Monica S3 – An acting masterclass with screen legend Raymond Ofula

For years, Raymond Ofula has been the standard by which acting talent is measured in Kenya. A legend, and ever so charismatic on screen, Ofula has appeared alongside Angelina Jolie in Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, rubbed shoulders with David Oyelowo in The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, played an African statesman in South Africa’s Queen Sono, and a corrupt official who pays a high price for betraying his allies in Jacob’s Cross, another South African drama.

Locally, he boasts an impressive slate that includes the long-running drama Makutano Junction, Nairobi Law, Noose of Gold, The System, and twelve-time 2020 Kalasha Awards nominee Family Meeting, among others.

In the drama series Monica, now back for a third season on Showmax, Ofula plays Robert Jiwe, the governor of the fictional South City, who’s keen to transform the city and save it from the damage done by his corrupt predecessor. As Ofula describes him, he’s “A clean politician, a man on a mission to do things the right way.”

Watch the interview

But Ofula reveals some things are about to change in the new season as Robert’s “perfect” image is threatened by an affair that he’s been hiding from his children and everyone else around him. “Robert this time round has the challenge of playing someone who is a bit shifty,” he says.

As scandalous for a politician as it may sound, it’s a new side of Robert that Ofula has fully embraced. Such ups and downs make his character even more attractive, he says, adding: “It becomes more interesting for an actor because then you are moved out of your comfort zone.”

And no one is deserving of a challenge more than Ofula, who’s been typecast over and over as a “no-nonsense rich man.” While his role in Monica is right up his alley, he’s happy to work with producers who give him space to express himself.

“They (producers) have given me the impression that they are welcome to suggestions. When that occasion presents itself, I will definitely make my suggestions. I have done so in little bits,” he says.

On working with Brenda Wairimu

On working alongside Brenda Wairimu, who plays the titular role of Monica and Robert’s possible candidate for deputy governor in season 3, Ofula praises the young actress.

“Brenda is highly talented but you don’t see that in her attitude, nothing at all, and I like that about her. When we are on set together, I feel like I’m in the right place with the right person.”

Watch more from this interview in the video below:

Catch new weekly episodes of Monica S3 on Showmax.