23 January 2026

Ellah Maina spills on Showmax dramedy, Adam to Eve

When she burst onto the scene with her Kalasha-winning performance in Nick Mutuma’s Sincerely Daisy at the height of the pandemic, Ellah Maina instantly became one of Kenya’s rising actors.

Over the years, she has worked with renown filmmakers including Adam Neutzsky-Wulff in Crime and Justice and Second Family as well as featuring in indie films such as Why U Hate, The Priest is Dead, Ubuntu, The Cursed Gown and Into the Sadlands.

She now stars in Showmax’s Adam to Eve playing the role of Eve - formerly Adam (Blessing Lung'aho) in this sharp, funny, and thought-provoking gender-swap dramedy. The series follows Adam, a smooth-talking ladies’ man, whose world turns upside down when a mysterious curse forces him to live life as a woman.

In an exclusive, Ellah speaks on her latest project:

Who Is Ellah Maina?

Ellah Maina describes herself as an actor, voice-over artist, and all-round filmmaker. Born Stella, she earned her stage name from a childhood obsession with Disney’s Cinderella. The nickname stuck—and eventually became her professional identity.

A self-professed spiritual person and a first-born daughter in an African household, Ellah speaks candidly about responsibility, empathy, and her deep connection to nature. “I’m a lover of plants and animals,” she says. “I feel naturally drawn to people.”

From Basketball Captain to Breakout TV Star

Contrary to popular belief, Ellah did not grow up as a “drama kid.” In high school, basketball was her life, and she captained her team. Drama festivals often clashed with tournaments—and basketball always won.

Everything changed after Lupita Nyong’o’s Oscar win. “When she said, ‘No matter who you are or where you’re from, your dreams are valid,’ something shifted in me,” Ellah recalls.

At Kenyatta University, where she studied Film and Theatre Arts alongside actor Mathew Ngugi, Ellah landed her first major role in NTV’s The Trap House by the end of her first year. “That Kashamba girl? That was me,” she says. “Green, but giving it my all.”

Working with Nick Mutuma and Adam Neutzsky-Wulff

Sincerely Daisy proved to be a defining career moment. “Working with creatives like Nick Mutuma and Adam Neutzsky-Wulff gave me a front-row seat to Kenya’s fast-rising film industry,” Ellah says. “It opened doors to international filmmakers and laid the foundation for my career.”

Preparing to Play a Woman Who Was Once a Man

Ellah’s preparation for Adam to Eve went far beyond the script. She immersed herself in method acting—studying how men walk, talk, sit, eat, and interact socially.

“I observed masculinity in its rawest form,” she explains. “From local joints to high-end bars, once the drinks kick in, the masks drop. That became my case study.”

The Scene That Changed Her Perspective on Gender

One episode, in particular, left a lasting impression: Eve experiencing her first period.

“Period shaming is not cool,” Ellah says firmly. “It’s wild that in 2025 we’re still dealing with stigma around female reproductive health. We need more empathy and education.”

Balancing Comedy and Serious Themes

Despite tackling heavy issues, Adam to Eve maintains a light, comedic tone. Ellah credits director Alex for creating a supportive environment—and her own love for comedy.

“I consume a lot of comedy,” she admits. “Dad jokes mostly. But humour helped me find Eve’s emotional balance.”

What Ellah Hopes Women Take Away from Adam to Eve

Ellah hopes women watching the series feel seen, validated, and accurately represented.

“We know it’s not easy,” she says. “But we thrive anyway. When we fully tap into our feminine energy, we become unstoppable.”

Working with Blessing Lung’aho

Playing two sides of the same character required trust and chemistry. “It was like having a twin,” Ellah says. “Blessing is a strong actor, so building that sibling bond came naturally.”

Creative Inspirations and What’s Next

Ellah draws inspiration from Lupita Nyong’o, Thuso Mbedu, Wanuri Kahiu, and Edi Gathegi. She admires stories that challenge norms and spark conversation—like Kahiu’s Rafiki.

“We need to tell the stories happening around us every day,” she says. “That’s how we grow as an industry.”