Showmax Ramps Up Investment In Kenya With Four New Originals In 2022
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Loading... - James Irungu
- 06 Apr 2022
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In yet another move to invest in the film and TV industry in Kenya, Showmax has unveiled four new Original productions to be released in 2022. The impressive slate includes Kenya’s first Christmas feature film, a crime drama series set in Kibera, a high-stakes political thriller series set in a fictional county, and a thriller series starring Serah Ndanu and Blessing Lung’aho.
This follows the release of Kenya’s first Showmax Original Crime and Justice, now in its second season, Kenya’s first Showmax Original film Baba Twins, and the drama series Single Kiasi. Elsewhere across the continent, Showmax continues to expand its Originals library with new releases like Ghana’s first Showmax Original, the just-launched ENO; The Real Housewives of Lagos, the first Nigerian instalment of The Real Housewives franchise, premiering on 8 April; and South Africa’s record-breaking telenovela The Wife, reality series TheReal Housewives of Durban, and Blood Psalms, the upcoming epic fantasy series set in ancient Africa.
Speaking about the upcoming Originals slate in Kenya, Timothy Okwaro, MultiChoice Channel Director, East and Southern Africa said, “We have worked with new production houses to expand our genre offering to ensure that our viewers get to see the very best of Kenyan stories told in different facets of life, from thrillers to crime dramas to political thrillers.”
He added, “Showmax subscribers can look forward to compelling local stories that will definitely keep you tuned in. This slate speaks to our localization strategy and the keen focus on working with local producers, both established and upcoming to ensure we give our viewers what they want.”
Igiza
Currently in production, Igiza is a 13-part thriller series that follows twin sisters, Linda and Nicole, at war after a betrayal that changes their lives forever. Years later, one of the sisters breaks out of prison and takes over the seemingly wonderful life of her identical twin, with disastrous consequences. Kalasha Award-winning actress Serah Ndanu (Sumu la Penzi, Pieces of Us) plays the double role of Linda and Nicole, with Blessing Lung’aho (Zora), Kevin Samuel (Mali), Emmanuel Mugo (Pillow Talk), Ainea Ojiambo (Kina), Sheila Ndanu (Maria) and Torome Sision (Monica) co-starring.
Igiza is helmed by Abdi Shuria (known for his works as a cinematographer for 2021’s hit Nafsi and upcoming feature Ayaanle), King Muriuki (The XYZ Show) and Abu Melita under their company Yare Productions.
Pepeta
Slated to begin production in April 2022, Pepeta is a crime drama series that captures the dreams and realities of the youth in Kibera, known for churning top football players in the country.
Pepeta follows three intertwining stories of Junior, a 17-year-old talented footballer torn between the thrills of crime and the promises of soccer; Musa, an unforgiving cop with a personal vendetta, determined to rid the streets of criminals; and Biki, an ambitious football coach determined to get Junior and his friends scouted before the barrel of the gun cuts short their dreams.
Loosely based on the real-life story of Harun ‘Rio’ Wathari, Pepeta is being produced by CJ3 Entertainment’s James ‘Draka’ Kombo (Sense8, Sumu La Penzi), Mwangi Rurengo (Discovery254, Noose of Gold), and Wanja Mworia, with Damaris Irungu (Crime and Justice), Charles Ouda (Waiting Room, Makutano Junction) and Abigail Arunga (How to Find a Husband) as writers. Read More…
