Elsaphan Njora reflects on his role as “ladies’ man” Allan on 4Play

Many know Elsaphan Njora as the face behind iconic roles in Briefcase Inc, Lies That Bind, and Showmax’s 2D animated hit Twende. And Elsaphan’s standout role in Kati Kati earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the 2017 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, cementing his name in African cinema.  

Aside from acting, he has wowed audiences as a spoken word artist, even bagging the Best Poet trophy at the Sanaa Theatre Awards 2016. 

Elsaphan now stars in 4Play, an 18-rated adult drama that follows four men who, despite their chaotic personal lives, find friendship, love and perseverance in Nairobi’s concrete jungle. 

In an exclusive interview, he reflects on his role on 4Play.

This is your second Kenyan Showmax Original after 2023’s Twende. How does it feel to be back on Showmax?  

Landing this role was a perfect blend of luck and timing. I had auditioned for a few Showmax projects before, including Second Family, where Brian Ogola ultimately got the part. While I didn’t land those roles, I always enjoyed the audition process – it feels like a mini-production, giving me the chance to direct myself and fully embody a character. 

When I met Draka, after a brief conversation, he encouraged me to audition for the show. Initially, I auditioned for Malik, the role played by Daniel Weke. However, the late Charles Ouda, our casting director, suggested I try out for Allan instead, and the rest is history. 

Tell us about your character, Allan, and how you related with role. 

 Allan is an interesting guy. He’s what you might call a “ladies’ man,” but there’s more to him than that stereotype. On the outside, he seems confident and charismatic, yet he has deep insecurities that hold him back from fully committing to the woman he loves. He’s one of those characters you might think you know, but the more you dig, the more complex he becomes. Playing him reminded me that people aren’t always as they seem and that everyone has their own struggles, even if they don’t show it. 

Allan is always dressed to impress. Do you consider yourself a fashion guy? What is your personal style? 

I don’t consider myself a fashion person… I would describe my style as hobo chic. (Laughs) 

Allan wants to be a better man, but life has other plans. What’s one life lesson from Allan’s journey that you think audiences might relate to? 

He is only human.  

If Allan were to give one piece of financial advice from his own experiences (even if ironic!), what would it be? 

Let someone else handle your money. (Laughs) 

If you could write a poem about Allan’s life, what would the first line be? 

I loved.  

What was it like being part of a film like Kati Kati that that won at Toronto and was Kenya’s Oscar entry? How did that experience shape your career? 

Being on the set of Kati Kati was truly one of the best experiences of my life. I had the opportunity to collaborate with two of my closest friends, Mbithi Masya and Mugambi Nthiga. The entire process set a benchmark for me, showing what a well-executed production should look like. 

What was your most memorable moment from the set of 4Play? 

What I love most about acting is the sense of camaraderie it creates, and with this show, I gained a deeper appreciation for male friendships. My co-stars – Bilal, Daniel, and Maina – each brought their own unique energy to the set. Since we’re portraying a group of close friends, the chemistry you see on screen is a true reflection of our off-screen bond. 

Some days, we’d find ourselves laughing uncontrollably between takes, while other times, we’d rally around each other during emotionally intense scenes. 

How do you unwind when off set?  

Being a father to three kids keeps me on my toes! My downtime often involves spending quality time with my kids, daydreaming, or indulging in poetry writing. I also have a deep love for animals – whether it’s cats, dogs, or even cows. 

Fitness is another big part of my life. For me, working out is more than just staying in shape; it’s a way to find peace and release any stress or anxiety. It’s my form of therapy. 

Watch Elsaphan Njora on 4Play, now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes every Thursday.