Kenyan content creator Bena wa Malines, whose real name is Bernard Kamulu, has bounced back stronger after losing his popular TikTok account to hackers. The account, which had garnered an impressive 930,000 followers, was compromised, leaving Bena unable to post content. Despite attempts to recover it, TikTok support has yet to respond, forcing him to start afresh.
Losing a Digital Empire
Bena shared his frustration over the loss but maintained an optimistic outlook, stating that as long as he has talent, he can always rebuild his platform. “Somebody hacked my TikTok, but I accepted it and opened another account. I’m trying to push it, and it has been growing well. I tried to recover the main account, but TikTok support is not responding,” he told TUKO.co.ke.
Rather than dwell on the setback, Bena took the opportunity to focus on a new creative project—his YouTube series, Mama Fua.
Inside the Mama Fua YouTube Series
At the time of the hacking, Bena was already working on Mama Fua, a comedy-drama revolving around a cleaning lady whose presence disrupts her employer’s romantic relationship. According to Bena, the series is relatable, especially to Nairobi residents who have encountered such household dynamics.
“It follows the story of a man who hires a cleaning lady for house chores, but she becomes too comfortable in the household, unknowingly or knowingly interfering with his relationship with his girlfriend,” he explained.
The show features both seasoned and upcoming talents, including Austin Muigai and Koja. Despite facing challenges such as securing ideal shooting locations, Bena successfully completed the production and has since received an overwhelmingly positive response from fans.
A New Chapter for Bena wa Malines
Despite the hurdles, Bena remains determined to grow his new TikTok account while focusing on expanding his YouTube career. He hinted at the possibility of a second season of Mama Fua and other exciting productions in the future.
Bena initially gained popularity through his humorous Kamba accent and uplifting content that encouraged people to enjoy life. His resilience in the face of adversity has only solidified his reputation as a beloved content creator in Kenya.
Fans can catch Mama Fua on his YouTube channel, where he continues to entertain and engage his audience. His story is a testament to perseverance and the ability to turn setbacks into opportunities.
