Kenyan comedian and content creator Terence Creative has shared a touching throwback clip featuring the late actor Papa Shirandula, honouring their collaboration on a road safety awareness project that the two worked on together before the beloved actor's passing. The video, posted on Facebook, shows a scripted, comedy-style public service announcement produced in partnership with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to promote boda-boda road safety compliance.
The outdoor comedy-style clip was filmed on a dusty road and dirt lot where boda-boda riders typically congregate, with Papa Shirandula playing a motorcycle taxi rider at the centre of the action. He engages in humorous staged exchanges with passengers and a colleague about the importance of wearing helmets and reflectors while on the road. The dialogue is delivered in a lively mix of Sheng and Swahili, making the safety message both relatable and entertaining for a wide audience.
In the clip, Papa Shirandula's character insists that every boda-boda operator must carry two helmets, one for the rider and one for the passenger, and must also have a reflector fitted on the bike. Terence Creative himself appears in the clip, boarding Papa Shirandula's bike as a passenger, giving the video an extra layer of warmth now that both the production and its cast are being seen through the lens of memory.
The clip ends with a sober note, with the narrator pointing out that over 500 boda-boda riders had been lost on Kenyan roads in a single year due to avoidable mistakes. The closing message urges riders to follow NTSA regulations so that lives are not needlessly lost, signing off with the familiar "Safiri salama, fika salama" tagline from the National Transport and Safety Authority.
Papa Shirandula, whose real name was Charles Bukeko, was one of Kenya's most celebrated television personalities, best known for his role as the lovable office watchman in the long-running Citizen TV show of the same name. He passed away in July 2021, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate deeply with Kenyan audiences.
This throwback video is a reminder of the breadth of work Papa Shirandula was involved in beyond the small screen, using his natural comedic gift in service of public education. The video has sent fans into a wave of nostalgia for the actor, with Terence Creative paying tribute to him with a heartfelt caption remembering the project.
Terence Creative's decision to share the video is a testament to the impact Papa Shirandula had on his colleagues and the industry as a whole. The comedian has been open about his upbringing and views on family, having been raised by foster parents who gave him love and care without sharing his blood, and has used his platform to spark conversations on important issues.
Key points
- Terence Creative shares a throwback video of a road safety project he worked on with Papa Shirandula.
- The video aims to promote boda-boda road safety compliance.
- Papa Shirandula passed away in July 2021, leaving behind a legacy in Kenyan entertainment.
