By: Mark Allan Karanja
It is an absolute joy to watch Mr. Rent do his thing on screen. Whether it be trying to unsuccessfully break Miriam’s heart, or worm his way to her bed, to being the go-to guy for his brother in law Martin Biko, he is an absolute delight.
Bilal Wanjau, the talented individual who brings the character to life describes him as “a peculiar guy. He has so many sides to him. He is the naïve guy who can also be Mr. Fix-it. His presence is hardly ever noticed but he is sorely missed when he is away”. It is clear that Wilfred is a man of both words and actions, though both fall far from the mark as far as the object of his desire, “Mariam” is concerned. This makes for comical scenes between the two and between Wilfred and those he comes across, including his wife, Diana. Yes people, the guy is married!
It is an obvious and maybe natural thing to try and compare the character to his role. Bilal says that his and Wilfred’s personality are far removed from each other but admit to share one big thing in common. “We are both happy-go-lucky type of people. I am admittedly a flirt, but by no means am I a gluttonous Casanova that Wilfred clearly is”. He admits that it was a challenge playing him at first, having always been cast for more serious roles in the past. Though he is best known for his appearance in the commercial “UtahamaLini” promotion, Sumu la Penzi is not his first Cameo appearance. “I have appeared in Tahidi High and Gavana”. He cut his teeth as an actor on stage in the theater.
Mr. Rent represents a minority of men all over the world who are duped into believing that money can buy them power and help them get the girl of their dreams. They get a rude shock when they wake up to the realization that they have been taken for a fool. “Mr. Rent is not the stereotypical Kenyan male unlike his counterparts like Victor”, Bilal says. “He desires to attain the typical Kenyan male dream. He believes that success is only denoted by the money and the power that you have, and if he has that then he has to get the girl – Mariam”.
Though he might be faulted for many of his short comings, Wilfred (MR. Rent) cannot be called unromantic, though his advances go unrequited – and they are towards the wrong person. Either way, he is the character you would love to hate but end up loving anyway. He will charm his way into your heart.
Catch Bilal Wanjohi, Playing Wilfred (Mr. Rent) on Africa Magic Swahili on Sumu La Penzi.