TOP KENYAN SERIES IGIZA, PEPETA AND COUNTY 49 SET TO PREMIERE

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.

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 plays the double role of Linda and Nicole, with Blessing Lung’aho, Kevin Samuel, Emmanuel Mugo, Ainea Ojiambo, Serah Ndanu and Torome Sision 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 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, Mwangi Rurengo, and Wanja Mworia, with Damaris Irungu, Charles Ouda and Abigail Arunga as writers.

County 49

Welcome to the political intrigues of the fictional Bwatele County, Kenya’s 49th county and the nation’s breadbasket, whose citizens are suffering from the high cost of living and scarce resources, despite the county’s wealth in resources. Now against the backdrop of great civilian discontent, a disgraced security officer is compelled to save the Governor, and her Chief of Staff, his estranged wife, from a local terrorist group, which has kidnapped them for money and revenge.

County 49 is being produced by Kibanda Pictures, made up of Supa Modo and Crime and Justice director Likarion Wainaina, Morning After director Brian Munene and producer Millicent Ogutu, and producer and actor Bruce Makau. Munene also doubles as the show’s writer, alongside Voline Ogutu, Mercy Mutisya, and Martin Kingondu, with John Sibi-Okumu coming on board as story consultant.

Kenya’s first Christmas feature film

This yet untitled project will be Kenya’s first-ever Christmas feature film, and will be produced by Reuben Odanga, the award-winning filmmaker behind popular Swahili telenovela Selina and Nafsi, the 2021 romantic drama which made history as the first Kenyan film to run in cinemas for eight consecutive weeks. Joining Odanga as the film’s writer is Natasha Likimani, known for Famous, Sincerely Daisy and Disconnect.