25 April 2018
4 times Joyce Maina was robbed of her dreams
Going by onscreen innocence alone, there hasn’t been a more quintessential girl next door on Kenyan TV than Joyce Maina, especially in recent years. However, it would seem that she’s breaking out of that comfort zone (or rather, she is defying the stereotype) if her most recent roles are anything to go by.
We’ve known her from her first TV role as Tindi in Sumu la Penzi, a naïve country girl who is forced to adjust to the fast-paced, deceptive life led by her three friends. It was an unforgettable TV moment to watch her innocence slowly fade away along with her dreams as she made one bad decision after another.
But that’s not the only time one of Joyce’s characters was robbed of her dreams …
1. Aisha
In Aisha, Joyce plays the titular role of Aisha, a high school graduate whose hopes of joining college and pursuing her dreams to study literature are cut short when her domineering father who intends for Aisha to get married as soon as possible so he can score a quick business deal. It gets worse, despite her best efforts; Aisha ends up being a rape victim and seeks the quickest and the most brutal way out of her predicament.
A Kalasha Award 2017 nominee for Best Feature, Aisha is available to stream on Showmax. Watch now »
2. Wrath
Wrath tells the story of two star-crossed lovers from two different backgrounds; with Joyce as the poor high school girl (Julia) who falls in love with the popular rich kid Frank (Pascal Tokodi). Before she meets Frank, Julia’s only ambition is to do well in school and give her mother the life she deserves. An unforeseen tragedy strikes when she falls for Frank, cutting short all her dreams.
Directed by How to Find a Husband’s creator Erica Anyadike, Wrath S1-2 is available to stream on Showmax. Watch now »
3. Stolen Dreams
Joyce Maina and Helena Waithera (Jane and Abel) star in this Africa Magic Original Film as two best friends struggling to make ends meet while jumping from one job to the next. One day, they are selling scratch and win tickets in the street; the next day they are pulling an all-nighter writing sample script to score a film gig. Well, the latter pays off but only for Tande (Maina) who submits Zahara’s (Waithera) script as hers. But karma knows no ambition, and it has a way of snatching people’s dreams especially if they were stolen in the first place.
Stolen Dreams is available to stream on Showmax. Watch now »
4. Neophobia
While it might look like Joyce Maina and her dreams can’t seem to catch a break in most of her previous roles, we see her getting what her heart truly desires in 2017’s short Neophobia, where she plays Fiona Bosibori, a regimented woman who is scared to try out new things. Neophobia, even though going against what Fiona is used to, opens up her to a whole new fairytale world where her therapist is actually the man of her dreams.
Created and directed by Mark Maina, Neophobia is now streaming on Showmax. Watch now »
Can’t get enough of Joyce Maina? Also catch Joyce in Auntie Boss, Double Trouble and Project Revenge, also available to stream on Showmax. Watch now »
Original African stories by local talent
Unfollowed S1-2
Unfollowed examines cancel culture in social media through real-life stories of South African celebs. Stream S2 now, with new episodes weekly.
Made in South Africa
Under the Influence
Stream Nigerian Original limited series, Under the Influence, from 24 January 2025 with new episodes released every Friday.
Made in Nigeria
Reënboogrant
Reënboogrant is a Tshwane-set teen telenovela centred on the Brink family. Stream now, with new episodes every Wednesday.
Made in South Africa
The Hot Seat S1
The Hot Seat promises bold banter as some of Kenya’s biggest celebrities face the heat. Stream now, with new episodes weekly.
Made in Kenya
Nairobi Bachelor S1
Nairobi Bachelor follows the journey of young bachelors and singletons on a quest to find their perfect match. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.
Made in Kenya
Spooksoeker S1
When Warno Alberts turns 15, he suddenly becomes aware of ghosts in his dorpie – and it’s now his job to banish them. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Made in South Africa
4Play
4Play follows four men who, despite their chaotic personal lives, find friendship, love and perseverance in Nairobi’s concrete jungle. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Made in Kenya
Die Tollie & Manila Show
A bold talk show where SA celebs join drag queens Tollie Parton and Manila von Teez for an evening of conversation and games… in drag. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday.
Made in South AfricaStream the final season of Adulting
Binge-watch Great African Crimes with Mandy Wiener
More Mzansi gold
See the must-watch trailer for The Mommy Club S3
Season 3 of The Mommy Club premieres on 15 February, with new episodes every Saturday. Meet new cast members Mrs J, Pheladi, Noksie, and Vuyi!
Made in South Africa
Die Byl S1-5
Byl and his elite unit are reeling from the Adriaan Klopper nightmare. They’re traumatized, have no offices, and Byl’s about to lose his job…
Made in South Africa
Showmax Presents Tyla red carpet hosts: Kat Sinivasan, Moozlie
From 8.30pm on Saturday, 18 January 2025, the Tyla Red Carpet Experience will be streaming on Showmax, followed by the live stream of her homecoming concert.
Minke Marais puts on her blazer to play Shani in Reënboogrant
Minke Marais talks about her role as Shani in Reënboogrant, inspired by Louise van Niekerk’s bestselling 90s novels. Catch new episodes every Wednesday on Showmax.
South African