Kenyan singer and actor Silas Mwenda balances music with a screen career in the United States.
The Meru-born singer and actor has earned film and television roles in the US while continuing to work with Kenyan musicians.
Kenyan singer, actor and songwriter Silas Mwenda has built a career spanning gospel music and American screen productions. His credits include Netflix’s Our Souls at Night and the television comedy Abbott Elementary.
Originally from Meru, Mwenda moved to the United States nearly a decade ago to pursue broader entertainment opportunities. However, he has maintained his musical ties with Kenya, working remotely with local producers and musicians.
Silas Mwenda’s path from Meru to Nairobi
Mwenda discovered music and acting through church performances, school drama and music festivals during his childhood in Meru. Those early experiences grew into an ambition to pursue entertainment as a career.
After moving to Nairobi for his studies, he approached Ogopa Deejays and became the label’s first gospel artiste. His debut singles, Nakuhitaji and Asali, helped establish him as an emerging gospel musician.
Music gave him an entry into entertainment, but he also wanted to explore opportunities beyond recording. He later relocated to the US, where he pursued acting in a competitive industry marked by auditions and setbacks.
Screen roles and international encounters
His acting work includes Our Souls at Night, which stars Jane Fonda and Robert Redford. He also appears in Amazon Prime’s Ryde or Die and played a gym instructor in Abbott Elementary.
Meanwhile, the independent film Finding Odera brought his acting and music work together in one production. Alongside his screen appearance, Mwenda composed and performed its original soundtrack. He also continues to explore film scoring.
Beyond those roles, an invitation took him to the 2025 Grammy Awards. There, he encountered Kendrick Lamar, Will Smith, Tems, Alicia Keys and Taylor Swift.
At the 2025 Emmy Awards, he also interacted with television personalities, including Emmy-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph. Another highlight came when he performed the American national anthem at a high-profile reception in Denver. He describes that assignment as nerve-racking but rewarding.
Despite his international exposure, Mwenda remains connected to his Kenyan roots and credits his mother as a major supporter. Her encouragement has mattered during the uncertainty of building a career abroad.
His ambitions also extend beyond personal success. Mwenda hopes his journey will encourage other Kenyan creatives to pursue international opportunities while preserving their identity.
