T5 interview with Bryanna Wanjiku

Bryanna Wanjiku describes herself as ‘a 23 year old dreamer who has always believed in her passion.’ She is an all-rounded creative with a love for film, music and fashion, and is currently starring in the Showmax series Famous.

1. Who are you playing, on Famous and what do you love best about your character?
I play the role of Nyota. What I love about her character is that she is passionate about her dreams. No matter the challenges she faces, she remains resilient and never gives up on her love for music. 

2. What was the audition process like for this role? How tiring or fun or scary are auditions?
I learnt about the auditions for the show a day in advance through a poster shared in a WhatsApp casting group. It came at a time I was almost giving up on acting since I had gone for several auditions without success. Since I wasn’t busy the next day, I decided to give it one last shot. I was elated when I learnt that it was a musical drama, so I prepared two songs (in English and Kiswahili), and one of my favourite monologues. Auditions were to start at 10am but I got there at 11am. I found about 300 people already on the queue. Some had arrived there at 5am, and this made me really nervous. I ended up auditioning at 7.30pm, as one of the last 15 people. There were so many popular faces, and I felt intimidated. I also thought the panel would be too tired after judging so many people. I mean, what were the odds of me beating our local celebrities? The moment I entered the audition room, all the tension faded. I went in confident, all smiles. I left the room so satisfied.

My day had started badly but it took a turn that evening. I got a call back two weeks later informing me that I had gotten a role. At that time, I had no idea that it was the role of Nyota.

Auditions can be really scary at first but when you can control it, nervousness can be a good thing. A little extra adrenaline can give your performance a great edge.

3. Your character loves music, just like you do in real life. Was it a coincidence? What role can we expect see you in next? 
As an actress, I can switch roles in a heartbeat so, having a fixed mindset could keep me from exploring my talent. The producer gave me an option of playing either Nyota or Nikita. I chose Nyota since I felt like her character was more relatable. The next role I hope to play is one from a thriller movie.

4. What’s your favourite local film production, and why?
I really love watching movies, both local and international, and I am so impressed by the improvement in quality of our local films. For instance, I love every minute of Nafsi. Not only does it have a star studded cast who I always enjoyed watching as a child, the storyline is also quite captivating. Mumbi Maina and Catherine Kamau outdid themselves. I dream to work with them one day.

5. What do you think is your role in mentoring upcoming actors? Is there something you wish an older actor had told you before you started on this journey?
I think the major role I have is to show younger artists that they should always be hopeful, especially when they feel like giving up on their dreams. That they can be whomever they set their minds to be, if only they believe in their dreams and work towards them.

I wish an older actor had told me to be patient. That there are no mistakes in life and whatever is meant for you will always find you, one way or another.