At the heart of Kenya’s comedy resurgence stands a name audiences are fast falling in love with, Arnold Saviour.
The gifted comedian, born Arnold Asamba, has grown from a struggling creative to a fan-favourite performer, and now prepares to take centre stage at the prestigious Kenya National Theatre with his solo comedy special titled “My First Time.”
For Saviour, the moment is more than just a show. It’s a milestone many comedians dream of.
“It’s been long coming,” he admits. “As a comic, you always dream of doing your Comedy Special. It takes a minimum of seven hours of stage experience to qualify for a one-man show. I am very ready for this.”
With his signature blend of intelligent humour and infectious energy, Saviour has carved a niche that’s hard to miss.
Whether he’s belting out his now-viral nursery rhyme remix “Mos Mos Mos Mama Milka” or charming fans with his cheeky catchphrase “Hi Handsome”, a nod to his playful confidence, Saviour leaves audiences in stitches.
His comedy isn’t just funny; it’s witty, layered, and deeply relatable.
Saviour’s routines brim with observational humour, social commentary, and fresh takes on political tensions through a Gen Z lens.
Add to that his animated dance moves and spontaneous crowd interactions, and you have a performer who keeps the audience laughing from start to finish.
Though his comedic presence commands rooms today, his path was anything but easy. He initially started out as an actor before discovering the power of comedy as both an escape and a weapon during his struggles with poverty.
“Even the jokes we tell have pain behind them,” he says.
Saviour refined his craft at Punchline Comedy Club, where his smart jokes and bold delivery quickly made him a standout act.
He has since performed alongside Kenya’s top comics in shows like Power Breakfast, Comedy Arena, The Wicked Edition, Churchill Raw, The Churchill Show, Thursday Night Live, and The Punchline Show.
His star rose even higher after performing at the Laugh Festival in 2022 alongside Loyiso Gola (South Sudan) and Patrick Salvador (Uganda).
He also went on to win the Best Male Breakthrough Performer award at the 2023/24 Kenya Theatre Awards.
A gifted writer as well, he has contributed to popular TV series like Shix Kapienga’s Shixx Show and Mwaura and Mammito’s Shizzo Series, proving his versatility behind and in front of the spotlight.
Writing, he says, allows him to explore another part of his creativity.
Saviour’s educational background includes a stint in law school, which he left in his fourth year, a decision he now considers one of his biggest regrets.
“I dropped out of uni in year 4. It still haunts me as one of my biggest mistakes. However, I still use the knowledge from law school in my comedy career, in matters of contracts,” he explains with a touch of irony.
Inspiration for his content often comes from his personal experiences and those of people he admires.
He credits comics such as Mitch, Pasha, and Allan Weku, along with platforms that have supported his growth, as key influences.
“The people around me are not very invested in my art. I like it that way. Because there is a very big difference between Arnold Shivoni and Arnold Saviour,” he says, drawing a clear line between his personal and stage persona.
As the spotlight intensifies, one thing remains clear: Arnold Saviour is not just another comedian. He is a storyteller, a performer, and, above all, a voice for a generation seeking laughter amidst life’s chaos.