Last Friday, the African streaming powerhouse, Showmax, made a significant impact at the Kalasha International Film and TV Market, Festival, and Awards. The event saw the debut of the Showmax Podcast and Showmax Industry Mixer, held in style at KICC and hosted by Lotan. Attendees included esteemed figures from the media, acting, and filmmaking realms such as Philip Karanja, Wakio Mzenge, George Mo, Enos Olik, Nick Mutuma, Emmanuel Ikubese from “Shuga,” Grace Kahaki, Nini Wacera, Tosh Gitonga, Likarion Wainaina, Gathoni Mutua, Faith Kibathi, Francis Ouma, Fidel Maithya, Mumbi Maina, Eugene Mbugua, RHONairobi’s Sonal Maherali, among others. Additionally, key film stakeholders and the CEO of the Kenyan Film Commission, Mr. Timothy Owase, graced the occasion.
During the event, Showmax’s General Manager in East Africa, Emma Gichonge, unveiled the platform’s upcoming slate, reaffirming Showmax’s commitment to investing in Kenya’s film and TV industry. Gichonge highlighted Showmax’s ability to deliver a wide array of content, ranging from award-winning local productions to blockbuster international titles from renowned studios such as HBO and Universal. Moreover, Gichonge emphasized Showmax’s accessibility, offering subscribers access to premier sports events like the Premier League, all at competitive prices.
In further exciting developments, Season 1 of The Real Housewives of Nairobi secured the coveted title of Best TV Show at the prestigious Kalasha Awards ceremony held last Saturday. This immensely popular reality series stands as Showmax’s largest Original production in Kenya, having shattered streaming records upon its February 2023 debut and claiming a spot among the top 10 most-viewed shows on Showmax in Kenya for the entirety of 2023.
Adding to Showmax’s triumphs at the Kalashas, the crime drama Pepeta emerged victorious, clinching both the esteemed titles of Best TV Drama and Best Viewers’ Choice.
Pepeta, inspired by the real-life narrative of Harun ‘Rio’ Wathari, intricately weaves together the tales of Junior, a 17-year-old football prodigy torn between the allure of criminality and the promises of soccer; Kepha (portrayed by George Mo), a relentless law enforcer driven by personal vendettas; and Biki, an ambitious football coach determined to secure Junior and his friends promising futures before the harsh realities of violence curtail their dreams.
Additionally, Showmax celebrated further accolades with Roast House’s Abel Mutua clinching the title of Best Performance in a TV Comedy, Salem’s Charles Ouma honored as Best Lead Actor in a TV Drama, Brenda Mwai awarded Best Supporting Actress in a Film for The Caller, The Last Door securing Best Documentary Feature, and Ndugi Kithuku of Kina acclaimed as Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama.
