Kalasha Awards 2022: Showmax Originals and exclusives earn record 23 nominations

Showmax has earned 23 nominations at the Kalasha Awards 2022 unveiled yesterday by the Kenyan Film Commission, a major boost from 2021 where Showmax Originals and exclusive titles scored 6 nominations.

This the highest achievement at the Kalasha Awards yet for Showmax, which launched its first Original title in Kenya (Crime and Justice) in March 2021 (with season 2 premiering in February 2022), and has since released five local Original titles that include the coming-of-age film Baba Twins, the drama series Single Kiasi, the thriller series Igiza and the ongoing political thriller series County 49.

Speaking about the nominations, Denise Mwende, Showmax Content Specialist in East Africa, said “These 23 nominations are an acknowledgement of the caliber of local content that Showmax continues to put out there. It’s the kind of content that continues to set the bar high, both in storytelling and in offering variety to our subscribers. It’s been a great journey, and we are proud of all our Kalasha nominees at Showmax for their contribution in pushing the industry to the highest standards.”

Leading the pack for Showmax nominations is the coming-of-age film Baba Twins with eight nominations, including Best Feature, Best Director for Lawrence Murage and Best Lead Actor and Actress for Morris Mwangi and Violetta Ngina respectively.

County 49, which will air its season finale next week, follows closely behind with five nominations, including Best TV Drama, Best Actor for Peter Kawa and the newly introduced Best Supporting Actor and Actress for James Webbo and Nyokabi Macharia respectively

Other Showmax Originals nominated include Crime and Justice season 2 for Best TV Drama, Best Lead Actor for Alfred Munyua as the always so-by-the-book detective Silas; and Best Supporting Actor for Maqbul Mohammed; and Single Kiasi for Best Lead Actress for Gathoni Mutua.

And as it’s become the norm, This Love and Kyallo Kulture, Showmax exclusive titles, both created by Eugene Mbugua will battle it out in the same category of Best TV Show (don’t ask).

Adding to this impressive nomination list are Maisha Magic East, Maisha Magic Plus and Maisha Magic Movies titles that are available to stream on Showmax, bringing the overall number to a record-breaking 50 nominations, the highest-ever in history for any platform.

See the full Kalasha Awards 2022 nomination list of Showmax Originals, exclusives and all Maisha Magic titles available on Showmax.

TV CATEGORY

Best TV Drama

• County 49

• Crime and Justice

• Kina

• Pete

Best Lead Actor in a TV Drama

• Peter Kawa – County 49

• Alfred Munyua – Crime and Justice S2

• Jimmi Gathu – Kina

• Joe Kinyua – Njoro wa Uba

Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama

• Gathoni Mutua – Single Kiasi

• Aisha Mwajumlah – Pete

• Sanaipei Tande – Kina

Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama

• James Webbo – County 49

• Maqbul Mohammed – Crime and Justice S2

• Moses Kiema – Kina

• Bryan Kabuggi – Salem

Best Supporting Actress in a TV Drama

• Nyokabi Macharia – County 49

• Foi Wambui – Salem

• Julie Brenda Nyambura – Kina

• Jane Wambui – Njoro wa Uba

Best TV Comedy

• Roast House

• Varshita

Best TV Show

• This Love

• Kyallo Kulture

• Date My Family Kenya

Best Viewers’ Choice (TV Drama)

• County 49

• Single Kiasi

• Crime and Justice S2

• Famous

• Salem

• Njoro wa Uba

• Kina

Film Category

Best Feature Film

• Baba Twins

• Antisocial

Best Lead Actor in a Film

• Morris Mwangi – Baba Twins

Best Lead Actress in a Film

• Violetta Ngina – Baba Twins

Best Supporting Actress in a Film

• Annstella Karimi – Baba Twins

• Sarah Mohammed – Zuena

Best Supporting Actor in a Film

• Andrew Muthure – Bargain Bride

Best Original Screenplay

• Lawrence Murage – Baba Twins

Best Director

• Lawrence Murage – Baba Twins

Best Lighting Technician

• Jerry Kavita – Baba Twins

• Isaac Awene – Antisocial

Best Editor

• Nicholas Kibathi – Baba Twins

Best Viewers’ Choice (Feature Film)

• Antisocial

• Zuena

• Mwanga

Best Make-Up and Hairstylist

• Florence Muthoni – Kaz

• Khadija Abdulqadir – Zuena

Best Director of Photography

• Enos Olik – Antisocial

Best International Award

• Joyce’s Dream – Tanzania