At just 22 years old, Alvin Oduor, better known as Mluo, is combining humour and music to make a name for himself in Kenya’s creative scene.
At just 22, Alvin Oduor, known as Mluo, is blending laughter and lyrics to carve his name in Kenya’s creative scene. In a candid chat with MICHAEL OCHIENG, the Multimedia University student opens up about comedy, music, and hustle.
What inspired you to start creating comedy skits and content online?
I was inspired by the early creators I saw around 2019. One of the people I looked up to was Flaqo. I remember seeing him grow from 7,000 followers to over a million, and that really motivated me. If he could do it, so could I. Being in high school at the time, I was eager to create skits like that.
How did you start shooting your first videos?
Using my mum’s phone while I was in Form 2. Back then, I was just experimenting with different ideas, trying to figure out what worked. Over time, my confidence and skills grew. At the moment, I use my phone to create content and it has remained my reliable tool for all my content ever since.
How do you come up with your skit ideas?
Most of my content is unscripted. I find scripts a bit tiresome because they restrict creativity. For me, everything around us is content: news, teachers, matatus, boda bodas, supermarkets, you name it. Everything can be turned into content. I just find ways to make everyday situations funny and relatable. Of course, for brand deals, I work with scripts, but otherwise, I stay spontaneous.
How do you choose what to exaggerate or parody?
I always exaggerate everything. If I were to do something in a normal way, it would feel repetitive, like "we’ve seen this before." But by exaggerating things, I can make them feel fresh and unique. For instance, we can all make jokes about the president, but it’s the exaggeration and how you approach it that makes it stand out. Being unique is key.
Have you ever posted a skit that went viral unexpectedly?
Yes! Two weeks ago, I posted a parody of a BBC documentary, and it went viral. Normally, my skits don't blow up like that, so this was a huge moment for me. I had about 500k views within two hours. It was shot during a five-minute break of my attachment, edited quickly, and yet, it went viral. It was a crazy experience!
At just 22 years old, Alvin Oduor, better known as Mluo, is combining humour and music to make a name for himself in Kenya’s creative scene.
Do you have a favourite character or role you've played in your skits?
I don't have a favourite character because I love them all. I’ve played a news anchor, the president, and a character who laughs a lot. I also have a music character. For me, each character brings something different, and I believe in the diversity of my roles. It’s like having children, you can’t choose one as your favourite.
How do you decide which message or vibes suit a song versus a skit?
Songs are different from skits. A skit is short content, and it might go viral this week, but it will be forgotten next week. But a song needs to have longevity. For example, my song "Chapo nne naa dengu" is something that comrades can vibe with for years because it speaks to their struggles and the foods they love. Skits are fun for now, but music is a long-term connection with the audience.
Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
In Kenya, Miss Karun from Camp Mulla has been a huge influence. I also love Billie Eilish and Charisma. I don’t make music like these artistes, but I admire their vocals. Even though my music leans toward parodies, I appreciate the artistry in their work. Their influence can be felt in my music, especially when it comes to creating something unique.
Do you see yourself blending more music with your comedy in the future?
Yes, I’m currently working on a serious album, aiming to introduce my audience to a new side of my music. While I’ve done funny music in the past, I want to release tracks that are more serious and impactful. I hope to showcase this new phase by the end of the year and blend my comedy with my evolving musical style.
What’s one musical project you’ve done that you’re especially proud of?
I’m really proud of the song "My Friend". I recorded it in my closet with just my phone, made a TikTok challenge, and it went viral. Over 200 people participated in the challenge within a day, and it felt amazing to see so many people enjoying my music. It was a life-changing moment for me because I realised how influential I could be.
Can you take us through your creative process, both for comedy and music?
For skits, I start by meditating and letting ideas come naturally. I’ll jot them down and then meet with my videographer, Daniel Mwangi. We brainstorm ideas, find props, and shoot the content. For editing, I usually do it myself unless it’s a complex project, in which case my editor, Mokaya, steps in. Music is similar in that I let the ideas flow, but I take extra care with production and lyrics, especially when I’m working on serious music.
How many skits and music pieces did you make before you realised you could make a career out of this?
I’ve believed in myself since 2019. My parents, however, didn’t understand the path I was taking because they wanted me to focus on school. When I joined the university, I made a promise to myself to focus on content creation. My first viral video in school got 3,000 likes, which seemed huge to me. Over time, the support from my classmates grew, and I realized I could pursue this full-time, even while studying.
Being a student and a content creator isn’t easy. How do you balance school and your creative work?
I focus on being a student when I’m at school. Attendance is important, and I make sure I’m present for classes. I also communicate with the brands I work with, telling them that I’m a student, so I need to plan my work around school. If I have a meeting, I’ll attend it online, or sometimes I have my manager attend on my behalf. It’s all about balancing time and space for myself.
What do your classmates and lecturers think of your online persona?
At first, most of my classmates and lecturers were shocked. I’m pretty chill at school, and they didn’t expect me to be the same person they saw online. Over time, they’ve become supportive, especially since my content aligns with journalism, which is what I’m studying. They appreciate that I’ve started early, as it gives me direction in my life and career.
At just 22 years old, Alvin Oduor, better known as Mluo, is combining humour and music to make a name for himself in Kenya’s creative scene.
Who is Mluo outside of content creation and music?
I’m a student who values my education. I stay focused on my studies. I also prioritise spending time with my family and friends, ensuring that I maintain a balanced life. Even though I’m growing in my career, I try to keep everything in perspective and manage my time between school, personal life, and creativity.
Can you mention some of the challenges you’ve encountered in your entertainment journey?
“Big creators” often overlook up-and-coming and young creators. It’s tough when you’re starting out, and you feel like you’re not taken seriously. But over time, I’ve learned that you have to prove your worth before they’ll recognise you. Also, being famous without financial backing can be difficult. You get all the attention but still have to struggle to make a living.
What’s your long-term vision as an entertainer? Where do you see yourself in five years?
I envision myself empowering other creators by providing them with platforms and equipment. The journey has been tough, and I don’t want others to go through the same struggles I did. My goal is to create something like Mluo Entertainment, where not just creators but anyone in the arts can find support. I want to give young creators the opportunities I didn’t have and help them grow in the industry.
