A Nostalgic Journey through Kenya's Funniest Prank Shows, from TV Screens to YouTube and TikTok

From black and white TV to digital channels: The evolution of prank shows in Kenya

Piece by: PAUL AMUKO
Entertainment

• Prank shows aim to invoke humor through practical jokes played on unsuspecting people in public places

• Prank shows in Kenya have come a long way, entertaining audiences from the days of mainstream television to the digital era of YouTube and TikTok.

Rib Krakas
Image: Courtesy

Prank shows aim to invoke humor through practical jokes played on unsuspecting people in public places, with the reactions of the victims captured on camera for entertainment purposes

Prank shows in Kenya have come a long way, entertaining audiences from the days of mainstream television to the digital era of YouTube and TikTok.

Let's take a trip down memory lane and explore some of the early prank shows that left viewers in stitches:

  • "Pasua" on KBC: Saturday Night Laughter

"Pasua," a TV Comedy aired on KBC every Saturday at 8:30 pm, was a true delight for viewers.

The show's wonderful street pranks cracked ribs and filled living rooms with laughter.

With a talented cast that included Alex Wamatu and Stephen Opondo, "Pasua" proved that Kenyans had a knack for humor.

  • "Patikana" on Kiss TV: Pranking Kenyan Celebrities

"Patikana,"  took pranking to a whole new level by targeting Kenyan celebrities.

Hosted by Tapeli  some of the best episodes featured the likes of Juakali, Bobby Mapesa, Kidis, and Wenyeji, the show brought the laughs to the entertainment industry itself.

  • "Kaa Rada" on Citizen TV: Catching People Off Guard

"Kaa Rada"  was a street prank show that left people caught off guard on camera.

The element of surprise and the genuine reactions of passersby added to the show's charm.

The hidden camera captured the best and most unexpected moments, later revealed to the amusement of viewers.

  • "Prankstars" on NTV: Candid Street Pranks

"Prankstars" was all about hitting the streets to prank unsuspecting individuals.

The show captured people's reactions in candid moments, creating laughter and entertainment for viewers.

  • "Naswa" on Citizen TV: Hidden Camera Practical Jokes

"Naswa"  took the prank game to a new level with its hidden camera practical jokes.

The Rib Krakas played different tricks on strangers, capturing their genuine reactions with hidden cameras.

The big reveal of the cameras after each prank was a moment of shared laughter.

The Digital Era: From YouTube Gold Diggers to TikTok Pranksters

As technology advanced, prank shows found a new home on digital platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Kenyan creators embraced the trend, and the evolution of prank content continued with a fresh twist.

Gold Digger Pranks

Gold digger pranks channels in Kenya started booming in  2022, thanks to Denny-c TV and Senior Dave finding their niche.

Within a short period, Denny-c TV's Gold Digger prank channel amassed more than 30K subscribers, indicating a growing demand for this hilarious and eye-opening content.

As the YouTube algorithm caught up with the latest digital trends, creators found their audiences eager for fresh and engaging content, including Loyalty Test Challenges.

Gold Digger pranks  involve pranking individuals, typically women, to test their intentions in a transactional relationship for money rather than love.

The videos aim to humorously capture the reactions of ladies when approached by a guy with a nice car and lifestyle, revealing whether they fall into the "gold-digger" trap.

TikTok Pranksters: Nairobi's Hilarious Camouflaged Potted Plant

Nairobi's TikTok prankster, Farian Tom, delighted viewers with his greenish camouflage suit, making him appear as a potted plant on the busy streets of the city.

Passersby were sent scampering in fear as he startled them with his unexpected movements.

Netizens applauded Farian Tom's hilarious spoof, noting how some unscared netizens walked by without fear, adding to the comic relief.

Taxi Prank: A Silly and Side-Splitting Gag

In another instance of Kenyan pranksters' creativity, a woman played a silly prank on taxi passengers and the driver.

She acted as if she had an imaginary companion, instructing the driver where to drop off the invisible lady. Moments later, the passengers and the driver were seen jumping out of the taxi, running away in fear.

The woman revealed it was all a prank, leaving social media users laughing at the hilarious gag and sharing funny reactions to the Twitter post.

The Enduring Appeal of Prank Shows

From TV screens to digital platforms, prank shows have proven their timeless appeal.

Laughter is a universal language, and Kenyan pranksters have mastered the art of bringing joy to audiences across the nation.

In a world that sometimes takes itself too seriously, prank shows offer a refreshing escape, reminding us to laugh at the simple joys of life.

As the digital era continues to evolve, pranksters will undoubtedly find new ways to keep audiences entertained and laughing out loud.

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