Famous TV Host Thinks Hawking DVDs on The Street is nothing to Cause a Fuss About

This morning, I told you about renowned Kenyan actor, Joseph Olita, who played Idi Amin in the hard-hitting movie, Rise and Fall of Idi Amin, who is now hawking pirated copies of the movie to earn a living. The story has elicited mixed reactions among Kenyans who did not shrink back in sharing their thoughts.

Among those who reacted to the article is ‘In The Forest’ host and ‘House of Lungula’ actor, Gerald Langiri. He opines that there’s nothing wrong for a thespian to hawk copies of their productions on the street. In fact, Gerald hails Olita for the bold move.

Here are his feelings;

Honestly, there is nothing shocking and if anything, I commend him for getting his hustle on, the hard way…the way a star of his caliber shouldn’t…but this is a clear picture of what the film/acting industry in Kenya is leading some people to in order to survive from it as a profession.

Take notes:

1. Being on TV doesn’t equate money/riches/wealth.

2. If Kenyans don’t appreciate local movies/programs by running to cinemas to watch them or buy them at the reasonable prices that the dvds are put out and opt for bootlegs and pirated dvds, actors won’t make money.

3: acting/film is a business/profession… a tough one at that… if it means going to the streets to sell our work, that’s a commendable deed… one to be applauded and not be shocked about. Joseph is taking his commodity to the mwananchi (bravo). It’s sad that he has to do it himself but hey, maybe this should be wake up call.

Otherwise, when House of Lungula hits your cinemas in August, come pay to watch it, otherwise, you will also see me on the streets selling House of Lungula DVDs. I got to eat and pay rent too. It’s a tough industry #enoughsaid.

What do you think? Do you agree with him?