I got the opportunity to interview the one and only Brian Wambugu Goro aka Boogie Man exclusively during this up-close and candid encounter about his relationships,
partnership with the Basketball League and representing Kenya in the AND1 mixtape Sprite Streetball Tour. Here is what he had to say about all that and more: What is your name and what do you do? Brian Wambugu aka Boogie Man..nickname /stereotype from playing basketball since I was 7 years old until now. Brian Wambugu graphic designer by profession as freelancer hoping to generate to higher levels, radio presenter on rogue radio (an online radio station owned by Andrew kibe), I also work for my sister who is also a radio personality. Give me a brief history of your life and when did you start playing streetball? I started playing streetball when I was 12/13 years old because I used to be bullied as a fat kid, with great inspiration /influence from my friends, the famous basketball player-Iverson and Hot Sauce from the AND1 Team. Took it a bit more seriously when I was about 15/16 years old because I loved the flamboyancy that comes with playing the game to play for the high school team during the basketball tournaments here and there. I also used to dribble from morning to evening to perfect my streetball skills. That is how my career took off. How did you end up meeting the AND1 Team? I was about to play in 2011 but It didn’t work out at that time. I got a call in 2012 while in college from a company called Trublaq Entertainment to ensure the AND1 mixtape Sprite Tour took place and to play against the AND1 Team in and around Kenya to promote streetball, play in the main game and do a streetball tour thanks to my friend Richie aka Rampage who submitted my footage to them to consider me participating in those games including playing another streetball team from Mombasa. What other teams would you play for, against or have played for before? I played for Parklands Baptist but not for too long (one or two months), Ngong Road, Langata, University of Nairobi and so on. When did you start gaining popularity? From the early stages of high school, because I started doing moves but people didn’t really notice during the games until I challenged my number one idol Hot sauce Infront of my schoolmates during the AND1 game, and I really schooled him that time. I had something good going on and I kept working on my skills.... that was big for me…it was so cool as it almost felt like the Iverson versus Jordan game!!!!!!
Have you ever travelled outside Kenya with your team members to play against AND1 or any other international teams like in the NBA? Not really but I was called for Basketball Cup back in 2016 in Ohio to play with the team there that took about three weeks…I would go back if given the opportunity!!!!!!!!!!! When and where did you meet your last ex-girlfriend? It was shortly after I came back from the states in 2016. What happened between you and how did she end up assaulting you? How did you resolve the issue to protect yourself? It was a crazy situation (very long complicated story) …we’ll just leave it there because a few people know about that story….it was quite hard after that situation…. A few things happened personally but from there I just had to take charge and I want to move forward after seeking justice. Do you have any last words for your ex-girlfriend? No, I don’t. What are your plans for the future in terms of career? Career I want to make lots of money, make incredible impact, create high quality content and make it as affordable as possible. Turn the shutdown streetball brand into something huge. What about in terms of your relationships? In terms of relationships, I also want to get married and become a good fun dad to my kids who will also play basketball like me. What motivates you in life? Respect, strength, hard work, everything else will fall into place easily. How did you manage to deal with the backlash, anxiety and depression from the basketball team? How did your family and workmates handle it? I had to see some other personal experiences to get over my depression, bad company corrupts good morals. My advice to people out there-Be careful about who you associate with, be careful whom you let into your life, don’t mix personal issues with sports. Very dangerous place to be in.
What drives you to face each challenge head on? Bravery and confidence, belief in God What are your other hobbies/interests? Drawing and creating, I like travelling, swimming Where is the furthest you have gone outside and inside Kenya? The USA -Ohio for the Basketball cup is the furthest I’ve gone. In Kenya, the furthest I’ve gone is Kisumu. Have you ever had an encounter with an obsessed superfan and how did you handle that situation? It has happened a few times, I block their mobile numbers and I maintain social distance from them literally to maintain professionalism. I also notify the police or watchman to keep all these girls away from me if they follow me to my house or put me in compromising situation, have speech issues(stuttering/stammering) when they approach me. Who is your celebrity crush? You had to put me on the spot like this…. its Sarah Hassan. I admire classy beautiful women who don’t embarrass themselves on social media twerking or doing crazy challenges/things of today, she owns her craft, she is scandal free, she is a private person, she has a nice physique, mature and responsible plus humble. Who /what inspires your fashion sense (personal style)? I had to make changes to my wardrobe due to the corporate companies I’ve worked for before, I like suites, but at the same time I like to wear what I want apart from skinny jeans for men. I don’t like them. I keep it semi-buggy, I’m getting into seppa, and braiding my hair to complement my outfits (as my way of freedom of expression). What makes you standout from your other team players (best three qualities)? Having fun by myself and with other people (like my superfans as they watch me play my streetball games), not competing but complementing and lifting the other team members, giving positive energy everywhere I go through my character. What brings you maximum satisfaction?
Cartoons, having a good wife and kids, a dream car, great job and so on…what more do I need. Do you have any regrets in your life? Depend on alcohol so much, I wish I changed the company I had that time as I regret being in toxic situations thanks to them as they almost dragged me down with them to destruction (I wish I stuck to a few other guys who were sober and focused), stop being modest about a lot of things and respect people more who care about me and my wellbeing like my mother and my sister. Think about them more as whatever I do will affect them in the long run. Worst and best streetball games that you have ever played? The AND1 game was my best game when I played against Hot Sauce himself, my worst game was against Laiser Hill when I was in high school as those guys crashed us…I tried dribbling once or twice and I almost cried in the bus on the way home…it was tough to take in. Advice to aspiring young players? Never be afraid in attempting anything, that is where you decide if you’ll do it or not. If you are always afraid you will always get stuck. Who else do you look up to apart from Hot Sauce as a role model? (even if it’s a lady)? It’s a draw between two people-My Mum and Sister, they are both hardworking and they built themselves from nothing to something. My mother is always there for me in good and bad times as she is my number one fan. Wouldn’t want to let go of both of them. Where do you get your smooth moves during your streetball tournament games? Watching mixtapes from abroad, and YouTube videos. Any last words for your fans and everyone else (in general)? Just stay tuned…there’s more coming soon!
