The new crime drama series, Pepeta, launched yesterday on Showmax after its premiere at the Nairobi Street Kitchen on Tuesday.
Hosted by veteran TV girl, Amina Abdi Rabar, the event kicked off by showcasing episode one of the 8-part TV series.
Based on the real-life story of Harun “Rio” Wathari, the series captures the story of the once-popular Kenyan football team, Olympic strikers, hailing from the slums of Kibera.
The event was graced by reputable names in the industry; among them Avril Nyambura, Vincent Mbaya, the producer and Charles Ouda, one of the show writers.
The highlight of the night was the cast sharing how they landed their roles, and the time and efforted cultivated in the production of the series. Dedan Juma (Zeze) broke into tears while sharing his story.
Playing as a gang leader, Dedan narrated how his mother got him involved in theatre to save him from the streets and lead a life of crime. Sadly, a day after his mother’s demise, whom he left unattended at the Kenyatta hospital while on audition, he received the casting call.
On how he prepared for this gang lead role, Dedan said “It feels like Deja’vu. Because it seems like I have been living this life and was waiting for the opportunity to land such a role and ace it”.
Producer Vincent Mbaya lauded Rio for sharing his life story with the world and revealed that the reality of the matter is what attracted him to the story.
The young, talented cast, creatively captures the talent, ambition and lives of crime performed by former Machachari star, Malik Lemmy (Dimore)and Brahim Ouma (Junior).
Award-winning actor, George Mo, plays Kepha, a police officer with a personal vendetta against the young criminals terrorizing the residents of Kibera. Kepha is determined to ensure that anyone that lives by the gun, dies by the gun.
Internet sensation; Huruma town kids, play the fictional young cast of Junior, Dimore, Dayo and Ade. They are Leon Muiruri, Victor Ochieng’, Wayne Moni and Daville Mwaura.
Avril Nyambura makes a TV comeback by playing Nduta. Nduta is Biki’s girlfriend. The once celebrated football player whose injury sunk his career. Played by Lwanda Jawar, the coach is determined to keep his team off a life of crime. Lwanda is particularly elated by his portrayal in this series as a progressive member of society, unlike his previous acting roles.
Directed by Vincent Mbaya (County Queen, Chaguo), Pepeta also stars Eravuna Wycliffe (Selina), Avril Nyambura (Sumu la Penzi), Marrianne Nungo (Country Queen), Brian Ngaira (Baba Twins), Bilal Wanjau (Jela 5 Star), Anthony Ndung’u (Nairobi Half Life), and newcomers Eric Aswani, Fridah Mumbe, Suzzanne Karani and Moses Gathoga.
The Game Of Life will drop an episode every Thursday from the 24th of November 2022 to the last episode of season one.
Click here to watch the Pepeta Trailer.
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