Bilal Wanjau discusses brotherhood on the set of 4Play

Remember the unforgettable Utahama Lini adverts of the 2010s? Bilal Wanjau stole our hearts with his cheeky charm, and he’s been a fan favourite ever since! 

Beyond his work in advertisements, Bilal has lit up our screens in hit shows like Showmax’s 2022 hit drama Pepeta, Tahidi High, Lies that Bind, and Maisha Magic’s Jela 5 Star – where he even snagged a Kalasha Award for Best Comedy Performance.  

He currently plays Michael in Showmax’s streamy adult drama 4Play, where he reunites with frequent collaborator James Draka Kombo. The show dives into the lives of four friends navigating relationships, loyalty, and all the complexities that come with trying to balance family and friendships in Nairobi’s concrete jungle.  

In an exclusive, he discusses his career and his role on 4Play.

You’ve worked with Draka before on Pepeta. How was it reuniting with him for your second Showmax Original? 

I would ask Draka, why me. My first encounter with Draka was on the set of KTN’s Lies that Bind, where he was the assistant director. Interestingly, I landed the role purely by chance after the original actor didn’t show up. Since that fateful day, we’ve collaborated on several projects, including Sumu la Penzi, Scandals Kibao, and most recently, Pepeta. 

Working with Draka is always a pleasure. He’s more than just a producer to me – he’s like a brother. He treats everyone on set with the same level of respect, whether they’re cast or crew. His work ethic is unmatched; he’s so hands-on that you might even mistake him for a set runner or a fellow actor. 

Many know you from commercials like Utahama Lini. How has your transition from commercials to TV series changed the way you connect with fans? 

Many fans still recognise me from the Utahama Lini commercials, and honestly, it’s no surprise. That advert struck a chord because it reflected the real frustrations many Kenyans face – trying to make ends meet without having to relocate. 

Even after transitioning, fans still bring up Utahama Lini when they meet me. It’s become such an iconic part of my career. But the move to TV shows allowed me to showcase more depth and range as an actor. While the commercial was relatable and memorable, the transition let me tell bigger, more layered stories, giving fans new ways to connect with me and my work. 

Tell us about your 4Play character, Michael, and working with your co-stars.  

Michael is a man who’s deeply committed to his family, a role I felt ready for as it mirrored some of my own values. Michael is one of the few characters in 4Play with a stable family life, and he carries a sense of responsibility that I think many Kenyan men will relate to. The bond he has with his friends – Malik, Edu, and Allan – feels like a brotherhood, built from years of shared experiences and school memories. It’s that closeness that makes them inseparable, even when life takes them in different directions. 

The chemistry on set made it easy to slip into Michael’s shoes. Working with a cast that includes Elsaphan Njora (Allan) and Maina Wa Ndungu (Edu) felt natural, as we clicked both on and off screen. I have known Maina for years, and our friendship added depth to our scenes. Njora brings this grounded, calm energy to his character that was refreshing to work alongside. 

Any memorable moments from the set of 4Play? 

One moment I won’t forget happened when I had a minor accident on set. I missed a step, stumbled, and ended up needing some medical attention. But the response from the entire cast and crew showed just how much of a family we’d become. Everyone rallied around me, adjusting schedules and even modifying blocking to make sure I could keep up.  

That sense of support reinforced just how important teamwork is, and it reminded me that, sometimes, the smallest gestures mean the most. 

When you’re not working on a set, how do you unwind? 

When I’m not on set, I’m all about family. My mornings begin with prayers, a grounding ritual that sets a peaceful tone for the day ahead. I have a strong interest in politics and enjoy staying updated on current affairs – it’s like a second passion for me. And yes, I’m a big fan of soap operas, with Zari and Kasiri being among my favourites.  

What advice would you give to a 20-year-old you? 

Keep pushing and don’t give up.  

How do you see the future of Kenyan television?  

Kenyan cinema has come a long way, and I’m optimistic about where we’re heading. I envision a future where local productions take up more space, not just on Kenyan screens but internationally. I’d love to see a future where Kenyan networks showcase 60% or more local content. 4Play is an example of how relatable, grounded stories can connect with audiences. It’s a privilege to be part of this shift. 

What’s next for Bilal? 

I hope to get into content creation on social media soon. Watch this space.  

Catch Bilal Wanjau in 4Play, now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes releasing every Thursday.