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Comedian & Satirist
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Justine Wanda is a prominent Kenyan stand-up comedian, comedy writer, filmmaker, and political satirist, best known for her incisive social commentary and her viral web series, *Fake Woke with Justine*. Based in Nairobi, she has emerged as a significant voice in the East African comedy circuit, distinguished by a comedic style that blends dark, observational humor with poignant critiques of socio-political issues, ranging from election misinformation and period poverty to macro-economic instability across the African continent. Born in Nairobi around 1993, Wanda’s upbringing was marked by mobility and resilience. Following the death of her parents when she was four years old, she was raised by her uncle and his wife. Her childhood took her through various regions of Kenya, including Kakamega, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Eldoret, where she completed her secondary education before returning to Nairobi. This diverse geographical background and her personal history as an orphan have deeply influenced her perspective, fostering a pragmatism and empathy that frequently permeate her work. Wanda has publicly advocated for the welfare of orphans, drawing from her own formative experiences. Wanda’s career in comedy began as an escape from a frustrating professional environment. Her initial foray into stand-up took place at an open mic night hosted at a venue known as Number 7 in Nairobi. Despite a challenging start—characterized by the typical "growing pains" of a novice performer, including heckling and the steep learning curve of live performance—she persisted, using the stage to master her craft. She credits her early inclination toward comedy to her time in school, where she frequently acted as the "class clown," utilizing self-mockery as a defense mechanism and a means to challenge authority. Her rise to prominence has been defined by her work as a creator and host of *Fake Woke with Justine*, a satirical online series that aggregates and comments on news, making complex political issues digestible and relatable for the Kenyan public. Beyond her digital presence, Wanda has performed at prestigious events, including the Nairobi International Comedy Festival and the Johannesburg International Comedy Festival. She has shared international stages with notable comedic figures, including a memorable performance opening for American comedian Hannibal Buress. Her collaborative portfolio is extensive, including contributions to *The Fareed Khimani Show*, *News By The Catalyst*, and *Buni Media*. She has also served as a co-host on the program *The Big Picture*, working alongside prominent journalist John-Allan Namu. Wanda’s comedic philosophy is rooted in the belief that laughter serves as a vehicle for truth. She draws inspiration from Kenyan political satire pioneers, such as the group Redykyulass, and cartoonists like Maddo and Gado, who historically used their art to challenge oppression. While she maintains a high profile through her digital content, she has been notably cautious about her public anonymity, occasionally using the pseudonym "Justine Wanda" to protect herself from online harassment or "doxxing," a concern she has discussed in various interviews. As a satirist, Wanda is recognized for her ability to weaponize humor to contextualize and critique power dynamics, aiming to hold political leadership accountable. Her impact extends beyond entertainment, as she frequently liaises with feminist organizations and corporate entities to engage on pressing topics such as climate change and governance. Through her work, she continues to solidify her reputation as a vital, fearless voice in African satire, committed to using comedy to educate and inspire societal change.
Began her stand-up comedy career in Nairobi at the 'Number 7' open mic sessions around 2017.
Opened for American comedian Hannibal Buress in 2018.
Created, hosted, and wrote the satirical online web series 'Fake Woke with Justine', which comments on Kenyan and African socio-political issues.
Contributed as a writer and correspondent to media programs including 'The Fareed Khimani Show', 'News By The Catalyst', and 'Bwana Spokesman'.
Served as a writer for Buni Media's 'XYZ' show and Zimbabwe's Magamba TV.
Co-wrote episodes for the AMVCA-nominated edutainment series 'Tuki?' produced by Girl Effect.
Produced the web series 'Influenced'.
Performed at major festivals and shows, including the Nairobi International Comedy Festival, 'Spare My Ribs', 'Laugh Act To Follow', 'Comedy Riot', and Showmax's 'Roast House'.
Represented Kenya at the Johannesburg International Comedy Festival in April 2023.
Currently serves as a co-host of 'The Big Picture' alongside journalist John-Allan Namu and Tom Mukhwana.