Mahakamani where he was playing one of the lead role. He stated that back then the pay was so low that he used to be paid Ksh.700 per episode.
He acted alongside the late Mzee Ojwang and Mama Kayayi in Vitimbi too. He also plays a major role in KTN’s TV program Daktari.
Olexander who is a devout Christian advises young comedians joining the industry to be patient and persistent until they finally make it. He was shocked at the rate by which young people want to make money overnight.
Despite his success and vast experience, he was quick to advice upcoming artists to run as far as they could from the ‘celebrity’ tag.