
Twende
Twende is Showmax's first Original 2D animated series, and the first animation of this quality and scale to be made almost entirely in Africa.
The first Showmax Original 2D animated series, Twende follows a pangolin of the same name, the slowest moving animal in the savannah. Twende’s belief that "life is about the journey, not the destination" is constantly at odds with his job as a boda boda driver in the bustling, fictional East African city of Milima.
Twende is voiced by Junior Nyong'o (The Legend of Lwanda Magere, Hamlet), while June Gachui (Crime and Justice, Nairobi Half Life) plays his unlikely best friend and navigator, Nuru - a whip-smart bird who always looks out for her bestie, even if his chilled-out vibe drives her crazy sometimes.
Kalasha Awards nominee Elsaphan Njora (Super Sema, Kati Kati) voices Boss, the perennially broke and exhausted hyena who owns the boda boda agency where Nuru and Twende work. The all-Kenyan voice cast also includes Charles Ouda (Crime and Justice) as showy stunt driver Kimbe and Mkamzee Mwatela (Mali) as Boss’s rival, Madam Mongoose, CEO of the evil tech empire Goober. Also listen out for Kalasha Awards winner Nyokabi Macharia (Super Sema), Joyce Musoke (Second Family) and seasoned voice actor and director Khaemba W. Edward (Ogas at the Top, The XYZ Show).
Produced by London-based Braintrust and Johannesburg-based Mind’s Eye Creative, Twende is co-created by Charlie Maas, Kayla Archer, Mike Scott and Regan Riskas Maas, with Greig Cameron (Seal Team, Supa Strikas) as the showrunner.
Twende’s pilot screened in competition at Annecy, the world’s premier animation festival, in 2021. MultiChoice Studios is handling international sales.
The first 2D animated show of this scale and quality made almost entirely in Africa, Twende is now streaming on Showmax.
Slow down and enjoy the ride.
Join the conversation: #twendeshowmax
More about Twende

How Eric Musyoka brought gengetone and rhumba to Twende
Eric Musyoka created original music for Twende, Showmax's first 2D animation, incorporating Kenyan music genres gengetone, rhumba and benga.

Twende S1
Twende follows the hilarious adventures of Twende and Nuru, two boda boda drivers in the vibrant East African city of Milima.

Junior Nyong'o on his voice acting role in Twende
Junior Nyong'o lends his voice to the lead character in the Showmax Original 2D animation landing on 1 December 2023.

Twende, the first Showmax Original 2D animation, lands 1 December 2023
Ahead of the launch of the first five episodes of Twende, Showmax's first Original 2D animation, we chatted to showrunner Greig Cameron.

Twende "sounded like a recipe for fun" - Kwame Nyong'o on new Showmax animation
Kenyan animation pioneer Kwame Nyong'o is the casting director and executive producer of Showmax Original Twende, premiering 1 December.

Twende
Twende is Showmax's first Original 2D animated series, and the first animation of this quality and scale to be made almost entirely in Africa.

Must-watch trailer: meet Twende, the boda boda-driving pangolin
Showmax drops a trailer for Twende, the first Showmax Original 2D animated series. Premieres 1 December 2023.
More for kids on Showmax

Art, money and power: a blueprint for The Brutalist
Writer-director Brady Corbet, actor Adrien Brody and the production team behind The Brutalist tease out the tense relationship between art, money and power.

The Brutalist (2024)
Adrien Brody delivers an Oscar-winning performance in this period drama about a visionary architect who meets a wealthy client who changes his life.

The best Premier League signings of 2025's summer window
With clubs busier than ever in the transfer market, is it shaping up to be one of the toughest seasons in the Premier League?

Behind the crime tape with Dog Man
Dav Pilkey and the Dog Man movie team open their case files to talk about how kittens and friendship could cure the World’s Most Evilest Cat.

17 medical dramas to stream in an entertainment emergency
From New Amsterdam to The Good Doctor to House, these compelling medical shows are all streaming on Showmax.

Chicago Med S6-10
Another compelling instalment of the pulse-pounding medical drama about the courageous team of doctors at a trauma centre in Chicago.

Love Island USA S6-7
The American version of the hit show moves the action to Las Vegas, but the premise remains: the most beloved couple will sashay away with $100 000.

Dog Man (2025)
This charming and heartwarming animated adventure follows Dog Man - a dog and human hybrid - who must take down feline supervillain Petey the Cat.
Add these top-notch Kenyan shows to your watchlist

Eddie Mbugua spills on bringing his villainous best in Reckless
Eddie Mbugua talks about playing the villainous role of James in Reckless S1, now streaming on Showmax.

What to watch on Showmax in Kenya in September 2025
This September, Showmax drops a stellar new lineup. From the final season of Youngins to Nigerian animation film Iyanu plus HBO crime drama Task.

Radio queen Cess Mutungi speaks on hosting The Mommy Club reunion
Cesse Mutungi opens up about hosting The Mommy Club NBO reunion. Catch Part 1, now streaming on Showmax, with Part 2 landing on 5 September 2025.

First look: Single Kiasi returns for Season 4
Binge Seasons 1-3 of Single Kiasi on Showmax while you wait for Season 4, which lands on 17 September 2025.
Love animals? Try Jay Jay: The Chosen One
Jungle Beat - fun for the whole family
Latest Stories

The best Premier League signings of 2025's summer window

What to watch on Showmax in Kenya in September 2025

Alexander Isak a great option for LFC's attack, say former Liverpool striker David Ngog

Kate and Annie take charge in Ten Pound Poms Season 2

Radio queen Cess Mutungi to host The Mommy Club NBO reunion

Vilakazi's verdict: Sundowns to "edge it" in high-stakes MTN8 semi-final

Rivalries reignite in thrilling Premier League games on Showmax

5 patients you’ll meet in The Pitt Season 1
.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Ilana Glazer delivers in Babes

5 new reality shows on Showmax in August

The Big 6ix on new Premier League season and their SA adventure

Will anyone stop the champs? Booth on Downs' quest for a 9th title

The curtain rises: Wembley Showdown - LFC vs Crystal Palace

Showmax Premier League weekly watchlist: 4-9 September 2025

Showmax PL kicks off football fiesta with MTN8 quarter-finals

Melissa Kape Saili tips Morocco to win WAFCON final

Showmax PL kicks off new football season with unmatched action

Ugochi Oparanozie backs Nigeria to overcome Banyana Banyana

Get Ready for the PL Summer Series – live on Showmax

Nthabeleng Modiko backs reigning champions for WAFCON glory

Everyone Else Burns and 8 more cult classics

Binge five of the 10 biggest Emmy nominees on Showmax

Dangerous minds in The Institute + 7 more superpowered series

Bringing Beetlejuice Beetlejuice back from the grave