With only a few years in the industry, Mathew Ngugi is fast establishing himself as one of Kenya’s most promising young actors.
Charismatic, emotionally versatile, and quietly thoughtful, the Kenyatta University–trained performer has steadily built a reputation for stealing scenes and leaving lasting impressions.
From Mo-Faya and Big Girl Small World to the pop-culture moment that was MTV Shuga Mashariki, Ngugi’s rise has been anything but accidental.
Ngugi is an Introvert Behind the Spotlight
Yet behind the growing fame is a self-described introvert who still battles stage jitters, prefers gaming to movie marathons, and believes that acting is a lifelong craft rather than a destination.
Now starring in Showmax’s Adam to Eve, Ngugi brings humour and depth to the role of Jackson — an unfiltered office loudmouth whose blunt honesty masks an unexpected heart.
Discovering Acting at a Young Age
Ngugi’s love for acting began early. He traces it back to when he was just 10 years old, actively participating in music and drama during his school years.
“I never quite had a solid career choice growing up,” he admits. “But I realised acting gave me the freedom to be anyone and everyone.” That realisation became the foundation of his career.
The past year, however, has been particularly transformative. Appearing in multiple high-profile projects in 2024 thrust Ngugi into the public eye, forcing him to adjust to visibility and attention that didn’t come naturally.
“Transitioning from a quiet lifestyle to one exposed to the public was a struggle,” he says, laughing about how his introverted nature didn’t help. Still, the experience has taught him humility and patience. “The moment you think you’ve arrived, you realise there’s still so much road ahead.”
Audience reaction, especially following MTV Shuga Mashariki, has ranged from viral memes to sharp critique — something Ngugi embraces wholeheartedly. “Feedback is everything,” he says. “The audience is the reason I do this. Without feedback, you miss the chance to grow and fix your blind spots.”
Creative Freedom and Learning on Set
Working with seasoned filmmakers such as Nick Mutuma, Reuben Odanga, and Adam to Eve creators Lizz Njagah and Alex Konstantaras has further shaped his craft.
Ngugi credits Lizz and Alex for allowing him creative freedom with Jackson, encouraging collaboration and trusting him to fully inhabit the character. “No one knows your character better than you do as an actor,” he notes.
Jackson’s humour, Ngugi explains, comes from his inability to read the room — a trait inspired by a real-life childhood acquaintance. It’s this grounding in observation that keeps the character relatable rather than one-dimensional.
One scene he predicts audiences will quote endlessly involves Jackson awkwardly introducing his cousin DJ Bangi at an office party — a moment Ngugi still finds hilarious.
What’s Next for Mathew Ngugi
Beyond Adam to Eve, Ngugi is excited about what lies ahead, including MTV Shuga Mashariki Season Two, expected in early 2026.
Off-set, his comforts are simple: Urban Bites snacks, story-driven video games like Uncharted: A Thief’s End, and laughter with castmates — particularly Ellah Maina, whose laugh he jokingly describes as “sounding like money.”
For fans who think they know him, Ngugi shares one surprising fact: he has a crippled left arm, which has made him quietly ambidextrous. It’s just one more layer to an actor whose depth continues to unfold.
Watch Mathew Ngugi in Adam to Eve, now streaming on Showmax.
