Social Media Sensation Elsa Majimbo is Hilarious, Kenyan, and Rising to the Top
Meet the 18-year-old Instagram comedian who’s bringing a Kenyan perspective to the American mainstream.
Written by: Kui Mwai
Photography: Nigel Akala
It’s a bright and humid D.C. afternoon for me, and a crisp Nairobi evening for Kenyan comedienne turned viral sensation Elsa Mpho Majimbo when we connect via Zoom. As we exchange pleasantries and earnest compliments, she lets out a brilliant, wide-mouthed laugh that I recognize from her wickedly funny Instagram videos. The effortless delivery of her quick wit and quiet confidence set the tone for our conversation, and prove that Majimbo is a force to be reckoned with.
Elsa Mpho Majimbo is a refreshing talent, who is well on her way to bringing the young Kenyan woman perspective to the masses. As the world struggles with isolation blues and nonsensical murders of innocent Black people, Majiimbo’s skits on social media are a much-needed breath of fresh air. Her videos feature Majimbo horizontal on her bed, eating chips and talking about her everyday problems, perceptions and contemplations. Majimbo’s presence, masterful comedic timing and relatability have garnered her a loyal fanbase, as well as the attention of entertainment bigwigs like Lupita Nyong’o and Miss Universe.
International brands are also taking notice of Majimbo’s genius and potential. Her fame has skyrocketed in the last couple of months: she bagged her first deal with MAC Africa and had her videos featured on Comedy Central Africa. When I ask Majimbo about any other deals she has in the pipeline, she smirks and says “I can’t say too much but, I may or may not be announcing something big soon.”
It’s hard to believe that the young Kenyan star only recently realized her comedic talents. “I never really thought of myself as funny,” she shares with me. Majimbo started posting her now beloved videos back in 2016. In the beginning, people doubted the legitimacy of her social media savviness. “People kept on telling me to focus on school and prepare for the 8-5 life. People didn’t think I’d find success on Instagram or Twitter.” At the same time, Majimbo met challenges navigating online media as a Kenyan woman and influencer.
“ “It’s hard to move up and move through. Though I’ve been extremely fortunate to receive some clout, being a woman makes everything twice as hard. Being a Kenyan woman makes it triple hard.” ”
Over the past few years, online influencers and content creators have revamped internet and consumer culture. Kenya has been a part of this wave, with more Kenyan creatives expanding their brand by investing in online channels that have amassed a large following. However, Kenyan consumer culture complicates Kenyan influencers’ commercial success. Contrary to the U.S., Kenyan culture is not consumerist. In 2018, Odipo Dev found that 82% of Kenyans think influencer marketing doesn’t affect their purchases. The study also found that most Kenyans don’t trust influencers to recommend projects. When it comes to buying into brands, most Kenyans prefer traditional media over social media.
This presents a problem for Kenyan influencers who hope to monetize their growing brand on social media. The struggle multiplies for Kenyan women in the space, who have to combat sexism and misogyny that are intertwined in Kenyan culture. Majimbo has felt the weight of this struggle. “It’s hard to move up and move through. Though I’ve been extremely fortunate to receive some clout, being a woman makes everything twice as hard. Being a Kenyan woman makes it triple hard.”
The journey may be difficult, but for Majimbo, it’s worth it. “I started making my videos because I had way too much time on my hands. My videos quickly became, and still are, a much-needed outlet and a way for me to express myself.”
And express herself she has. “I typically don’t take video ideas from anyone else,” Majimbo tells me confidently. “If the videos don’t come from my heart or my head, it won’t be me. I’m determined to [show] my perspective and who I am through my videos. That’s what people have been responding to.” People are responding to Majimbo’s videos because her content is what we’ve been craving. Women who look and speak like Majimbo are rarely represented in media and entertainment. East African women creatives are fighting for a seat at the table. We’ve celebrated the much-deserved wins of our fellow Africans from the West and Southern regions of the continent, while patiently waiting for our day in the sun. Our existence and our stories need to be shown and told, on small screens and big, in magazines and in books. Majimbo, at just eighteen years old, has both recognized this need and is a champion of it.
Majimbo’s maturity continues to amaze as she eloquently understands the weight of her influence and her obligation to herself. “Our world is hurting. The current movement for Black lives hits home for a lot of people who consume my content. It hits home for me. It’s sensitive. I’m hyperconscious of the mood, space, my fans’ needs and my own.” When it comes to tackling creative expression during this time, Majimbo steadily tells me that she is protective of her spirit and knows “what’s best for my mental well being and creativity.”
“My videos make people happy. So I told my followers that I’ll be here on Instagram and on Twitter airing out my opinions and sharing how I feel about the Black Lives Matter movement. If you want a break, if you want to be happy or if you want to briefly forget what’s happening in the world, I’ll be uploading videos. I’ll still be making you guys laugh,” Majimbo explains.
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Elsa Mpho Majimbo possesses a cocktail of characteristics that destines her for great success in the industry. At a young age, she carries an unwavering sense of self, openness to evolving as an artist, and a meticulous understanding of modern comedy and consumer desire. She may be early in her career, but she has the poise of a resident entertainer and the foresight of a savvy businesswoman. “I see myself in a bigger space doing way bigger things. I love being an influencer but it’s not my end goal,” Majimbo glows as she shares.
Majimbo’s optimism and belief in herself are what the world needs, now more than ever. Her voice is strong and seeing her at the forefront of her art is powerful. As major brands around the world take notice of her brilliance and influence, the masses will finally start to consume and enjoy the young Kenyan woman’s voice and multi-dimensional Kenyan stories. Majimbo’s day in the sun is coming, and she’s ready to bask in the glow of the limelight.
