Reckless_Season_1_June_2025 (4)
29 July 2025

Sammy Okore gets candid on his breakout role in Reckless 

Kenyans might remember the shy Sammy Okore, who first appeared on our screens as young Tosh in the beloved TV series Machachari. Back then, he shared the spotlight with other child stars like Pepeta’s Lemuel Malik and the ever-controversial Tyler Mbaya from Take Me Home

Since those early days, Sammy has taken on minor roles, slowly paving his way to stardom. His big career break is finally here with Showmax’s newest youth drama, Reckless

In this gripping series, Sammy takes on the role of Mika, a party-loving teenager whose carefree attitude lands him in deep trouble. A wild street race turns tragic, causing an accident with devastating consequences for Mika and his older brother, played by Brian Abajah. 

Off-screen, Sammy shares a few traits with his on-screen persona. A self-proclaimed ladies’ man, he is not just sticking to acting – he’s diving into the local trap music scene, writing and producing tracks as he works to make a name for himself. Fans will even get to hear some of his tracks featured on the show. 

Reckless_Season_1_June_2025 (2)

In an exclusive, the 25-year-old talks about his first Showmax project and budding career:   

Like your Machachari cast mates, you have transitioned from being a child actor to playing more mature roles. What has the journey been like and how did it prepare you for Reckless? 

My journey has been nothing short of enlightening. Along the way, so many incredible people have played a pivotal role in shaping the person and actor I’ve become. First and foremost, I owe so much to my dad, who’s not just my biggest inspiration but also the one who gave me my very first audition. He’s been my guiding light in this vibrant and unpredictable entertainment industry. Fun fact: he is currently the head of production at Standard Group, and I couldn’t be prouder to call him my dad. 

During my Machachari days, I had the honour of meeting the legendary Arabron Osanya (Faithless). He happened to be the father of my best friend back then, and anyone who knows Arabron will tell you he is one of the best in the game. He took me under his wing and mentored me during those early days as a child actor, shaping my passion and approach to acting. He is one of the best in the game. He took me under his wing and mentored me during those early days as a child actor, shaping my passion and approach to acting. 

Fast forward to Reckless, and I got to work with the amazing director Gilbert Lukalia. He really helped me dive into the role of Mika, making sure I lived and breathed the character. Our side chats on set? Honestly, those were some of the best moments, filled with wisdom, laughter, and lessons I will carry with me forever. 

Watch the trailer

In the first few episodes of the show, we have the high-octane street racing scene. Tell us about this.  

This scene is one of the biggest highlights of the show – and my career. I got to work closely with a stunt driver, and honestly, it was insanely amazing. Half the time, my adrenaline was through the roof. It felt like I was in the final moments of a football match, just about to score the winning goal. 

We shot it along the Southern Bypass in the middle of the night, around 10 pm. The atmosphere, the rush, the thrill – it was all unforgettable. It is hands down one of the best experiences I have had in my career and easily my favourite scene to shoot. Pure magic.  

Being both an actor and musician, how did music influence your character development and preparation for Mika? 

Music absolutely influences my acting. For Reckless, the 2023 amapiano hit Mnike became my ultimate go-to track to kickstart my day on set. If you listen to it, it almost sounds like someone is saying “Mika”, which made it so relatable for me. 

The song is packed with energy and psych, just like Mika’s character. It really helped me tap into his vibe every morning. It’s one of those tracks that truly set the tone for me to embody him fully.  

What's currently on your Spotify list?   

Right now, I am listening to Afro fusion and R&B.   

Do we get to hear some of your tunes in the show?   

Yeah, you do hear my music in the show. There are a few scenes, mostly the car scenes, where my songs play in the background. Hopefully, the editors do their magic with the mixing so you can catch it clearly. 

What was the most challenging part of bringing Mika to life? 

Physicality was the toughest part of playing Mika. He’s all about high-energy stuff – fighting, driving, pure adrenaline. And I am a bit on the laid-back side, so it was a real challenge. The physical fitness he demanded was no joke. I had to switch up completely, man. I really had to step up. 

Our director, Gilbert, played a huge role in helping me get into character. He didn’t just direct; he guided me to feel the emotions. Sometimes, as an actor, you struggle to connect with certain feelings, but Gilbert had this way of bringing it home.  

Like your character Mika, are you a ladies’ man in real life? Are you currently dating? 

Yes, I’m a ladies' man – but dating isn’t really my thing right now. I’m currently in a situationship. And hey, if you want to join the list, my DMs are wide open.  

If Reckless had a crossover episode with another popular Showmax series, which one would you choose and why?  

The Chocolate Empire. Why? Man, storyline, deadly, characters. And then you know Mika is a playboy; there's some shorties on that show. Shout out to Ann Muli.  

What’s next for you? 

Looking forward to working on my music. I am working on a music video coming soon.  

Watch Sammy Okore in Reckless, now streaming on Showmax.  

Join the conversation: #RecklessShowmax 

New episodes every Monday and Tuesday, only on Showmax.


Share:

More like this

Mobland S1 is 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.

MobLand on Showmax

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. 

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa.jpg

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.

OriginalMade in South Africa
The Real Housewives of Potomac S10 on Showmax

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.

First
The Paper S1 on Showmax

From The Office to The Paper

As The Office’s OG documentary crew gets a new business in their crosshairs, we expose the connections between these two workplace mockumentaries.

First
Michael C Hall as Dexter in Dexter: Resurrection

Dexter's deadly to-do list in Dexter: Resurrection

Dexter’s son Harrison “killed” him in the finale of Dexter: New Blood. But he’s back from the dead and on a mission: tie up loose ends.

Single Kiasi S4 is on Showmax

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.

Original Kenya
Black Bag is on Showmax

Inside spy movie Black Bag

Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett, director Steven Soderbergh and writer David Koepp give us a top-secret peek inside their new spy movie Black Bag.

Single Kiasi S4, now streaming

Reckless S1, now streaming

Latest Stories

Bafana Bafana live on Showmax Premier League

Bafana Bafana composed for Durban showdown against Zimbabwe

Arsenal live on Showmax Premier League

Arsenal and Liverpool early front-runners ahead of Premier League international break

Catch the fiery battle between Chelsea and Liverpool live on Showmax Premier League

The Premier League canvas: a Saturday masterpiece painted in blue and red

Godfrey Odhiambo on Reckless on Showmax

Godfrey Odhiambo on Reckless, his career, and the evolution of Kenyan film

Catch Newcastle v Arsenal live on Showmax Premier League on Sunday, 28 September at 17:30

The clash of the new number 9s: Gyökeres vs Woltemade

Thelma on Showmax

June Squibb wins Best Actress award at age 95 for Thelma

Catch the blockbuster Premier League weekend live on Showmax Premier League.

Red vs Blue: Showmax Premier League serves up a blockbuster weekend

Catch all the action from the Premier League live on Showmax PL.

Blockbuster Premier League weekend: Red vs Blue

Minne Kariuki as Mariah in Single Kiasi S4 on Showmax

Minne Kariuki on Single Kiasi, motherhood and being a “gold digger” 

Gerard Butler as 'Big Nick' O'Brien and O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Donnie Wilson in Den of Thieves 2: Panthera. Photo Credit: Rico Torres.

Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr chat about Den of Thieves 2: Pantera

Catch the London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham live on Showmax Premier League.

From doubt to dynamo: Micky van de Ven's rise at Tottenham

Catch the MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch, live on Showmax Premier League.

Mhlongo's bold prediction: Pirates to clinch MTN8 Title for a fourth year running

The Mommy Club NBO on Showmax

Carey Priscilla dishes on The Mommy Club NBO drama 

Catch the Manchester Derby live on Showmax Premier League.

Glory awaits: From MTN8 Kings to Manchester's Crown, football's biggest stage is on Showmax

The Brutalist on Showmax

Art, money and power: a blueprint for The Brutalist

Catch all the action from the Premier League live on Showmax PL.

The best Premier League signings of 2025's summer window

Task S1 on Showmax

What to watch on Showmax in Kenya in September 2025

Catch Liverpool v Arsenal live on Showmax Premier League on Sunday, 31 August 2025 at 17:30

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

Ten Pound Poms S2 on Showmax

Kate and Annie take charge in Ten Pound Poms Season 2

Single Kiasi S4 on Showmax

First look: Single Kiasi returns for Season 4

The Mommy Club NBO on Showmax

Radio queen Cess Mutungi to host The Mommy Club NBO reunion

Sibusiso Vilakazi believes his former club Mamelodi Sundowns will edge out Pirates in the second leg of the MTN8 semi final.

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

Newcastle and Liverpool battle it out at St James Park on Monday, 25 August 2025. Catch all the action live on Showmax PL.

Rivalries reignite in thrilling Premier League games on Showmax

The Pitt S1on Showmax

5 patients you’ll meet in The Pitt Season 1