Kenneth Ambani
Kenneth Ambani (born 1970) is a Kenyan actor.[1] He is the recipient of multiple awards in the Kenyan film industry.[2]
Early life
[edit]He was born in Busia County to Mary Wanjiru and the late Mzee Ambani Mudinyu.[1] When he was in his teens, his parents separated, and his mother remarried. Shortly after, his father died, and he had to go live with his stepfather, who had another family. He came from a Christian family; his stepdad and his other family were Muslims.[3] His mother and stepdad, Mohamed Hassan, raised him in the Bakarani area of the coastal city of Mombasa. Ambani grew up in a Muslim environment, and he regularly attended the mosque on weekdays, but he never abandoned the Christian faith. He attended the Sunday services at All Saints Cathedral. Ken enrolled at one of the coastal high schools.[1] After completing secondary education, he enrolled in accounting classes, and he pursued a diploma in sales and marketing as well as a CPA at Mombasa Polytechnic. He is also a former student at Moi University, where he studied in the School of Communication and PR.[4]
Career
[edit]Kenneth Ambani began his acting career in his youth, Sauti House-KBC Mombasa produced his first professional role in the Swahili drama series Tushauriane. Immediately thereafter, he began Fate Makers, the very first English drama series.[4] He took the oath of office as a Mombasa County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Public Service, Administration, Youth, Gender, Social Services, and Sports in March 2023. He has also worked as a marketing manager at the Postal Corporation of Kenya.[4]
Kenneth is the Founder and CEO of Mafiga Africa Communications Limited.
In October 2024, Kenneth Ambani was, amongst other three African Film Directors,[5] selected to participate in The American Film Showcase (AFS).[6][7] As an AFS Film and Television Leadership Initiative fellow, he had the opportunity to connect with global filmakers from America and Africa.[8] This month-long programme was aimed at enhancing cultural collaboration in the Film sector.[6][9][10]
During this period he also had the chance to present at the Middleburg Film Festival in Virginia. He talked about the potential of the national Kenyan government growing the film industry in the country.[11][12]
Personal life
[edit]He was married once. His first wife died after bearing him a child. His second relationship never worked, after getting two children from it.[4]
Filmography
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | A better Life | Ken Ambani | TV Series |
| 2022 | Nimpende Nani | Kenneth Ambani | Movie |
| 2020-2022 | Kovu | Ken Ambani | TV Series |
| 2019 | The System | Kenneth Ambani | TV Series |
| 2018 | Wavamizi | Kenneth Ambani | Short |
| 2009-2015 | Makutano Junction | Ken Ambani | TV Series |
| 2012 | Shuga | Kenneth Ambani | TV Series |
| 2010-2013 | Noose of Gold | Temu | TV Series |
| 2009 | Block-D | Ken Ambani | TV Series |
| 2008 | From a Whisper | Abu | Movie |
| 2008 | Pamela | Ken | |
| 2005 | Naliaka is going | Ken | |
| 1995-2000 | Tausi | Baraza | TV Series |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c Wanjiru, Florence (2020-07-15). "Ken Ambani biography: wife, children, movies and TV shows". Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news. Retrieved 2024-05-18.
- ^ "Veteran actor Ken Ambani sworn in as Mombasa CEC". Citizen Digital. 2023-03-15. Retrieved 2024-05-18.
- ^ Mahugu, Jacqueline. "Ken Ambani: I chose my children over marriage". The Standard. Retrieved 2024-05-18.
- ^ a b c d Genga, Shirley. "Meet Screen hotshot Ken Ambani". Evewoman Magazine. Retrieved 2024-05-18.
- ^ Tangcay, Jazz (2024-09-19). "Middleburg Film Festival 2024 Lineup to Include 'Blitz,' 'Emilia Perez,' 'Conclave'". Variety. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ^ a b "Phil Director, Ken Ambani among 4 African film-makers on exclusive U.S tour | Pulselive Kenya". www.pulselive.co.ke. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ^ Kejitan, Vincent. "Phil Karanja, Ken Ambani make it to Hollywood". Health. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ^ Kejitan, Vincent. "Phil Karanja, Ken Ambani make it to Hollywood". www.tnx.africa. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ^ Adejumo, Quadri (2024-10-10). "Kunle Afolayan, Bolanle Austen-Peters, Others Are American Film Showcase Fellows". Film Efiko. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ^ Kulture, Terra (2024-10-09). "BAP invited as leading African Director/Producer by State Department for its African Film Showcase". Terra kulture. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ^ Shachat, Sarah (2024-10-22). "Middleburg 2024: How African Filmmakers Are Finding Opportunities in Streaming". IndieWire. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ^ "Middleburg 2024: How African Filmmakers Are Finding Opportunities in Streaming". Yahoo Entertainment. 2024-10-22. Retrieved 2024-12-05.