Here in Africa, we have had an elite share of our own comical characters in movies, TV and other media: We’ve had South Africa’s Leon Schuster, Nigeria’s notorious pair “Aki and Pawpaw”, but these days, Bridget Bema is the new face of mischief in Africa.
Bridget Bema is a 9 year old schoolgirl from Nairobi, Kenya who became a viral Internet sensation when a video of her having her name called out on the assembly grounds for a wide variety of misdemeanors and offences.
The video became viral for the fact that it was extremely relatable to almost any and everyone who had ever been through a pre-tertiary institution or is still going through one.
The character, was developed by Bridget’s older brother, Oliver Otieno, who is a better recognized face in the comedy industry in Kenya. He directed the initial viral skit as well as the subsequent ones.
The character is particularly relatable, because she represents the average young person: free, unbothered, edgy, and largely defiant and energetic. Bridget Bema is the personality that most of young people have, or secretly aspire to have (I speak facts here), and for that reason, the content of her videos is so relatable.
Like her predecessors and alumni of the “School Of Mischief”, Bridget Bema is already carving a niche for herself which is seeing her notoriety spread even beyond Africa. Like her close Nigerian contemporary, Emmanuella Samuel, she has become a darling to millions of fans all round Africa and beyond.
There really is no doubt about the fact that it is only a matter of (short) time before Bridget Bema becomes fully incorporated into popular culture.
Bridget Bema was recently interviewed by BBC Africa, and in this interview, we get an insight into what exactly it is like, to be the legendary Bridget Bema. Watch the BBC interview below:
Follow Bridget’s Instagram page to view more funny content and updates from her!
By Oluwamayowa Akinyemi
Oluwamayowa Akinyemi is a digital and web content developer with experience in web content development and management as well as research and writing. He is an avid reader of random subject matters and a sucker for movies and video games. He is also passionate about youth empowerment and is a global affairs analyst and enthusiast.
