After over ten years in the film industry, actor Dedan Juma is speaking out about the struggle behind the spotlight — and it has little to do with performance and everything to do with perception.
In a heartfelt conversation on the Buzz Central Podcast, Juma opened up about a challenge that’s followed him throughout his acting career: being typecast as a criminal. Despite playing gritty and convincing roles in productions like Nairobi Half Life, Pepeta on Showmax, and Kash Money on Netflix, Juma says the industry’s love for his “bad guy” persona has become a creative trap.
“I’ve proven I can play these roles — but I’ve also been shouting for years that I can do more,” he said. “Unfortunately, in Kenya, once you’re good at something, people stop seeing anything else.”
Juma’s breakout performance in Nairobi Half Life (2012) made him a household name, but also set the tone for the roles that would follow: robbers, gangsters, and underworld figures. He believes Kenya’s casting culture is limiting, pointing to international films and series where actors regularly shift between vastly different roles — a villain today, a priest tomorrow.
“In global cinema, versatility is respected. Here, we limit ourselves. We limit our actors,” he added.
Yet, the actor admits that turning down the familiar roles isn’t an option. “I still accept these parts because work is work. I have a family to feed,” he explained. “But it’s disheartening that after a decade, I’m still only seen through one lens.”
The father of two recently made headlines after publicly appealing for financial assistance. In a vulnerable post, he revealed the difficulties he’s facing in supporting his daughters and wife, prompting an outpouring of support and disbelief from fans who’ve long admired his talent.
Juma’s story is a sobering reminder of the real-life struggles many artists endure — hidden behind the glamour of the screen, and masked by performances that, while brilliant, are often born of creative confinement.
“I just want a chance to show the range I know I have,” he said. “Let’s stop boxing actors. We have so much more to offer.”
