Kartelo resurfaces, explains showbiz hiatus: 'Fame made me neglect my family'

Comedian and former radio presenter Kartelo has now disclosed the circumstances behind his decision to step away from the limelight.

Kartelo, born Nick Chege, became a viral internet sensation about two years ago for his mastery of the 'sheng' language and comic short videos on Instagram.

This saw him become a household name and command a huge following on social media platforms, which quickly opened doors for him on radio and even TV.

However, in early 2021 Kartelo conspicuously went under the radar and stopped sharing content.

At the same time, he also quit his then radio gig and was booted out of the now-defunct Chipukeezy Show which he co-hosted with stand-up comedian Chipukeezy.

In solidarity, Chipukeezy cut ties with the TV station in which the program was airing as well and took his show to YouTube with Kartelo.

The partnership however soon reportedly fell out and Kartelo slowly faded from the scene.

Speaking about his hiatus with YouTuber Mungai Eve, Kartelo said social media fame blinded him of the people who matter most in his life, among them his mother.

“I was dedicating so much of my time to people’s happiness but now I decided to focus on my life, my personal project and family,” he said.

“Sending money to my mum without visiting her was not enough, I needed time to spend with her. I can send money to my lover but my mum, I need to see her regularly.”

He added: “Life had made me a product of my fans. I was drained and there was no time for myself. Anything I did was on Kartelo and not Nick. The brand was okay but my relationship with the people who matter was not good.”

The comedian also took time to focus on his spirituality.

“Spirituality pia, I am growing. I have been a church person. I am saved and I will be baptised this year. It’s a step I want to take in my life. Celebrity life moves very fast and if you are not careful, you end up giving it your all. I could not even sleep, I was always moving and doing things,” he said.

“My fame shot in 24 hours. I will never forget. Everyone wanted a piece of me and it is also very stressful. It is only God who saved me. You forget about your past and if you are not careful, you can go mad. If you don’t sit down and gather yourself, you can ruin your life.”

The comic also said that he has learnt to balance between Nick and his Kartelo brand.

“The period I took a break, I told myself I had given Kartelo enough time and now I am patient and I know how to balance,” he said.

“No rush in all things. Content in my YouTube [show] is enough for now. People should keep on watching. I want value in return for all the content I release.”

On his current relationship with Chipukeezy, who landed back into the country just recently, Kartelo said they don’t talk but the comedian has been trying to reach out to him.

“I respect him so much but currently, we don’t talk but he helped me in so many ways. We have had our moments. He has really helped me. I don’t hold any grudge. If we meet and agree to talk, then I will be okay,” he said.