Once again, the internet's ability to amplify creativity and offer a stage for diverse voices has been showcased as Kenyan animator Michael Muthiga gains international recognition for his creation, Kapinto.
Kapinto, a 20-year-old outspoken character adorned with flaming red hair styled in cornrows and a lengthy ponytail, has garnered widespread affection from audiences through his humorous and relatable short clips. Voiced by the renowned TikToker Kapinto, the character springs to life thanks to the animation mastery of Fat Boy Animations, founded by Muthiga.
Kapinto’s latest accolade comes from Hollywood icon Will Smith, who recently shared one of Kapinto’s viral clips on his social media with the caption “I love this character”.
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In the video shared, Kapinto presents a comedic perspective on the notion of praying for one's adversaries, showcasing both wit and charm in his delivery.
Kapinto says, “”God when you bless me don’t forget to bless others especially my enemies, bless them 100 fold.”
Smith’s endorsement propelled Kapinto further into the global spotlight, with fans sharing the clip widely across various platforms.
In another clip highlighted by Smith, Kapinto confidently asserts his superiority over his detractors, delivering a message of confidence and empowerment. Smith encouraged his followers to share the clip saying, “Send to that one friend who needs a reminder.”
In the clip, Kapinto says with a lot of flare, “My level is here, yours is down in the dust, that is the difference.”
At the heart of Fat Boy Animations' triumph and the birth of Kapinto lies the journey of Muthiga, a visionary animator whose fervor for the craft propelled him to carve his own trajectory.
Contemplating on his odyssey, Muthiga divulged reflections on his childhood moniker, Fat Boy, which ultimately served as the catalyst for his animation endeavor.
Although he pursued studies in civil engineering, Muthiga steadfastly adhered to his passion for animation, refining his skills through free online tutorials. His perseverance led him to secure a role as a trainee animator on the esteemed children's series Tinga Tinga Tales.
Fuelled by determination and an aspiration for excellence, Muthiga diligently saved to establish Fat Boy Animations, starting from modest origins within his own bedroom. His unwavering commitment bore fruit when a YouTube upload of his creations captured the interest of Jamii Telecom Limited, paving the way for substantial opportunities in the industry.
In contemplating his journey, Muthiga emphasized the significance of perseverance and diligent effort in attaining success.
