In an industry where many stories begin with a breakthrough, Gashiki’s journey is defined by something far more compelling pause, a return, and an unshakable calling. From her early days in theatre to a decade-long hiatus in public service, and now a powerful resurgence on screen, she embodies the quiet resilience behind the craft.
She now stars as Mrs. Obama in gender-bending dramedy Adam to Eve which follows Adam (played by Blessing Lung’aho), a charming Nairobi playboy transforms him into a woman (played by Ellah Maina) who embarks on a comical and transformative journey of good deeds, redemption, and self-discovery.
The Kalasha nominated actress plays the unapologetic HR boss to Adam & Eve in the show.
In an exclusive, she spills on her evolving identity as an actor, the personal experiences that shaped her path, and why telling authentic African stories remains at the heart of everything she does.
Who is Gashiki Gashiki?
My name is Gashiki Gashiki—born Kenyan, raised African. A lot of people don’t even know what Gashiki means, but simply put, Gashiki is an actor.
Acting comes first for me. It’s natural. I love that I can be anything—a doctor today, a mad woman tomorrow. That is the beauty of it.
But off-screen? I am very different. I love quiet moments. I am not the bubbly, loud personality people expect. I’m more of an ambivert. I enjoy stillness, being grounded. Maybe that is why I don’t date and I’m child-free by choice.
Tell us about your career.
Like many before, I started in theatre with Afrika Nasaha. Then I transitioned to TV with Parasites on Swahili Africa Magic (on DSTV) back in 2013.
After that, life happened—I transitioned into government work and ended up taking a 10-year break from acting while working with Murang’a County Government.
But I made my comeback in 2023 with Phil It Productions’ Haki Mwitu on Maisha Magic, playing Bi Dokta. Since then, I’ve been easing back in even appearing in the youth drama Jiji in 2024 and starring in the short film Transaction in 2025.
Transaction was special to me. I manifested it. It told a raw African woman’s story, and it even premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. The film was written, directed, and produced by Wanjeri Gakuru. I was also recently nominated at the 2026 Kalasha Awards for my leading role in the short film.
What made you take a 10-year hiatus from the industry?
Something very personal happened, I can’t really get into it. But it forced me to step back.
Also, let’s be real…you can’t always live off film in Kenya. I had to survive. My dad helped me get a job, and I took it. I ended up in Murang’a County Government as an information officer.
But acting? It’s addictive. It keeps calling you. No matter how long you stay away, it pulls you back and that’s exactly what happened to me.
How was your comeback experience on set?
It was amazing working with Phil-it Productions was such a great experience. The energy, the people, it was all just right. I connected a lot with Phil and the team. It reminded me why I love this craft.
On Jiji, working with actors like Xwaya Xavier and Nungari Kiore was incredible—they were so graceful. I remember there’s a scene where I confront domestic violence—it was intense. I really went there emotionally. That’s the kind of storytelling that matters.
What’s your working style as an actor?
I love directors who trust me. Like Enos—he just let me be. Give me my lines, give me space, and I’ll bring the character to life. That freedom is everything.
What attracted you to Adam to Eve?
The story is different. It is not forced comedy. You’ll have a good laugh, you’ll have a good cry, but then it’s a laughable cry, you get it. It was amazing to see Adam (Blessing Lung’aho) and Eve (Ellah Maina) on the show struggle to turn back to their former selves. It’s just painful. If you woke up one morning as the opposite sex, would make you feel crazy. I call it how it is.
You seem outgoing on screen. Are you like that in real life?
You know the thing about being on screen is sometimes people forget that you are also a person who has feelings. Sometimes I could be going through struggles, just like anybody else, but then I am expected to perform. Just the same way as you as a doctor, when you go to your office, you perform. Even a surgeon will perform that surgery, no matter what, you just must show up. But sometimes people forget that actors are also people.
No wonder I don’t like this tea culture. People forget we are just humans.
I would say I love dealing with people. I love it, especially when I was working at County Information Office. Whenever someone came to our office to inquire about something, I always hoped that they would leave a fulfilled person. I always aspire for that because, trust me, ask anybody in Murang’a who has encountered me, when you come to me and you’re done, I’ll ask you, was everything you needed fulfilled? Are you okay now?
I find it very painful how people are treated whenever they visit government offices. I wish officers would understand that you are there because of that person. They are our employers, not the other way around. And they are human. You’re there to work, just work, do your thing.
Adam to Eve addresses how our society deals with misogyny. What would you do if you one day woke up as a man?
Let me see. I don’t like the struggles of a man, I like being a woman.
But I would be curious… I would want to understand what men feel—especially in intimate moments. It is something you can imagine, but you can’t fully understand unless you experience it.
Tell us about your character on Adam to Eve, Mrs. Obama.
Weirdly, originally, I wasn’t supposed to play Mrs. Obama. I auditioned for the role of a butler. Then it was changed, and they were like, you know what, let her do Mrs. Obama. Mrs. Obama, I love her because she’s assertive. She’s one woman who is very true to herself. She knows she’s got it and she doesn’t care about flaunting it on you that she’s better than you. But then I think she needs to tone down a bit, come back down to earth. It was an amazing character and a role.
What’s your word of advice for inspiring actors?
Yeah, I’ve met people who tell me they want to be an actor like me, but I always tell them, find you. Find what cuts you. Yes, we are all actors, but what makes you different? What is your edge? Find that edge and run with it. Just run with it.
What’s next for you?
I want to tell African stories.
Everyone dreams of Hollywood, but I believe our stories should start here. If we tell them well, the world will understand us—just like they understand Hollywood.
And yes, I’d LOVE to work with Wanuri Kahiu and Judy Kibinge someday. That would be everything.
Watch Gashiki in Adam to Eve now available on DStv Stream
