Showmax is a hub of many shows and movies from Kenya, Africa, and globally. Streaming companies amplifying efforts to include more local content means you’re spoiled for choice. From drama, thrillers, comedy shows, and now reality shows, audiences from far and wide enjoy the richness of Kenyan and African talent in a way that wasn’t previously possible. If you’re wondering where to start, here’s a list of shows you’re likely to enjoy.
1. Igiza
Igiza, the fourth Kenyan Showmax original, is set to keep you hooked and yearning for the next episode. Set in Nairobi city, the story of vicious sibling rivalry between identical twin sisters Linda and Nicole intertwines with the dark world of money laundering and Nairobi’s fashion industry to give us this explosive thriller.
Linda has a seemingly perfect and lavish life running a successful fashion house with the picture-perfect family when Nicole, who’s been imprisoned for years, suddenly shows up raising havoc. On the other hand, Reggie, Linda’s ambitious and calculating husband, makes their lives even more complicated by joining the money laundering world, endangering their lives.
The thrilling story is brought to life by the stellar cast, which includes Serah Teshna Ndanu playing Nicole/Linda, and Kevin Samuel playing Reggie. Blessing Lung’aho plays Dom, Nicole’s, Ainea Ojiambo plays Musa, the prison warden, and Sheila Ndanu plays Salome, an inmate and Nicole’s accomplice. It’s fresh and different from what we’ve had in Kenyan shows so far.
Watch the trailer here.
2. Single Kiasi
Three friends, Sintamei, Becca, and Mariah, take us through the ups and downs of dating in Nairobi in Single Kiasi. The show is an adaptation of South Africa’s popular show, Unmarried, tweaked to reflect the Kenyan realities of dating. Sintamei is a brilliant lawyer happily married for ten years until she discovers her husband’s betrayal. She soon finds herself in uncharted territory with an intern. Becca has a family with her high school sweetheart, but financial troubles lead them into the arms of other lovers for different reasons. Mariah embodies modern-day socialites and the lengths they’ll go to to live a lavish lifestyle.
Three women who hold various titles bonded together by the gift of friendship help each other navigate the murky waters of dating in Nairobi in a way that resonates with many people. The incredible cast includes Faith Kibathi (Becca), Gathoni Mutua (Sintamei), Minne Kariuki (Mariah), Lenana Kariba (Nick), and Michael Munyoki (Eric), among other talented actors. Make sure to catch up with the first season as we wait for the second season of the entertaining show.
Watch the trailer here.
3. Crime and Justice
Crime and Justice is a series on crime that stars Sarah Hassan as detective Makena and Alfred Munyua as detective Silas. Each episode has a different storyline and tackles different kinds of crime. The storylines borrow from crime incidents that hit Kenyan headlines focusing on police procedure all the way to the courtroom, highlighting some of the struggles the police experience and the weaknesses in the justice system.
While the first season was good, the second season came back with better plots seeing the honest detectives Makena and Silas, as well as their boss Kebo (Maqbul Mohammed) and the prosecutor played by Paul Ogola, battle an invisible enemy derailing justice in many cases as is the nature of high profile cases in the country. You’ll also enjoy guest appearances of stars like Mumbi Maina, Foi Wambui, Patricia Kihoro, and John Sibi-Okumu, among others.
Watch the trailer here.
4. Njoro wa Uba
The award-winning comedy-drama Njoro wa Uba revolves around the story of Njoro, who lost his banking job in a scandal, so he starts driving a taxi to make ends meet, provide for his daughter and pay his legal fees. It’s a simple storyline yet has so much depth and tackles so many societal issues. As Njoro drives around his cab, he encounters many different people and faces many challenges, including love issues that portray the plight of many in Nairobi.
Additionally, he has to deal with his incompetent lawyer Odanga where their relationship often crosses from being professional to personal. Njoro’s woes extend to his relationship with his daughter’s grandmother, Jezebel giving us memorable TV moments.
The incredible cast includes Joe Kinyua, who stars as Njoro, Kui Kabala as Cess, Shakainah Glory as Stacy, Njoro’s daughter, and Jane Wambui as Jezebel/Shosh.
Watch the trailer here
5. Kina
Kina is a drama series that follows the lives of the wealthy Tandala family and the poor Mwakazis. The great and ruthless Nana Tandala, played by Sanaipe Tande, will go to whatever lengths to protect her wealth. However, she’s caught a bit off guard when the poor people of Misri that she mistreats decide to fight back, led by the Mwakazi family. Nana’s husband, Fred Tandala (Jimmy Gathu), is also a fan favourite. Fred is loving, loyal to family, ever jovial, goofy and not afraid to show public displays of affection. The couple has amazing chemistry balancing out Nana’s evil side.
It’s a story about resilience, strategy, moral dilemmas, family, and the extent people will go to to escape poverty. With the stellar cast executing their roles with prowess, you’ll quickly get sacked into the lives of the Tandalas and Mwakazis in each episode of this award-winning series.
Here’s the trailer.
Discover great local content and from across the continent on Showmax
Looking for great content from the continent? You’ll find many gems on Showmax, from short films and movies to series. While there’s awesome new content, make sure you also check out movies from a few years ago that didn’t have easily accessible streaming platforms when they came out.
Keep your kids entertained as well on Showmax with 12 Shows To Keep Your Child Entertained On Showmax.
