Interview With Jeri Muchura; Host, Mock The Week

Piece by: Harun Momanyi
Lifestyle

If you watch Mock Of The Week on KTN you already know ​, the bubbly presenter who makes the show lively; she always does it pretty well.  She's pretty, brainy, social, cool, interesting, easy to relate with and down-to-earth.

I got to meet her at a photography class earlier this year and I could see the potential vested in her; she has all it takes to make an exemplary show. She is also a talented photographer – she was the best in our class and won an all expenses paid trip to South Africa as well as the ultimate prize which was a serious camera.

Her latest project so far is​ in which she set out to various parts of the country accompanied by a blogger and a producer in search of ‘Unexpected Kenya’ shots.

I talked to the mother of two about her journey as a creative and her future prospects; here's how it went down:

Me: So Jeri, tell me about what your show is all about and how you got on board?

Jeri: The show is called Mock The Week and it is a satirical view on the news and the week that was. Wilson Mburu (the show's creator) called me in after doing it for a month because he believed I had what it takes to move the show to the next level

That's really cool and interesting. Congrats Jeri. Remember when I told you that you've got this ingrained gift of presentation and you can make a good journalist during our photography class? So tell me, what are some of the adjustments that you had to undergo in your new undertaking? How are things so far?

Yes you did reading the autocue naturally without looking like you are reading has been the biggest learning curve. I've had to learn how to script and package stories just because this is not a regular news show and it's not like anything we have on TV. It's a great learning experience and the reception has been amazing

Wow...that's incredible. That's a great development - it's an inspiring thing to know! So, tell me, what are some of the positive and negative comments you've gotten from friends, family and your fans? How have they affected you?

In our line of work any kind of feedback is good feedback We actually live off both kinds of energy. What this does to you is that it teaches you to harness that to push you further. When someone says something bad about the show.....it's ok because they watched the show and that was their reaction to what we put out. That makes you grow and toughen up which makes you want to push and better yourself in the long run. My family and friends have been supper supportive..and now I have FANS lol!!

Me: Hehehe I can never get your sense of humor because it's always on point LOL! So, you're a very ardent Christian...you're a prayerful person and that has proved to have brought you well being and success, especially for you being a young mum. Your husband has also been very supportive from what I've known about you...what can you tell young mothers out there about managing a family and a demanding job at the same time as well as depending on God all the time?

Jeri: That's a loaded one.

I live by these verse Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength and Acts 17:28 It is through him that we are able to live, to do what we do, and to be who we are. As your own poets have said, ‘We all come from him.’ because on our own strength, we'd fall flat on our faces. These are very many balls to juggle and a lot of mental and spiritual strength and discipline is needed to fully be present in all the roles I play.

It is quite possible to have a thriving marriage, raise children, awesome career and fruitful relationship with God because we have the capacity for all of them. Time management, delegation and learning to say no are key to all these. In addition, having a solid support system that understands what you are doing and why is totally invaluable because they are the ones who will hold you up, encourage you and strengthen you when you are low

Wow...quite a deep account of what's really made you who you are...I'm sure many young people laugh at your jokes and really love what you do on TV. What would you tell them if they want to join TV - what can they do to achieve their dreams in the media industry? What are some of the dos and don't's that you uphold?

In the words of our very own Lupita Nyong'o....Your dreams are valid Believe in yourself, this industry is brutal...you'll hear more NO than YES. You have to believe that you belong there. So keep going for auditions and screenings, these are the best places to learn. That sounds twisted but going for auditions even if you know you will not get the part will help you get comfortable in front of the camera and build your on-camera persona.

Know what you want to do in the media...don't find it out once you get in. Have standards and stick to them, people value such. Do not sleep with anyone to get a job...that is foolishness and people will not respect you. Value hard work and know that you may work for long without pay before you "make it". Plus....sometimes money isn't everything......the training and work experience you'll gain will be worth more than any money in the long run.

​and view her latest episode below: