How Covid-19 has affected Foi Wambui, Joy Kendi and other content creators
By: Judith Mutua
Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2020
With the Covid -19 still in effect, content creators shared with My Network how the virus has affected their craft.
FOI WAMBUI - EDUTAINMENT
Are you still creating content?
Yes, I am.
How has Covid-19 disrupted your life as a content creator?
Well, I have a team that assists me in filming videos from home. However, following the government’s directive on social gatherings and social distance, the crew can no longer come to my house, so I have gone back to shooting and editing videos by myself. I am enjoying it!
I also used to do skits that involved other people playing different characters, but now I have had to play all the characters, or make content that does not require additional actors.
What were your days like before the pandemic?
I was pretty active because I had many responsibilities. I had days that were specifically set for shooting content for my channel.
All the other weekdays were dedicated to my acting career, so I would be on set shooting Andakava, a series that airs on Maisha Magic.
On some days, I would squeeze time to meet my friends, and on weekends I would be on Switch TV hosting an entertainment show.
Is your channel getting more hits? Is there pressure to create more content?
The views are still the same, but there is definitely pressure to create more.
JOY KENDI – FASHION AND LIFESTYLE
Are you still creating content?
Certainly. I am a fashion and lifestyle content creator, and I can do my work from anywhere, including during this season when there are restrictions on movement. Moreover, I shoot, edit and produce my content all by myself.
Tell us about your life before Covid-19
Before, I encountered many opportunities to travel and attended many events and parties, so my content was more diverse.
I also spent a lot of my time doing photo shoots, recording videos, editing them or meeting clients.
But now I have had to quickly learn to do all this within the confines of my two-bedroom house.
How has all that changed?
My days are now slower. I wake up, have breakfast and plan my shoots, if I have any, or go through my e-mails.
If I don’t have any outdoor activities planned, I usually spend the day trying out new recipes. I’m currently obsessed with baking.
How have the containment measures affected your work?
More than ever before, I am realizing how important content creators are. We all are trying to keep everyone entertained even as we handle the pandemic.
I am still focusing on the same content – fashion, beauty, food and travel. However, during this time, I am not only sharing my experiences but also trying to offer hope and to encourage my community to stay positive no matter what.
Are your videos getting more views? Is there pressure to create more content?
Yes, I am getting more traffic onto my pages, but I am more impressed by the fact that my viewership is growing consistently.
That said, I am not pushing myself too hard. The last thing I want is to experience burnout just before the pandemic is brought under control.
Has your income been affected?
Yes, but not too much. I still have jobs coming in, even though many projects have been put on hold. I know I will still have a job when all this is over, and I consider this a huge blessing.
HENRY DESAGU - ENTERTAINMENT
Are you still creating content?
Yes, I believe that people are looking for humor to deal with all the stress and uncertainty.
How has Covid-19 disrupted your work?
The restrictions on movement have forced me to work alone, and at home. I used to work with so many other actors, but that has since changed.
Also, we had to get alternative shoot locations because we cannot move around as much as we want.
Take us to a day in your life before the pandemic
My days were busy and most of them were spent outdoors doing video shoots. On other days, I would meet clients and friends for drinks and small talk, and this provided great inspiration for my content.
How would you describe the last 60 days with regards to content creation?
The disruption has been drastic. Now our focus is on creating content that relates to the pandemic, especially on sensitizing the masses.
Is there anything new you’ve discovered about your followers or yourself so far?
I have found out that we don’t have to create complex stuff to impress our viewers.
