Twenty-year-old comedian Kevin Wu, a.k.a. Kevjumba, is a YouTube sensation with over one million subscribers and 25 channel million views. Collectively his hilarious videos poking fun at Asian American issues and stereotypes and things he finds amusing have garnered over 90 million views.
Gathering inspiration from stand-up comedians Dave Chapelle and Chris Rock, Wu’s creativity and unique sense of humor have converted into the production of over 50 videos.
Wu’s journey to YouTube celebrity began as a pastime of making videos of his friends dancing and having good ‘ole fun. However, the Texas native has turned this pastime into a new career filled with endless possibilities. This past summer, Wu, and his father, Michael, or “Team Jumba” as they have nicknamed themselves, have experienced the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of competing in Season 17 of CBS’ “The Amazing Race.”
Michael (bottom row, left) and Kevin Wu (bottom row, second to left) with other contestants of CBS' "The Amazing Race
Q: Why did you decide to try out for The Amazing Race?
A: I’ve been watching and following the show and am a huge fan. I thought it would be an amazing thing to do. So, when I submitted my audition tape, it looked like one of my video blogs, and they liked it. So, when we were selected, we said ‘we’ll do it’ because it would be the opportunity of a lifetime.
Q: You’ve named your YouTube channel “Kevjumba.” What’s the significance of “Jumba”?
A: There’s really no significance. It was a silly username, so now I’m stuck with it.
Q: What made you decide to create videos and post them to YouTube?
A: Back in my junior year in high school – it was out of boredom and curiosity. I created an account and for six months, I watched videos. The first couple of videos I made were with friends- they were silly, music videos, and it was us looking like idiots. (Those videos are set to private now). At that time, I had 50 viewers and I got excited. So, I kept doing it.
Q: Did you ever expect that you would reach over one million subscribers and over 25 million views on YouTube?
A: Three years ago, I wouldn’t believe you. However, once I started, it changed. My third video got featured [on the homepage], and soon after, people started subscribing. It was shocking.
Q: Why do you think your videos capture the interest of so many viewers?
A: I’ve always been a fan of stand-up, like Dave Chapelle and Chris Rock. I wanted to translate this stand-up online. I used the video blogs for telling jokes, instead of talking about myself (which is what most people at that time did with blogs). I am trying to bring something different to the table.
Q: How has your YouTube stardom affected your everyday life and college?
A: It has opened so many doors for me. Even for The Amazing Race- I wouldn’t have done it if it weren’t for YouTube. Especially being Asian American, there is not a huge forum for us. So, I’ve been able to travel. It’s opened lots of doors, and has even provided me with an income.
Michael (left) and Kevin Wu (right)
Q: In the past six months, you featured your father in quite a few of your videos. What made you decide to do this?
A: It first began with a random prank that I did to my dad – I shocked him with a tasered cell phone. Then, people wanted to see more of him. So, I later made a four-minute video that I called “I Love My Dad.” So, people just caught on.
Q: Would you ever consider pairing up with your mother to make videos ?
A: She has no interest in being in videos. My dad is a goofy guy, and he enjoys entertaining people. But, I don’t want to have to put my whole family on the line in front of millions of people.
Q: If you were not pursuing video production, what other career path would you choose?
A: I’m trying a bit of everything- scriptwriting, producing. Everything is experimental for now. I may even try acting or stand-up. It’s really exciting, I’m open to trying everything.
Q: If you could make a video with any one person of your choice, who would it be and why?
A: Bruce Lee. He’s just awesome and a smart person. If the person had to be living, I’d choose Will Smith, because career-wise – he’s up there. And, he’s just a funny guy. I think we’d have fun making videos together.
Q: You mentioned most of your viewers are Asian American. Do you feel a certain responsibility as a role model for Asian Americans?
A: I definitely feel that responsibility. I’ve collaborated with a bunch of other Asian American artists, and we’ve all worked together to build up media for Asian Americans. So, I definitely have that in mind when I make my videos, especially since most of my support comes from Asian American kids.
Check out how “Team Jumba” tackles the different competitions of Season 17 of CBS’ “The Amazing Race.” The show will feature 11 teams in total, all of whom will travel across thousands of miles across the globe and compete to earn the one million dollar grand prize. The show will premiere Sunday, September 26, 8:30/7:30c.
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what have you done for the asian community?
I’m not Asian, but I grew up in Singapore and I love his videos. I have been living abroad for the past few years and watching his videos make me happy. I feel like I am home.