Brian Kabugi Kinuthia, also known as Real Buggi, is a Kenyan actor, filmmaker, and content creator who first gained recognition as a child star in the popular Kenyan TV series Machachari. Over the years, he has transitioned into a versatile performer appearing in notable films and TV productions, including the Netflix series Volume. His creative contributions also extend to filmmaking, collaborating on projects that spotlight the experiences of young people in Kenya.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Brian Kabugi Kinuthia |
| Date of Birth | September 2, 2000 |
| Place of Birth | Nairobi, Kenya (Lang’ata) |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| State of Origin | Nairobi County |
| Relatives | Elder brother Daniel Kabugi Kinuthia; Mother (early career manager) |
| Partner | Makena Kahuha (dated; relationship status unclear mid-2025) |
| Children | None |
| Occupations | Actor, Filmmaker, Content Creator |
| Net Worth | Estimated $200,000 USD (as of 2023; 2025 data unavailable) |
Early Life and Education
Brian Kabugi was born on September 2, 2000, in Lang’ata, Nairobi, Kenya. He grew up in a family of three alongside his elder brother Daniel and his mother, who also played a key role in managing his early career after the loss of his father.
Kabugi attended Cardinal Maurice Otunga High School in Nairobi. After completing high school, he decided not to pursue university, focusing instead on building his career in acting.
Career
Kabugi began his acting career at the age of 12, initially as an extra in the Citizen TV series Machachari. His talent earned him a permanent role as the character Kenny in the show, where he worked from 2012 to 2017. After leaving Machachari, he ventured into film with a role in Dream Child (2019), a film that achieved recognition at African film awards.
He continued to build his career with roles in several television productions including Teke (2021) and Sleep (2022). Between 2022 and 2024, he starred as Tito Karani in the Showmax series Salem, showcasing his dedication by even changing his appearance for the role. In 2023, Kabugi gained international exposure playing Benja, the lead role in the Netflix limited series Volume.
Apart from acting, Brian Kabugi has also pursued filmmaking. Alongside actress Makena Kahuha, he co-produced a short film titled Mid Young Crisis, which highlights the challenges faced by the Gen-Z generation. The film premiered in October 2025, and the duo is expected to appear in the upcoming second season of MTV Shuga Mashariki in 2026.
Personal Life
Brian Kabugi keeps his personal life fairly private. He was raised by his mother and has an elder brother named Daniel. His relationship with fellow actress Makena Kahuha, who is also his creative partner, has been a subject of media attention. Their collaboration is both professional and personal, although their relationship status has seen changes, with rumors of a break-up as of mid-2025. Kabugi has no reported children.
Net Worth
Brian Kabugi’s estimated net worth is around $200,000 USD based on available data from recent years. His income streams include acting in TV and film, content creation, endorsement deals, and his ventures into film production. Updated figures for 2025 are not publicly available.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2012–2017 | Machachari | Kenny |
| 2019 | Dream Child | Kevin |
| 2021 | Teke | Benjamin Kibonge |
| 2022 | Sleep | Alfred Makau |
| 2022–2024 | Salem | Tito Karani |
| 2023 | Volume | Benja |
| 2025 | Mid Young Crisis | Producer/Creator |
| 2026 (upcoming) | MTV Shuga Mashariki (Season 2) | Cast Member |
Awards and Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards | Best Indigenous Film in Africa | Nominated |
| 2022 | Kalasha International Film and TV Awards | Best Supporting Actor in TV Drama | Nominated |
| 2023 | Pulse Influencer Awards | Most Influential Actor | Won |
