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
MobLand S1
Tom Hardy and Pierce Brosnan propel this gripping, gritty crime drama series that follows two powerful families engaged in an intense power struggle.
Big mobs, small jobs: 10 crime series to stream on Showmax
Not everybody can be the Godfather. From MobLand to The Cleaning Lady to Gangs of London, we look at 11 small but essential jobs that take care of the organising behind organised crime.
Must-watch trailer: The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa brings together Housewives from across the continent, landing on Showmax on 28 November 2025.
Showmax Premier League weekly watchlist: 14-22 October 2025
Stream every Premier League and PSL game on your mobile device live on Showmax Premier League.
Black Bag (2025)
Michael Fassbender faces the ultimate test of loyalty in espionage movie Black Bag, about a spy whose wife might be the mole he's tasked to find.
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (2024)
The epic anime prequel to The Lord of the Rings franchise. Hera, King Helm's daughter, must lead the fight against an enemy seeking vengeance.
Creating The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
Anime director Kenji Kamiyama and Oscar-winning screenwriter-producer Philippa Boyens chat about how the LOTR trilogy team reunited to turn back the clock in Middle-earth.
The Real Housewives of Potomac S9-10
The reality series follows several well-to-do women who live in a community of rolling hills and gated mansions in Potomac.
Add these top-notch Kenyan shows to your watchlist
Faith Kibathi talks about her role as Rebecca in Single Kiasi S4
Faith Kibathi opens up about her role as Rebecca in Single Kiasi S4, now streaming on Showmax. Catch new episodes every Wednesday.
Single Kiasi Season 4 officially premieres in Nairobi
Single Kiasi Season 4 launched in style with a glamorous red carpet event and is now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes every Wednesday.
What to watch on Showmax in Kenya in October 2025
Award-winning local content, hot new reality shows, The Office spinoff The Paper - it's all on Showmax in October.
Godfrey Odhiambo on Reckless, his career, and the evolution of Kenyan film
Kenyan screen legend Godfrey Odhiambo talks about his role as Edward, the patriarch of the Sonoko family on Showmax Original crime drama Reckless.
Love animals? Try Jay Jay: The Chosen One
Jungle Beat - fun for the whole family
Latest Stories
Bafana Bafana composed for Durban showdown against Zimbabwe
Arsenal and Liverpool early front-runners ahead of Premier League international break
The Premier League canvas: a Saturday masterpiece painted in blue and red
Godfrey Odhiambo on Reckless, his career, and the evolution of Kenyan film
The clash of the new number 9s: Gyökeres vs Woltemade
June Squibb wins Best Actress award at age 95 for Thelma
Red vs Blue: Showmax Premier League serves up a blockbuster weekend
Blockbuster Premier League weekend: Red vs Blue
Minne Kariuki on Single Kiasi, motherhood and being a “gold digger”
Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr chat about Den of Thieves 2: Pantera
From doubt to dynamo: Micky van de Ven's rise at Tottenham
Mhlongo's bold prediction: Pirates to clinch MTN8 Title for a fourth year running
Carey Priscilla dishes on The Mommy Club NBO drama
Glory awaits: From MTN8 Kings to Manchester's Crown, football's biggest stage is on Showmax
Art, money and power: a blueprint for The Brutalist
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
First look: Single Kiasi returns for Season 4
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
