MARTIN GITHINJI-TECHWEEZ CREATIVE CONTENT CREATOR (EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW) By Wanjiku Thuku
Who is Martin and how did you end up dominating the Kenyan or African technology industry? I am a practitioner in the Creative Industry as a Performing Artist, Media Personality and Content Creator. I have been a Tech enthusiast ever since I was a child and the opportunity to engage In Tech has always been one driven by passion, and that is what has led me here. I would not exactly say dominant voice but one of the notable Voices in space. How does it feel to be a Tech Content Creator for Techweez Company? I engaged Techweez in 2019 with a proposal to create their tech content since I had a background in Production. Techweez is the leading tech blog in the greater Eastern African Region and has been in the space for close to a decade now. It was the
partnership based on our strengths, me in production and Techweez in Tech blogs, that has brought rise to this tech space domination that wont subside any time soon What criteria was used to pick you as one of the main speakers or distinguished guests during all tecno Kenya events especially at the most recent Mondrian experience in kitisuru(what qualities stood out about you)? As a Tech Enthusiast I consume a lot of Tech Content. This in turn has me with a reasonable amount of Tech knowledge, plus quick understanding of new tech information. Adding on to that is my background in media and performance, that allows me to consume complicated tech information and break it down to a consumer level. When they needed someone to talk about what to expect with Android 13, I was the goto guy. How was it promoting the Camon 19 Pro series smartphones through the trend live show on NTV as well as at the various soft launches you have attended through Tecno Kenya Company? I am a regular panelist on The Trend so that is that NTV and Tecno that so happened to take advantage of my relationship with both. Also as mentioned I am in the Tech space so it’s not uncommon to find me in Tech related events and activities. The Camon 19 series has good offerings that consumers should definitely try out. Where do you see yourself 10 to 20 years from now? As not just a voice of influence but a voice of authority in whatever space I dominate in. How do you manage to keep yourself so grounded and humble in this extremely competitive showbiz,media,corporate and information technology industry? For a start, Thank you for the compliment. Secondly, it is just my awareness that this is temporary and things can change and that you need people around you to get to where you need to go. These factors contribute to how I treat and engage with people daily. My mantra is "They can forget what you said, they can forget what you did, they can never forget what you made them feel, just make sure they feel good" Five things that make you stand out from other Information technology experts in Kenya? I cannot really list 5 but I would say my background in Production helps produce quality videos. My background in performing arts helps with audience connection. My passion in Tech makes it easy for me to consume it, it is not forced. My support from a team of researchers and writers at Techweez makes it easy to get information. My audience that I have gathered over time have offered me unmatched support. What is your daily motto or slogan in life?
Do your Best and Let God do the rest. How do you manage to separate your private life from your career life?
Compartmentalization. At least I try as much as possible. There is a time for everything, in as much as one will always spill over into the other. In a way also, there are elements of my private life that have contributed to my career, especially in the content creation space. Do you consider yourself to be a family-oriented person? Yes, I do. Family gives a man purpose and a mission. I have my mission and purpose that is centered around my family. They are my biggest source of strength and motivation.
Would you consider yourself to be a fashionista/fashion icon? Not really but I know I do show up when I need to.
What inspires your fashion sense?
I cant really say I have fashion sense. On a normal day, I am in a T-shirt and Jeans. But when invited to events I show up according to the brief. I also partner with stylists to come up with the look needed for the event. Which fashion brands have you worked with before (small and huge fashion designer brands)?
So far, Ashok Suits and Devine Collections are the ones I have worked with the longest and closest.
What are your greatest achievements/accolades in life and in your tech creative content career?
So far there is the Pulse Influencer Awards nomination for Tech content creator. But I get satisfaction in knowing that I have helped someone with information or in fixing a tech problem. Like in the recent past IG and FB accounts are being hacked. It is a hard process trying to recover them but we do get lucky to recover some. The feeling of relief and gratitude from the account owner is one of the things I enjoy the most. If it were not for information technology, what other career path would you have taken and why? I count myself lucky in that I do what I was destined to do. I use all my skills and knowledge I have gotten so far to earn a living. I am an actor, scriptwriter, producer, director, content creator, media personality, and tech enthusiast. I use everything I know every day and that is very fulfilling
What inspires or motivates you to keep going despite the challenges you face daily?
Knowing that no matter what the challenge, time has a way of finding a way of resolving issues and that it always gets better. Any advice to aspiring young tech creative content creators, artists, and fashionistas? Keep showing up and doing your all. It will pay off one day. Build a foundation that you can grow on. The stronger the foundation the better. Any last words for your supporters worldwide especially in Kenya? It is only impossible if you believe it is.
