Malu of 'Chamani fug it' fame opens up on heartbreak, hustles

We discovered you online through the famous “Chamani Fug It” phrase and your comedy. Who is Malu?

My real name is Nyaturok Tap Malual, but most people know me as Malu.

Beyond comedy, viral moments and social media, I am a storyteller, dreamer, entrepreneur, and someone who genuinely loves making people laugh.

I have always believed that life is too short to take everything seriously. Some of my biggest lessons came from my biggest mistakes, and some of my funniest stories came from moments that nearly broke me.

Where and what did you study?

I studied TV, Film and Production, Psychology, and Cybersecurity at KCA University and at the African Film Talent Training Institution. Looking back, my academic journey reflects someone who could not decide whether to become a filmmaker, therapist or hacker. I wanted to understand people, technology and storytelling all at once. Life somehow found a way to combine all three.

Favourite and least favourite unit on campus?

My favourite unit was Communication. I loved learning how people connect, express themselves and tell stories. My least favourite were any units involving mathematics, especially in Cybersecurity. Whenever I saw complex calculations, my spirit would leave my body and return after class.

Best and least favourite lecturer?

My favourite was Mr L. Biko Nyongesa. He encouraged us to showcase our talents and stop waiting for opportunities to find us. I do not have a least favourite lecturer; they all played a role in shaping me.

How was campus life generally?

Campus life was beautiful chaos: friendship, freedom, confusion, laughter, stress, growth and poor decisions all mixed together. I made lifelong friends, made mistakes, got my heart broken, healed, and repeated the cycle. One of my funniest memories was discovering that a guy I was dating was also dating another girl in the same class. Sitting in class felt like detective work.

How did you make money while on campus?

I was always hustling. I sold tote bags, earrings and lip gloss. My biggest customers were people in relationships. If a boyfriend forgot an anniversary, I was there. If a girlfriend wanted a surprise gift, I was there. If someone needed forgiveness, I was definitely there. Those businesses taught me confidence, negotiation, customer service and marketing to emotionally driven customers. Love was my target market.

How was dating on campus?

At that time, I did not really know what I was looking for. At 18 or 19, I thought I knew everything. At 25, I realise I knew nothing. A good morning text once convinced me I had found my soulmate. Now I know emotional intelligence, consistency and peace matter more.

What do you think about campus relationships?

They are like group assignments; sometimes you get a good partner, sometimes you do all the work. They can be beautiful, but students should never lose themselves trying to save relationships.

Where did you hang out on weekends?

Honestly, everywhere except home. I was rarely in. My mum even had to set a curfew because I treated home like a hotel. We explored Nairobi, attended events, visited friends and made memories.

Classmates you will never forget?

Many, but Laura, Debbie, Ruth and Jason stand out. Some people are unforgettable because of kindness; others because of chaos. Either way, campus would not have been the same without them.

Are you doing what you studied in school?

Yes and no. I may not use every course directly, but the skills still apply. Film and Production gave me storytelling skills, Psychology helped me understand people, and Cybersecurity taught problem-solving and discipline.

How did you start online?

It started accidentally. One day I arrived for class and found I was the only student present. I recorded my day, and that became my first content.

Many early videos were shot around Klabu, where students lived on chapati, eggs and sausages. The budget was low, but the vibes were high.

Tell us about your hosting journey.

Hosting is one of the easiest and hardest jobs at the same time. You meet people, build relationships and create experiences, but success depends on consistency, networking and resilience.

I am also proud of my sobriety journey, I am six months sober despite working in alcohol-heavy environments. It has improved my health, focus and finances.

What challenges have you faced and what change would you like to see in the industry?

Balancing trends with authenticity is a major challenge. The internet often pushes creators to conform. I also experienced discrimination and judgement. I have learned not to feed negativity. I would like to see opportunities based more on talent, consistency and creativity than popularity.

What next for Malu?

Growth, bigger opportunities, more content, more hosting and more impact. I want to build a brand that entertains, inspires and reminds people that success does not have to look perfect.

What would you tell your younger campus self?

Relax. Stop stressing about timelines. Stop comparing yourself to others. Trust the process.

Final words for students?

Study smart, not just hard. Network, take risks, try different things and learn from mistakes. Have fun, but do not lose yourself. Campus is about discovering who you are. And remember: the universe rewards those who do the work.