Charlie Karumi, born Charles Karumi Maina on August 17, 1991, is a versatile Kenyan actor, television presenter, and radio host known for his dynamic presence in East African entertainment. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Tony in the popular drama series Jane and Abel and has hosted several TV and radio shows including Arena 254 on K24 and breakfast programs on NRG and HomeBoyz Radio. Karumi’s film credits include the Oscar-nominated short film Watu Wote: All of Us, and he has successfully expanded his career internationally with roles in Canadian productions.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Charles Karumi Maina |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 17, 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Spouse | Melissa Nyagah (married 2021) |
| Children | Not publicly disclosed |
| Occupations | Actor, TV Presenter, Radio Host |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $40,000 and $120,000 |
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Nairobi’s Uthiru neighborhood, Charlie Karumi attended several primary schools before completing his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) at White Cottage Primary School.
He then went on to study at Alliance High School, where he discovered his passion for acting through active involvement in the drama club.
In 2009, Karumi enrolled at Strathmore University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Information Technology in 2013. During his university years, he joined the Phoenix Players theatre group, sharpening his acting skills and gaining valuable stage experience.
Career
Karumi began his professional journey in theatre with the Phoenix Players, performing in various stage productions.
His transition to screen acting started with a minor role in the TV series Changes, followed by parts in several Spielworks Media productions such as Saints, Lies That Bind, and Higher Learning.
His breakthrough came with the role of Tony Kazi in Jane and Abel (2014-2015), which established him as a household name in Kenyan television.
In 2015, he starred as Moses in the comedy film Fundi-Mentals, earning him the Kalasha Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Karumi’s international profile grew with his role as Issa Osman in Watu Wote: All of Us (2017), a short film based on true events that received an Academy Award nomination.
He also appeared in the Danish TV series Liberty (2018), which premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Beyond acting, Karumi has made a name as a presenter. He was a finalist on KTN’s The Presenter Season 2 and finished third in TLC’s Next Great Presenter competition. He hosted Arena 254 on K24 and later worked as a breakfast show host on NRG Radio and HomeBoyz Radio.
In 2022, Karumi relocated to Vancouver, Canada, to pursue international acting opportunities. Since then, he has appeared in productions such as the web series Housies, the short film Butterflies from a Blaze, and the Apple TV+ series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023).
His recent credits also include roles in So Help Me Todd (2024) and the upcoming series Smoke (2025).
Personal Life
Charlie Karumi married Melissa Nyagah in September 2021 after a two-year relationship. The couple’s move to Canada was influenced by Melissa’s postgraduate studies and their shared vision for a new life abroad.
Karumi has openly discussed the challenges of relocating and establishing himself in a new industry while maintaining ties to his Kenyan roots.
Charlie Karumi Net Worth
Although his exact net worth is undisclosed, Karumi’s diverse career as an actor, presenter, and content creator suggests a solid financial standing.
Industry estimates place his net worth between $40,000 and $120,000, reflecting earnings from Kenyan and international projects as well as media hosting roles.
Filmography
Films
- Nairobi Half Life (2012) – Phoenix Theatre Assistant #2
- Fundi-Mentals (2015) – Moses
- Rafiki (2018) – Waireri
- Lusala (2019) – Photographer
Short Films
- Issa (2011) – Arnoldo
- Burnt Forest (2013) – Kibet
- Watu Wote: All of Us (2017) – Issa Osman
- Morning After (2020) – Joe
- Wormhole (2021) – Nairobi Man
- Butterflies from a Blaze (2024) – Charley
Television
- Changes (2010) – Chuma
- Higher Learning (2010)
- Lies That Bind (2011–2014)
- Saints (2013)
- Jane and Abel (2013–2015) – Tony
- Liberty (2018) – Marcus
- Country Queen (2022) – Musyoka
- Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023) – Dr. Udekwu
- So Help Me Todd (2024) – Jury Foreperson
- Smoke (2025) – Hooded Man
Mini-Series
- Housies (2024) – Brayo
Awards and Recognitions
- Kalasha Awards (2015): Best Supporting Actor for Fundi-Mentals
- TLC’s Next Great Presenter (2016): 2nd Runner Up
- KTN The Presenter Season 2 (2015): Finalist (Top 10)
- Watu Wote: All of Us – Academy Award nomination for Best Short Film (2018)
- Rafiki – First Kenyan film screened at Cannes Film Festival (2018)
- Liberty – Premiered at Berlin International Film Festival (2018)
Charlie Karumi’s career highlights his versatility and adaptability across theatre, film, television, and media hosting.
His journey from Nairobi’s local stages to international screens exemplifies his dedication to his craft and his growing influence as a Kenyan artist on the global stage.
