KenyagistLittle Known Details of Buruburu Man Who Set Pace...

Little Known Details of Buruburu Man Who Set Pace For Lupita in Hollywood

-

- Advertisment -spot_img

Charles Gitonga Maina may not be a common name in the country. Unknown to many, Gitonga became one of the few Kenyans to earn an acting position at Hollywood in the 1990s.

Born in Buruburu, Nairobi county in 1976, Gitonga grew up with the love of basketball training at a dirty court in the city suburbs and at the age of 14, he had perfected the art of doing things the correct way on matters basketball.

According to an article by Sports Illustrated, Maina heard of auditions for the film The Air Up There in 1992, at the age of 17 years.

Charles Gitonga Maina in the movie The Air Up
Charles Gitonga Maina in the movie The Air Up

The film from Hollywood Pictures would have in feature a tall African basketball player as a prospect under the training of an American coach, a role that would be played by global star Kevin Bacon.

Maina auditioned for the lead role in a local audition at Buruburu, describing himself as a “dunkaholic” because of his affection for the game.

Due to his efforts and undeniable talent, Gitonga and a friend were selected among 46 other players, and flown to Los Angeles for a final audition.

Sports Illustrated quotes Gitonga saying that this was his first time flying on a plane, a dream that neither him nor his parents thought would come true.

“My parents didn’t believe me. I told them I was flying out and they said, ‘Where you going to?’  After I was picked up at the airport in a limousine, the driver chastised me for standing up through the sunroof,” remarked Gitonga.

Gitonga’s journey would be later set precedence of possibilities to act in the most formidable arena as he was selected for the lead role of Saleh, a member of a fictional local Kenyan tribe(Winabi) which greatly borrows the character of the Samburu people living in the northern part of Kenya.

The guy with no experience and a flying history had to now be moved to South Africa where he would take part in his first time in a movie shoot.

At 18 years, Gitonga was the youngest of all and this was crowned by his prowess in the film, attracting applause from the who’s in the field of films.

“When I first saw him play, I thought he had a chance to play college basketball in America. Just seeing his enthusiasm and his size, I knew there was something there.” remarked McAdoo, a former actor and now a scout for the Heat.

“He was just a sweet kid, and that’s what was needed for this character. I don’t truly think he knew what he had accomplished.” remembers Miguel, another member of the team.

A collage photo of Kenyan-born Hollywood actors Eddie Gathegi. Lupita Nyong'o and Benjamin Onyango
A collage photo of Kenyan-born Hollywood actors Eddie Gathegi. Lupita Nyong’o and Benjamin Onyango

Miguel further indicated to the Sports Illustrator that once the frenzy of the filming subsided, Maina didn’t get back to Buruburu at once but chose to be left as he pursued college opportunities where his basketball talent helped him get admission to junior colleges in North Carolina, Kansas and Florida.

Due to his unending effort to grow his ever growing skills, Gitonga would later earn a chance at Lynn University in Boca Raton with a scholarship at the D-II level.

As a first among Kenyans who made it to the Hollywood hall of fame, other actors who have followed include Lupita Nyong’o Eddie Gathengi, Mary Oyaya, Raymond Ofula and Benjamin Onyango.

As the most noticeable, Lupita started her career in film in 2008 working as an assistant producer in Hollywood.

Other movies that she has featured in include Star Wars, Black panther, Queen of Katwe, 12 years a Slave, The Jungle Book amongst others.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Latest news

Was ist eine toxische on-off-beziehung?

Was ist eine toxische on-off-beziehung?What is a toxische on-off-beziehung? a toxische on-off-beziehung is a type of relationship where one...

Ex-Govt Official in Ksh1.3 Billion Scandal Hospitalised After Court Release

Former Nairobi Provincial Commissioner Davis Nathan Chelogoi is set to receive ongoing medical treatment at a hospital in the...

Raila Allies Pile Pressure on Ruto as Talks Hit Dead End

National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, a close ally of opposition leader Raila Odinga and a senior member of...

'They’re Jealous of Me', Nakhumicha Over Recent Criticism

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Health Susan Nakhumicha has strongly condemned the individuals criticising her over allegations of underperformance within...
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

Court Orders City Lawyer Behind Ksh 283M Scam to Refund Loot

The High Court on Thursday ordered a Nairobi lawyer to refund Ksh25 million he is accused of obtaining fraudulently. While...

How to Buy Cryptocurrency with M-Pesa in Kenya: A Step-by-Step Guide on Binance

Are you a Kenyan interested in purchasing cryptocurrencies using M-Pesa? Although direct purchases of cryptocurrencies via M-Pesa are currently...

Must read

Was ist eine toxische on-off-beziehung?

Was ist eine toxische on-off-beziehung?What is a toxische on-off-beziehung?...

Ex-Govt Official in Ksh1.3 Billion Scandal Hospitalised After Court Release

Former Nairobi Provincial Commissioner Davis Nathan Chelogoi is set...
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you