Social media star Elsa Majimbo bags E! award

Kenyan social media sensation Elsa Majimbo is the 2020 winner of the E! People’s Choice Awards in the African Social Star category.

The 19-year-old comedian shared the news on her social media platforms on Monday morning and thanked everyone who supported her in bagging the prestigious international award.

“I won the E! People’s choice award!!!!! I literally could not have done it without all of your amazing support,” she posted.

Ms Majimbo shot into the limelight with her quirky monologues at a time when most of the world was stuck at home due to Covid-19.

She first went viral in March after posting a hilarious clip on the restrictions meant to contain the pandemic.

Her funny videos become a global sensation and have been shared by international celebrities including US rapper Snoop Dogg and comedian Steve Harvey.

Even as many see 2020 as a lost year, Ms Majimbo is counting her blessings.

“This year has been a whirlwind of discomfort and confusion for everybody, but for me it’s also brought with it a great lesson, that sometimes even the greatest obstacles in our path can be opportunities in disguise,” she added.

Despite her popularity, however, Ms Majimbo says most Kenyans don't find her jokes funny. 

"It's funny that my comedy has garnered more fans outside my own country. The comedy scene here is quite different with most of the jokes in Swahili and about tribes, stereotypes. That's not my comedy, mine is all about what's happening in the world," she said during an interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper.

E! also congratulated Majimbo for her win, “The people have voted! Elsa Majimbo is our #AfricanSocialStar of 2020!LET’S CELEBRATE!"

The runner up in the category is Nigerian Vlogger Dimma Umeh.

The People’s Choice Awards is an American prize that recognises people in the entertainment industry. The nominees are voted for online by the public and their fans.