Brian Kabugi

Brian Kabugi
Born
Brian Kabugi Kinuthia

(2000-09-02) 2 September 2000
Nairobi, Kenya
Other namesReal Bugi
Occupations
  • Actor
  • Creator
Years active2012 - present

Brian Kabugi (born on September 2, 2000) is a Kenyan actor best known for his performances as a child star on the Citizen TV series Machachari in 2012.[1] He is known for playing different roles in Volume on Netflix and Salem on Showmax.[2] Kabugi’s film and television credits include Kina, Sleep, Dream Child and Teke.

Early life and education

Kabugi was born on September 2, 2000 in Nairobi, Kenya. He was raised in Lang'ata Rubia and comes from a family of three, including his elder brother Daniel and their mother, who also served as his manager.[3] He attended Cardinal Maurice Otunga High School in Nairobi.

Career

Kabugi made his television debut at the age of 12 in the Citizen TV series Machachari, starting as an extra before joining the main cast. He left the show in 2017. He resumed acting in 2019 with a feature in Dream Child.[4]

He played Benjamin Kibonge in Teke, another Kenyan TV series released in 2021.[5][6] In 2022 he played Alfred Makau in Sleep before starting his role as Tito Karani in Salem, a Showmax TV series which also aired on Maisha Magic Plus from 2022 to 2024.[7][8]

Volume is his latest feature in 2023 where he played Benja. Kabugi was among the main cast for the three episode Netflix TV limited series.[9][10]

Filimography

Year Title Role Notes
2012 - 1017 Machachari Kina Cast, TV series
2019 Dream Child Kevin Cast
2021 Teke Benjamin Kibonge Cast, TV series
2022 - 2024 Salem Tito Karani Cast, TV series
2022 Sleep Alfred Makau Cast
2023 Volume Benja Cast, TV series (3 episodes)

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Show Result Ref
2022 Kalasha International Film and TV Awards Best Supporting Actor in TV Drama Salem Nominated [11]
2023 Pulse Influencer Awards Most Influential Actor Volume Won [12]

References

  1. ^ Osoro, William (2021-08-03). "6 Lovely Photos of Former Machachari Actor Bryan Kabugi and His Girlfriend - Tuko.co.ke". www.tuko.co.ke. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
  2. ^ Wangare, Keit (2023-12-20). "Kenny: From being an extra at Machachari to starring on Netflix". TV47 Digital. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
  3. ^ Digital, Standard. "PHOTOS: Former 'Machachari' actor Bryan Kabugi's transformation". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
  4. ^ Alochi, Oscar (2018-03-26). "Dream Child Kenyan Film Official HD Trailer". NFH - African Fashion. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
  5. ^ "New Series Alert: Crime Drama TEKE". KenyaBuzz. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
  6. ^ "TEKE (TV Series) – Synopsis, Cast & Crew". Filamu. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
  7. ^ "Salem: A tale of two worlds on Maisha Magic East". MaishaMagicPlus - Salem: A tale of two worlds on Maisha Magic East. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
  8. ^ Kemunto, Brandy (2024-02-05). "Charles Ouda: Emotional Video Emerges of Late Actor Vowing to Fight for Kabugi Till His Last Day - Tuko.co.ke". www.tuko.co.ke. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
  9. ^ Osoro, William (2023-12-23). "Kenyans Celebrate Ex-Machachari Actor Bryan Kabugi as He Stars in Neflix Film Volume - Tuko.co.ke". www.tuko.co.ke. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
  10. ^ "Watch Volume | Netflix". www.netflix.com. Archived from the original on 2024-05-08. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
  11. ^ "Full Kalasha nominees Awards list". www.mpasho.co.ke. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
  12. ^ "Winners, 1st runners-up, 2nd runners-up at Pulse Influencer Awards 2023 [Interactive] | Pulselive Kenya". pulselive.co.ke. Retrieved 2025-09-11.