Kalasha Award for Best Performance in a TV Comedy
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{{short description|Award presented annually by the Kenya Film Commission}}
{{Infobox award
| name = Kalasha Award for Best Performance in a TV Comedy
| image =
| image_upright =
| caption =
| awarded_for = Most outstanding individual or ensemble performance in a TV comedy show
| country = [[Kenya]]
| presenter = [[Kenya Film Commission]]
| year = {{start date and age|2009|06}}
| holder_label = Most recent winner
| holder = [[Abel Mutua]], ''Roast House'' ([[13th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2024]])
| most_awards =
| most_nominations = [[Eve D'Souza]] (3)
| website = {{URL|kalashaawards.co.ke}}
}}
The '''Kalasha Award for Best Performance in a TV Comedy''' (formerly '''Best Performance in a Comedy''') is an annual television award presented by the [[Kenya Film Commission]] as part of the [[Kalasha Awards|Kalasha International Film & TV Awards]]. It recognizes an individual performer or ensemble whose comedic timing, characterization, and delivery have significantly defined the success of a television comedy series.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-23 |title=Kalasha International |url=https://kalashainternational.com/ |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=KALASHA INTERNATIONAL FILM AND TV MARKET, FESTIVAL & AWARDS |language=en-US}}
The category was established at the inaugural [[1st Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2009]] ceremony. While initially focused on traditional sketch comedy and sitcoms, the award has evolved to include stand-up specials and roast formats appearing on national television.
The most recent recipient is [[Abel Mutua]] for his performance in ''Roast House'' at the 13th edition held in 2024.{{Cite web |title=Charles Ouda, Sarah Hassan, Anguka win big at Kalasha Awards [Full List] |url=https://www.mpasho.co.ke/entertainment/2024-04-03-charles-ouda-sarah-hassan-anguka-win-big-at-kalasha-awards-full-list |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=www.mpasho.co.ke |language=en}}
== Criteria ==
The selection of the winner is governed by a technical appraisal conducted by the Kalasha Academy, a specialized panel of creative industry veterans. This group reviews the nominated performances for original wit, stage presence, and the actor's ability to sustain a comedic persona. Once the shortlist is finalized, the ultimate decision is reached through a weighted system: 70% of the total tally is derived from the academy’s expert scores, while 30% is contributed by the public through a popular vote, ensuring that the comedian's rapport with the national audience is duly recognized.{{Cite web |title=13th edition of Kalasha International Film and TV Awards public voting |url=https://m.startimestv.com/hybrid/vote/filmkenya?pin=70851763 |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=m.startimestv.com}}
== Winners ==
The award ceremony was not held in 2013, 2016, 2023, and 2025. Winners are listed by year of ceremony.
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
! scope="col" |Year
! scope="col" |Recipient
! scope="col" |TV Series / Show
! scope="col" class="unsortable" |{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|[[1st Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2009]]
|[[Charles Bukeko]]
|''Papa Shirandula''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{Cite web |date=2020-06-21 |title=Kenya TV, film stars eye glory at Kalasha awards |url=https://nation.africa/kenya/life-and-style/zuqka/kenya-tv-film-stars-eye-glory-at-kalasha-awards-593082 |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=Daily Nation |language=en}}
|-
|[[2nd Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2010]]
|Kenneth Gichoya
|''Papa Shirandula''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{Cite web |last=LIFESTYLE |first=CAPITAL |date=2010-09-28 |title=Winners at the Kalasha Awards |url=https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/lifestyle/2010/09/28/winners-at-the-kalasha-awards/ |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=Capital Lifestyle |language=en-US}}
|-
|[[3rd Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2011]]
|[[Eric Omondi]]
|''[[Churchill Show|Churchill Live]]''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{Cite web |last=OJUNGA |first=MAUREEN |date=2011-09-27 |title=Those who bagged Kalashas |url=https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/lifestyle/2011/09/27/those-who-bagged-kalashas/ |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=Capital Lifestyle |language=en-US}}
|-
|[[4th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2012]]
|Peter Sankale
|''[[Vioja Mahakamani]]''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{Cite web |last=Lifestyle |first=Capital |date=2012-12-10 |title=KALASHA: The best on Kenya’s screen feted |url=https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/lifestyle/2012/12/10/kalasha-the-best-on-kenyas-screen-feted/ |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=Capital Lifestyle |language=en-US}}
|-
|[[5th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2014]]
|Nancy Nyambura
|''Jastorina / Mashtaka''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{Cite web |last=Omondi |first=Vincent |date=2014-07-28 |title=Here's The Full List of The Kalasha Awards 2014 Winners |url=https://www.ghafla.co.ke/heres-the-full-list-of-the-kalasha-awards-2014-winners/ |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=Ghafla! |language=en-US}}
|-
|[[6th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2015]]
|Khaleed Abdul
|''Classmates''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{Cite web |last=Munyu |first=Liatema |date=2015-11-04 |title=The Big Winners At Kalasha Awards As Other Big Names Miss Out |url=https://www.ghafla.co.ke/the-big-winners-at-kalasha-awards-as-other-big-names-miss-out/ |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=Ghafla! |language=en-US}}
|-
|[[7th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2017]]
|Bilali Wanjau
|''Jela 5 Star''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{Cite web |date=2020-07-05 |title=Kati Kati, Sue and Jonnie top 2017 Kalasha Awards |url=https://nation.africa/kenya/life-and-style/buzz/kati-kati-sue-and-jonnie-top-2017-kalasha-awards-1245810 |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=Daily Nation |language=en}}
|-
|[[8th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2018]]
|MC Tricky
|''[[Churchill Show]]''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{Cite web |last=Wangare |first=Jackline |date=2018-11-27 |title=2018 Kalasha Film and TV Awards: Full list of winners and nominees - Tuko.co.ke |url=https://www.tuko.co.ke/292490-2018-kalasha-film-tv-awards-full-list-winners-nominees.html |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=www.tuko.co.ke |language=en}}
|-
|[[9th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2019]]
|Kazungu Fahamu
|''Nyanya Rukia''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{Cite web |date=2019-12-11 |title=2019 Kalasha Awards winners receive Ksh.1.7 million cash prize |url=https://citizen.digital/article/2019-kalasha-awards-winners-receive-ksh-1-7-million-cash-prize-307456 |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=Citizen Digital |language=en-KE}}
|-
|[[10th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2020]]
|Mukami Njiru
|''[[Varshita!]]''
| style="text-align: center;" |{{Cite web |last=Dallah |first=Ommy |date=2020-12-13 |title=Kalasha Awards 2020 Winners |url=https://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/1890-kalasha-awards-2020-mombasa-actor-leon-ongaya-mbura-wins-best-male-lead-actor-award |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=Ommy Dallah |language=en}}
|-
|[[11th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2021]]
|Frank Kimani
|''[[Varshita!]]''
| style="text-align: center;" |{{Cite web |title=List of winners in the 2021 Kalasha Awards (Photos) |url=https://www.mpasho.co.ke/entertainment/2021-12-11-list-of-winners-in-the-2021-kalasha-awards-photos |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=www.mpasho.co.ke |language=en}}
|-
|[[12th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2022]]
|Anthony Ngachira
|''Too Much Information with TY''
| style="text-align: center;" |{{Cite web |last=Ajon |first=Brian |date=2022-12-05 |title=Njoro wa Uba, Wahu and Sanaipei Top List of Winners at Kalasha Awards |url=https://www.tuko.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/485860-njoro-wa-uba-wahu-sanaipei-top-list-winners-kalasha-awards-colourful-night/ |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=www.tuko.co.ke |language=en}}
|-
|[[13th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2024]]
|[[Abel Mutua]]
|''Roast House''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{Cite web |title=Full list of winners at the Kalasha Awards |url=https://www.kbc.co.ke/full-list-of-winners-at-the-kalasha-awards/ |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=KBC Digital |language=en}}
|-
|[[14th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2026]]
|
|
| style="text-align: center;" |
|}
== Records ==
As of 2024, no individual has won this award more than once, though several shows like ''Papa Shirandula'', ''[[Churchill Show]]'', and ''[[Varshita!]]'' have produced multiple winning performances from different cast members.
=== Most nominations ===
* [[Eve D'Souza]] – 3 nominations ([[8th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2018]], [[9th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2019]], [[10th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2020]])
* Fahamu Kazungu – 2 nominations ([[9th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2019]], [[10th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2020]])
* Peter Sankale – 2 nominations ([[9th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2019]], [[11th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2011]])
* Samson Psenjen – 2 nominations ([[6th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2015]], [[11th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2011]])
* Stephen Opondo – 2 nominations ([[5th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2014]], [[6th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2015]])
== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}{{Kalasha Awards}}
[[Category:Kalasha Awards]]
[[Category:Film awards]]
{{Infobox award
| name = Kalasha Award for Best Performance in a TV Comedy
| image =
| image_upright =
| caption =
| awarded_for = Most outstanding individual or ensemble performance in a TV comedy show
| country = [[Kenya]]
| presenter = [[Kenya Film Commission]]
| year = {{start date and age|2009|06}}
| holder_label = Most recent winner
| holder = [[Abel Mutua]], ''Roast House'' ([[13th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2024]])
| most_awards =
| most_nominations = [[Eve D'Souza]] (3)
| website = {{URL|kalashaawards.co.ke}}
}}
The '''Kalasha Award for Best Performance in a TV Comedy''' (formerly '''Best Performance in a Comedy''') is an annual television award presented by the [[Kenya Film Commission]] as part of the [[Kalasha Awards|Kalasha International Film & TV Awards]]. It recognizes an individual performer or ensemble whose comedic timing, characterization, and delivery have significantly defined the success of a television comedy series.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-23 |title=Kalasha International |url=https://kalashainternational.com/ |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=KALASHA INTERNATIONAL FILM AND TV MARKET, FESTIVAL & AWARDS |language=en-US}}
The category was established at the inaugural [[1st Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2009]] ceremony. While initially focused on traditional sketch comedy and sitcoms, the award has evolved to include stand-up specials and roast formats appearing on national television.
The most recent recipient is [[Abel Mutua]] for his performance in ''Roast House'' at the 13th edition held in 2024.{{Cite web |title=Charles Ouda, Sarah Hassan, Anguka win big at Kalasha Awards [Full List] |url=https://www.mpasho.co.ke/entertainment/2024-04-03-charles-ouda-sarah-hassan-anguka-win-big-at-kalasha-awards-full-list |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=www.mpasho.co.ke |language=en}}
== Criteria ==
The selection of the winner is governed by a technical appraisal conducted by the Kalasha Academy, a specialized panel of creative industry veterans. This group reviews the nominated performances for original wit, stage presence, and the actor's ability to sustain a comedic persona. Once the shortlist is finalized, the ultimate decision is reached through a weighted system: 70% of the total tally is derived from the academy’s expert scores, while 30% is contributed by the public through a popular vote, ensuring that the comedian's rapport with the national audience is duly recognized.{{Cite web |title=13th edition of Kalasha International Film and TV Awards public voting |url=https://m.startimestv.com/hybrid/vote/filmkenya?pin=70851763 |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=m.startimestv.com}}
== Winners ==
The award ceremony was not held in 2013, 2016, 2023, and 2025. Winners are listed by year of ceremony.
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
! scope="col" |Year
! scope="col" |Recipient
! scope="col" |TV Series / Show
! scope="col" class="unsortable" |{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|[[1st Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2009]]
|[[Charles Bukeko]]
|''Papa Shirandula''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{Cite web |date=2020-06-21 |title=Kenya TV, film stars eye glory at Kalasha awards |url=https://nation.africa/kenya/life-and-style/zuqka/kenya-tv-film-stars-eye-glory-at-kalasha-awards-593082 |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=Daily Nation |language=en}}
|-
|[[2nd Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2010]]
|Kenneth Gichoya
|''Papa Shirandula''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{Cite web |last=LIFESTYLE |first=CAPITAL |date=2010-09-28 |title=Winners at the Kalasha Awards |url=https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/lifestyle/2010/09/28/winners-at-the-kalasha-awards/ |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=Capital Lifestyle |language=en-US}}
|-
|[[3rd Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2011]]
|[[Eric Omondi]]
|''[[Churchill Show|Churchill Live]]''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{Cite web |last=OJUNGA |first=MAUREEN |date=2011-09-27 |title=Those who bagged Kalashas |url=https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/lifestyle/2011/09/27/those-who-bagged-kalashas/ |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=Capital Lifestyle |language=en-US}}
|-
|[[4th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2012]]
|Peter Sankale
|''[[Vioja Mahakamani]]''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{Cite web |last=Lifestyle |first=Capital |date=2012-12-10 |title=KALASHA: The best on Kenya’s screen feted |url=https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/lifestyle/2012/12/10/kalasha-the-best-on-kenyas-screen-feted/ |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=Capital Lifestyle |language=en-US}}
|-
|[[5th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2014]]
|Nancy Nyambura
|''Jastorina / Mashtaka''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{Cite web |last=Omondi |first=Vincent |date=2014-07-28 |title=Here's The Full List of The Kalasha Awards 2014 Winners |url=https://www.ghafla.co.ke/heres-the-full-list-of-the-kalasha-awards-2014-winners/ |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=Ghafla! |language=en-US}}
|-
|[[6th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2015]]
|Khaleed Abdul
|''Classmates''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{Cite web |last=Munyu |first=Liatema |date=2015-11-04 |title=The Big Winners At Kalasha Awards As Other Big Names Miss Out |url=https://www.ghafla.co.ke/the-big-winners-at-kalasha-awards-as-other-big-names-miss-out/ |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=Ghafla! |language=en-US}}
|-
|[[7th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2017]]
|Bilali Wanjau
|''Jela 5 Star''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{Cite web |date=2020-07-05 |title=Kati Kati, Sue and Jonnie top 2017 Kalasha Awards |url=https://nation.africa/kenya/life-and-style/buzz/kati-kati-sue-and-jonnie-top-2017-kalasha-awards-1245810 |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=Daily Nation |language=en}}
|-
|[[8th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2018]]
|MC Tricky
|''[[Churchill Show]]''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{Cite web |last=Wangare |first=Jackline |date=2018-11-27 |title=2018 Kalasha Film and TV Awards: Full list of winners and nominees - Tuko.co.ke |url=https://www.tuko.co.ke/292490-2018-kalasha-film-tv-awards-full-list-winners-nominees.html |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=www.tuko.co.ke |language=en}}
|-
|[[9th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2019]]
|Kazungu Fahamu
|''Nyanya Rukia''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{Cite web |date=2019-12-11 |title=2019 Kalasha Awards winners receive Ksh.1.7 million cash prize |url=https://citizen.digital/article/2019-kalasha-awards-winners-receive-ksh-1-7-million-cash-prize-307456 |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=Citizen Digital |language=en-KE}}
|-
|[[10th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2020]]
|Mukami Njiru
|''[[Varshita!]]''
| style="text-align: center;" |{{Cite web |last=Dallah |first=Ommy |date=2020-12-13 |title=Kalasha Awards 2020 Winners |url=https://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/1890-kalasha-awards-2020-mombasa-actor-leon-ongaya-mbura-wins-best-male-lead-actor-award |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=Ommy Dallah |language=en}}
|-
|[[11th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2021]]
|Frank Kimani
|''[[Varshita!]]''
| style="text-align: center;" |{{Cite web |title=List of winners in the 2021 Kalasha Awards (Photos) |url=https://www.mpasho.co.ke/entertainment/2021-12-11-list-of-winners-in-the-2021-kalasha-awards-photos |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=www.mpasho.co.ke |language=en}}
|-
|[[12th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2022]]
|Anthony Ngachira
|''Too Much Information with TY''
| style="text-align: center;" |{{Cite web |last=Ajon |first=Brian |date=2022-12-05 |title=Njoro wa Uba, Wahu and Sanaipei Top List of Winners at Kalasha Awards |url=https://www.tuko.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/485860-njoro-wa-uba-wahu-sanaipei-top-list-winners-kalasha-awards-colourful-night/ |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=www.tuko.co.ke |language=en}}
|-
|[[13th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2024]]
|[[Abel Mutua]]
|''Roast House''
| style="text-align:center;" |{{Cite web |title=Full list of winners at the Kalasha Awards |url=https://www.kbc.co.ke/full-list-of-winners-at-the-kalasha-awards/ |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=KBC Digital |language=en}}
|-
|[[14th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2026]]
|
|
| style="text-align: center;" |
|}
== Records ==
As of 2024, no individual has won this award more than once, though several shows like ''Papa Shirandula'', ''[[Churchill Show]]'', and ''[[Varshita!]]'' have produced multiple winning performances from different cast members.
=== Most nominations ===
* [[Eve D'Souza]] – 3 nominations ([[8th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2018]], [[9th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2019]], [[10th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2020]])
* Fahamu Kazungu – 2 nominations ([[9th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2019]], [[10th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2020]])
* Peter Sankale – 2 nominations ([[9th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2019]], [[11th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2011]])
* Samson Psenjen – 2 nominations ([[6th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2015]], [[11th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2011]])
* Stephen Opondo – 2 nominations ([[5th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2014]], [[6th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards|2015]])
== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}{{Kalasha Awards}}
[[Category:Kalasha Awards]]
[[Category:Film awards]]
