Some perform, and then some embody performance. From Marsabit's misty mountains and lively markets comes a young man whose talent seems to multiply with every turn.
His name? Gafa Soso, a natural-born performer, beloved comedian, musician, MC, poet, and content creator who's quickly becoming a household name in Northern Kenya and beyond.
He says his official name is Abraham Behailu, but the name Gafa Soso has become his public identity.
"Gafa" means "bro" in a respectful way, and "Soso" is one of his personal names.
So when you hear "Gafa Soso," you're really hearing a combination of both, a brother, a performer, and a name that now carries weight across Northern Kenya.
We caught up with him for an exclusive sit-down, and what followed was an unforgettable, laughter-filled conversation with a man who doesn’t just tell stories, he lives them.
Gafa Soso’s journey didn’t begin on social media; it began in a classroom.
"I think I started discovering my talent back in school. I was always that kid, the one asked to make the class laugh, to act, or to stand in front of people to perform. I always had something to share," he recalls.
It wasn’t just at school. He also found space for expression in church, performing at youth events and community gatherings.
"I never had a hard time expressing myself. It was like I was born for it. Whether it was reciting a poem, mimicking people, or just making people laugh, I felt at home."
That confidence grew into something more, a fully-fledged ability to craft skits, songs, and entire performances sometimes in just minutes.
"If you give me an idea, I can create something out of it immediately," he says with a grin. "It’s like the ideas are already waiting for me."
What makes Gafa Soso stand out isn’t just his comedy, it’s the range.
He’s a comedian with a gift for creating relatable characters and viral jokes.
He’s a musician and guitarist with songs that blend humour, heartbreak, and cultural themes.
He’s a poet with spoken word pieces that move crowds. He’s also an MC whose presence can lift any event, from weddings and birthdays to community meetings and other local festivals.
And he doesn’t just perform, he creates. "Sometimes I get an idea in the morning, and by evening it’s a full script or a song. I love the process."
One of his most popular creations is a character many have come to love or fear! Hawo.
"Hawo was my girlfriend, well, the character version," he laughs.
"She left me unceremoniously, and I turned the experience into a song and a skit.
I didn’t expect people to relate to it so much, but everyone started saying, Yes! I had a Hawo too!
Hawo, he explains, is more than just a name; she’s a symbol of that one person who broke your heart and disappeared without closure.
Her storyline is still unfolding, and fans are eagerly waiting for the next episode.
"Hawo is still developing. Maybe the next time you see her, she’ll come back with a twist!"
Much of Gafa’s comedy is performed in the Borana language, but what makes it even more hilarious and relatable is that it’s delivered in a Burji accent.
"That mix just hits differently," he says.
"People immediately recognise the flavour, and it brings out a different kind of laughter. It’s local, but also sharp and unique."
Beyond the jokes and characters, Gafa is passionate about what his success represents in potential.
"Northern Kenya has so much talent," he emphasizes.
"People can act, sing, write, and create amazing things; all they need is a little support. If we give them platforms and mentorship, they can make a real living out of it."
He dreams of creating a network of creatives who support each other and build something bigger than themselves.
One of the ways he hopes to do this is by launching a podcast where he collaborates with fellow artists, musicians, and storytellers from the region.
"It’s not just about me anymore. I want to use my platform to help others be seen too."
Lolo Oshe, TikTok & the Power of Community
Interestingly, Gafa didn’t jump into social media on his own.
"My friend Lolo Oshe really pushed me. He told me, 'Bro, you need to open a TikTok account.' I was hesitant at first but now I can’t believe the love I’ve received."
The response has been overwhelming. "It’s not just people from Marsabit, it’s from all over Northern Kenya, even the diaspora. People have embraced what I do, and that keeps me going."
Gafa Soso’s content reflects the life and rhythm of Marsabit. Whether he’s mimicking a local boda boda rider, a nosy auntie, or a chaotic village emcee, it’s all deeply rooted in the community he calls home.
"I love Marsabit. It’s where my ideas come from. The people, the languages, the mix of cultures, they all shape my comedy and music. Even when I perform for wider audiences, I never forget where I come from."
For Gafa, the goal isn’t just to go viral it’s to build something lasting. "I want to open doors for other young creatives from this region. I want people to know that talent doesn’t only live in Nairobi or Mombasa or these other big cities, it lives in Marsabit too."
He dreams of working on bigger productions, including Radio/Podcast shows, national comedy tours, and maybe even a TV special one day.
But for now, he remains focused on the community that shaped him.
"Sometimes I walk through town and someone stops me to say, ‘That skit made my day.’ That’s the biggest reward."
Follow Gafa Soso on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram (@gafasoso_comedy), and keep an eye out for the next chapter in the Hawo story and whatever else this Marsabit maestro dreams up next.