‘Click Click Bang’ director Michael Munyoki opens up about alcoholism struggle- Exclusive
Acclaimed film director and actor Michael “Smallz” Munyoki has delved into the pervasive issue of substance abuse within the artistic community.
In an interview with Nairobi News, he shed light on his battle with alcoholism and the profound impact it had on his life and career.
“Most artists are indeed caught in the alcohol and drugs abuse,” Munyoki revealed.
“It’s because there is a creative gene that all creatives have—it’s something that nags us in our minds since we overanalyze everything. It is something within us that we feel like we need to suppress, and hence the need for why we run to drugs. Otherwise, that’s the gene that affects most creatives.”
Drawing from his own experiences, Munyoki shared valuable insights and advice for fellow artists struggling with addiction:
“My advice is that we understand that it is real and it is what artists do since I did face something like that. I went through such, and I had some alcohol dependency, and I had to stop. It was tough, and I even ended up in the hospital at some point. I had to come to my realization that this wasn’t for me, and I had to stop for my career to flourish.”
Reflecting on his journey to recovery, Munyoki emphasized the transformative power of sobriety:
“I am eight years sober, and it was the best decision that I have ever made. At that time, I thought that God had abandoned me but we need to identify other ways to stop drugs.”
When asked about his current pursuits, Munyoki expressed his passion for wildlife conservation:
“I love animals and I enjoy traveling when I am free. I hope I can be in a position to speak for the animal. In the future, I will adopt an elephant. I would love to save the animals. I am an animal lover, and if I was allowed to keep an animal, I would keep an elephant.”
Munyoki is known for his outstanding work on various projects such as “Groove Theory,” “Waliobaki,” and “Auntie Boss” among others.
His recent directorial endeavor, “Click Click Bang,” achieved remarkable success and garnered multiple accolades, including nominations in four categories at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs).
Munyoki, alongside collaborator Philip Karanja and screenwriter Abel Mutua, has propelled Kenyan cinema onto the international stage with its compelling storytelling and creative vision.
Currently portraying the character of Tedz, the tech genius, in an ongoing project, Haki Mwitu, Munyoki continues to captivate audiences with his versatile performances and unwavering dedication to his craft.
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