JB Masanduku on the Showmax Original, Nilichoma

14 May 2024

Showmax announces its first docuseries in Kenya, Nilichoma

As part of its diverse May launch slate in Kenya, African streamer Showmax has unveiled its first-ever Original docuseries in Kenya, Nilichoma, premiering on 28 May.

The 10-part docuseries features well-known personalities in Kenya who received an unexpected windfall, and then blew it all.

“The story of starting from nothing, only to fall into immense wealth, is a dream shared by humanity. However, the accompanying fall from grace is a nightmare we dread,” says producer Ahmed Deen (Midlife Crisis). “Nilichoma is a collection of these dreams, shared by personalities we have grown up with and dreamt of being. These personalities either inherited, won or were awarded sums of money beyond their wildest dreams But these dreams turned into a nightmare with more spending and once they hit rock bottom, all that was left were hard lessons learnt.”

“Nilichoma represents the dreams of Kenyans from all walks of life. The series captures raw emotional moments that allows viewers to reflect and to look into their own hearts through the men and women on the screen,” says co-producer Isaya Evans.

Watch the trailer for Nilichoma

Featuring 10 different stories, Nilichoma will offer viewers an immersive emotional experience with a blend of personal narratives, interviews, archive photos and videos, re-enactments that shed light on the rise and fall, and ultimately, how they became the individuals they are today.

Some of the personalities to look out for include cricket icon Maurice Odumbe, comedian JB Masandaku, David Ogot, son to renowned author and politician Grace Ogot, former Samburu millionaire Gabriel Lengishili and more.

Deen and Evans are co-producing the docuseries under Café Luna Films, who have collaborated in productions like The Real Housewives of Nairobi, The Girl with the Yellow Jumper, Shimoni, Igiza and Ayaanle.

Nilichoma joins three more Kenyan Showmax Originals premiering in May as the streamer officially relaunches in Kenya. Others include the highly anticipated The Real Housewives of Nairobi S2, new dramedy from Philit Productions Untying Kantai, and new romcom series Big Girl Small World, from Nick Mutuma and Kevin Njue.

Watch from 28 May