Months after his run-in with Tanzanian authorities, content creator Mluo Social Light says the experience taught him patience and resilience. Now fresh from completing his university studies and focused on growing his brand, the comedian and influencer speaks to Jackson Ngari about life after the controversy, making a living from content creation and why he believes creators deserve better treatment from brands.

1. A lot has changed since we last saw you in the headlines. How would you describe this chapter of your life?

This has been one of the most educative chapters in my life. I've learnt that every process takes time. I've also learnt that even for gold to be gold, it has to go through fire for purification. Human beings learn a lot, and we should not run from the fact that even older people continue learning. You might have seen a lot, but at the end of the day, you have to remain open-minded so that you can learn from everything going on around you. That's my take.

2. You recently graduated from university. Congratulations! What does that milestone mean to you, and what's your degree in?

First of all, I haven't graduated yet, but I have finished school. I'm happy to say that I've completed my studies. I was at Multimedia University pursuing a Bachelor of Journalism. It was a very fun course to do and my classmates were really amazing. Education has been very important to me and I can't lie, I learnt a lot during the four years I was in school. Graduation should be towards the end of the year.

mluo — Alvin Oduor, better known as Mluo, is combining humour and music to make a name for himself in Kenya’s creative scene.

Photo credit: Pool | Nation

3. At one point, you found yourself in the spotlight over your run-in with the Tanzanian authorities. Looking back, what did that experience teach you?

It was a very educative experience. As comedians and influencers, we're usually seen as the people who lighten the mood. Sometimes, people need us because the news can be hectic and a lot of things are happening. We try to lighten the mood because it's not always about serious business.
If someone got offended, then it's well and good, but the public also deserves moments of laughter. We are comedians, and at the end of the day we present issues in a funny and simple way so that people in Kenya and even the region can understand what's happening. I feel it's essential for us to continue doing that because it's always been the role of comedians throughout history. I don't really think there's a big issue in making a simple joke, especially about our neighbours.

4. Did that incident change the way you create content or approach your public image?

To be honest, that incident changed nothing because content creation is our daily life. It's what we do. We have to show people what's going on and have fun in between. Everything is content. Going to shower is content. Boarding a matatu is content.
You can't change the fact that we make relatable skits, and we'll always do that. It's our responsibility because we have to entertain people. Some people even text me and say they were stressed from work and watching one of my skits made them laugh. So it's not just about creating content; it's about people enjoying it.

5. Content creation has become a full-time career for many young Kenyans. Has it been financially rewarding for you?

I can proudly say that content really pays. It does pay. I've interacted with content creators who earn a lot of money and have built investments just from content creation, and that has always pushed me to continue pursuing my passion.

Content has really assisted me. I pay my bills, my school fees with content; I fund my life through content. And I'm really appreciative because without it, I don't think I'd have had any other job. To me, this is a full-time career and I really cherish it.

Besides that, I do it because I'm passionate about it. Even when brands are not around, you still have to continue creating content. When things are not okay, you still have to find a way. The most important thing is having passion for content creation.

6. What's the biggest misconception people have about content creators and influencers

Most people think content creators are not human beings and don't have feelings. Content creators have normal lives outside content creation. They experience stress, financial constraints and life burdens just like everyone else.

People think creators are perfect, that they have a lot of money and endless support. It doesn't work like that.

Many people are even surprised when they see content creators boarding matatus. They ask, "You're in a matatu?" But matatus are for everyone. You can board whatever you want. I think people should stop looking at creators differently because we're just normal human beings like everyone else.

7. What has been your most memorable brand partnership or career milestone so far?

For me, I don't have one memorable brand partnership because I really appreciate every brand I've worked with. Every partnership has helped me learn one thing or another, and it's been a nice journey. I can honestly say all of them have contributed something meaningful to my life.

8. Outside content creation, what other ventures or investments are you pursuing?

For now, I'm really focused on content creation alone. But I'm hoping to venture into other investments and come up with more ideas. Now that I've finished school, I'll have more time to think about those opportunities.

9. How do you deal with criticism and the pressure that comes with being constantly online?

Online criticism is one of the most essential things that could ever happen because that's where you get feedback. That's why we have comments, likes and shares.
Whether comments are positive or negative, they show you what to do next, how you've been doing things and how you can improve. Many creators see criticism as hatred, but I don't. The person commenting is paying attention to your work. Once you make yourself public, you also have the responsibility to understand what your audience wants.
Sometimes things don't go as expected, but every criticism contains something valuable and we shouldn't take it for granted.

Content creator Alvin Oduor aka Mluo Social Light says time away from the spotlight taught him resilience and patience. Now having completed his journalism studies, he is focused on growing his brand while advocating for better treatment of Kenya’s digital creators.

Photo credit: Pool

10. Are there any new projects or collaborations your fans should be looking forward to?

For now, I'm not handling any projects or future collaborations. I'm just working on myself as a content creator because I feel I still need to discover areas where I can improve. The collaborations will come later.

11. If you could change one thing about Kenya's creator economy, what would it be?

I'd like brands to value content creators more because a lot has been happening regarding payments. Many creators complain about how some brands treat them.
It should be a mutual benefit. When we advertise brands, they benefit from us and we benefit through monetary compensation. Payments should be made earlier because sometimes you complete a job and you're told you'll be paid after 60 days. As creators, we also have bills to pay.
Even 15 days would be more reasonable because waiting two months creates unnecessary stress.

12. Looking back at your younger self, what's one lesson you'd pass on?

You're on your own. Whatever you want to do, start doing it right now because no one is going to do it for you; you're the one who makes the decision and turns that decision into action.
If you want to create content, start. There's no point putting your account on private and expecting people to watch your work. If you want to start a business, think about it, get some capital and begin.
You're the only person who can save yourself. Even if you have family and friends, remember that you're the main character in your own story. Work on yourself right now because you're on your own.

13. Finally, what's next for Mluo over the next few years?

I'll continue producing quality content because the future needs more creative and improvised content. Mluo is here to stay. Over the years, I'll probably move from one platform to another, maybe from short-form content to long-form content on platforms like YouTube.

At the end of the day, it's still content, but it will become more diverse because we have to keep trying different things so that people can relate to us. We have to be random and keep experimenting. That's the plan for the future.

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