Abel Mutua, the celebrated director, actor, scriptwriter, and YouTuber, has been chasing his dreams for years—and he’s not slowing down any time soon.
Speaking during an appearance on The Wicked Edition hosted by Dr. King’ori, Abel opened up about the defining moments that shaped his career, including life-changing phone calls that transformed his financial future.
“If you don’t get scared sometimes while doing your work, then you don’t have passion for what you’re doing,” he said. “And as a man, you should never settle in a place where you feel nothing. Get out and chase that dream.”
At 38, Abel has lived what many would consider a full creative life. But his journey began long before the fame.
He was still completing his college degree when he landed a role in the iconic Kenyan television series Tahidi High, alongside his close friend and longtime collaborator, Philip Karanja aka Director Phil.
While many actors would have been content with the spotlight, Abel and Phil had bigger dreams—ones that extended far beyond the screen.
“We were straight out of school, and we had skills beyond acting. We understood production, and we knew that’s where the money was,” Abel shared.
“So we went to our boss and pitched ourselves. She was excited—and just like that, we found ourselves sitting at the crew table with the big dogs.”
This bold move marked a turning point in Abel’s career, allowing him to transition from in front of the camera to behind it—where the real creative power and financial rewards lay. According to Abel, it all came down to having a clear plan.
“If any of our friends had been willing to endure the long, boring journey we were on back then, their stories might have turned out like ours.”
That “boring” life, he explained, was marked by long hours, endless work, and very little time for fun.
“After securing the production job, we were always working. My social batteries were dead. But we were prepared—and that’s key to going the distance.”
Abel attributes his success to readiness, planning, and a relentless ability to recognise and seize opportunities. It’s a mindset that has helped him reach milestones many once considered out of reach.
by kelvin njenga
