Nicholas Munene Mutuma is a Kenyan actor, commercial model, and television host. He has been acting professionally since 2008.
Born in Meru, Kenya, Nick Mutuma grew up in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, where he completed his primary school education at The International School of Tanganyika. It was during his early years that he discovered his love for performance arts, and would often participate in school plays. He joined Braeside School (Nairobi), where he completed his high-school education (O-level).
In 2005, he joined The United States University (Nairobi), graduating in 2010 with a BSC. International Business Administration.
His first big break on Kenyan television came in 2008 when he was cast in Tabasamu (Citizen TV) as “Luka”, a young naive college student living in poverty that gets involved with an older woman/ sugar mummy”. The controversial role sparked mixed reviews from the general public and catapulted Nick into the spotlight.
In 2008, Nick Mutuma was also cast in MNETs first Pan-African drama series Changes, directed by Tosh Gitonga, for the role of Richard, a young man who learns that he was kidnapped from the hospital after being born. His is a journey of coming of age and seeking identity. Mutuma retained the role for three seasons.
His break-out role came when he was cast in the drama series MTV Shuga (2008); directed by Teboho Mahaltsi, the show revolved around the fast lives of Nairobi youth and their risky sexual behavior. The hit show launched the careers of a new crop of Kenyan actors, including Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. Mutuma is the only cast member to have reprised his role for all four seasons (Kenya/Nigeria) of the show. The fourth season premiered in September 2015 and was directed by award-winning director Biyi Bandele.
In 2014, Mutuma starred in Zuku series State House, where he played the spoiled and stubborn son of the president of Kenya, who falls in love with the daughter of the ‘help’. The show was directed by Wanuri Kahiu.
In 2014, Mutuma became the new host of Africa Magic’s premier Lifestyle TV show Mashariki Mix.[7] The show was ranked third on Africaranking.com most-watched African TV shows in 2015. He has also hosted the Africa Magic Viewers Choice awards red carpet (2104) and the AMVCA nomination night (2014). Other hosting jobs include popular game show Zindua Chapaa (2015), a TV lottery show where winners win millions of Ksh weekly, and a grand prize of Ksh 50’000’000.
In 2015, Mutuma was cast in popular Rom/Com web-series This Is It as Tomide Mwenda. The hit show revolves around a newly wedded couple & delves into their lives during their first year of marriage. The web-series was very successful with over one million views in 5 months. This Is It began airing 13 September 2016 on LowlaDeeTV’s YouTube Channel and airs across African broadcast stations. Nick Mutuma is widely praised for his performance in the critically acclaimed ongoing series. The second season premiered on 26 September 2017. This Is It received an AMVCA Nomination 2018 for Best TV Series.
In 2018, Mutuma starred in Kenyan RomCom ‘Disconnect’ Directed by Tosh Gitonga. The movie premiered across theatres nationwide on 21 April 2018. The movie did exceptionally well in cinemas and is available online on Koko. Nick Mutuma was also credited as an associate producer on the film.
In 2018, Nick joins the cast of Skinny Girl In Transit for the fifth season of the popular YouTube series.
In 2019, Nick directs his first movie called You AgainThis movie which he also produces, was shot by the Giraffe Africa Films
He is currently shooting a Kenyan teen movie called Sincerely Daisy.
Radio
In 2012, Mutuma was recruited in the 1FMs events department, where he worked briefly as the station’s promotions coordinator before being promoted to the events manager. It was during this time that he explored other areas in radio and discovered his love for radio presenting. He hosted popular radio show The Chill Spot on 91.5 Hits from 2013 to 2015, when he decided to leave the show to concentrate on acting.
Television
In 2014, Mutuma became the new host of Africa Magic’s premier Lifestyle TV show Mashariki Mix. The show was ranked third on Africaranking.com most-watched African TV shows in 2015. He has also hosted the Africa Magic Viewers Choice awards red carpet (2104) and the AMVCA nomination night (2014). Other hosting jobs include popular game show Zindua Chapaa (2015), a TV lottery show where winners win millions of Ksh weekly, and a grand prize of Ksh 50’000’000.
Personal Life
In 2018, Nick welcomed a baby girl (Dua Mutuma) with on and off girlfriend Bridget Shighadi.
Music
In 2013, Mutuma released his first single, “254 anthems”, featuring Lyra Aoko.] It was a Rap/Kapuka-infused song that celebrated all things good about Kenya. The track received mixed reviews from fans and critiques alike. In September 2014, Nick released a follow-up single, “That Life”, featuring Cool Kid Taffie.
Modeling
Alcott
Nivea Fresh Active (2015)