Comedian Esther Kazungu on the business of making people laugh amid COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many challenges and disruptions to various industries globally. However, for some entertainers, the pandemic has provided an opportunity to showcase their talent and creativity to a wider audience. Esther Kazungu, a comedian from Kenya, is one such individual who has used the time at home to create viral content that has resonated with audiences across Africa. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Esther shared her journey in the comedy industry, highlighting her experience and the unexpected success she has found amidst the pandemic. Starting her comedy career in 2016, Esther initially saw content creation as a way to become famous and never imagined that it would eventually become a source of income for her. However, as her popularity grew, she realized the potential of her talent and decided to focus on creating engaging and humorous content. Esther's unique approach to comedy, particularly her skits of the South African parliament, has garnered widespread attention and appreciation from viewers in countries like South Africa, Rwanda, Uganda, and her home country, Kenya. Despite facing challenges during the initial months of the pandemic, Esther persevered and continued to create content from home, eventually leading to collaborations with notable brands such as Safaricom, Corteva, KFC, and Google. Looking ahead, Esther remains optimistic about the future and is open to new opportunities and projects. While the journey to success in the comedy industry has had its ups and downs, Esther's resilience and passion for her craft have propelled her to new heights, proving that laughter truly is the best medicine, even in the midst of a global crisis.