Actor Brian Kabugi, popularly known as Bugi, has opened up about how he manages the pressures of fame while staying true to the responsibility that comes with each role.
Speaking exclusively to K24 Digital on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Kabugi explained that acting goes beyond mere performance, serving as a platform to educate, inspire, and keep himself accountable both on and off screen.
Kabugi emphasised that every character he portrays carries a responsibility beyond the camera. “It’s not just a role that you come and perform; it’s a role that changes you as a person,” he said, reflecting on his work in various TV productions.
He noted that the preparation required goes far beyond memorising lines, involving intense workshops, media training, and even rehearsals for intimate or sensitive scenes to ensure authenticity and professionalism.
Behind the scenes support
Highlighting the importance of production support, Kabugi credited the teams behind the shows for equipping actors with the tools and knowledge needed to handle complex storylines.
“From the content we are sharing out there, for you to perform it, you have to believe and understand it,” he said, describing the process of character breakdowns, voice practice, and personal rituals that help him fully embody each role.
Kabugi also addressed the scrutiny and feedback that come with fame, noting that engagement, whether positive or negative, is part of the learning process.
“Even if it’s backlash, I think that’s positive. Feedback is feedback; it means people are consuming, and it means they have a certain opinion or expectation,” he explained.
He added that this dynamic encourages growth and keeps actors accountable to the messages they convey through their characters.
Kabugi’s Career Journey
Brian Kabugi is widely known in the Kenyan acting industry, a recognition he has built since he started his career at just 12 years old as an extra on Machachari.
He steadily progressed to lead roles in Kenya’s top award-winning TV shows and films, earning acclaim for his versatility and on-screen presence.
His performances have garnered accolades, including Best Lead Actor at the Kisima Music and Film Awards, Best Supporting Actor at the Kalasha International Awards, and Most Influential Actor at the Pulse Influencer Awards.
He also starred in Kenya’s first Netflix musical, Volume, and is featured in MTV Shuga Mashariki, where he plays Loch.
