9 May 2024
Gallery: Showmax celebrates its stars and stories as it officially relaunches in Kenya
On Wednesday night, African streamer Showmax celebrated its stars and the stories they tell at an exclusive star-studded event at Sankara, Nairobi, hosted by Lotan.
In attendance were Showmax GM in East Africa, Emma Gichonge, MultiChoice Kenya MD, Nzola Miranda, key industry stakeholders, celebrities and the main stars of the night: the cast of The Real Housewives of Nairobi S2, Big Girl Small World, and Untying Kantai, as well as the producers of Nilichoma.
The four titles are part of Showmax’s ramped-up content strategy in Kenya as it officially kicks off the ambitious Streaming for Africa in Kenya, a product of the strategic partnership between MultiChoice and Comcast announced last year that gave rise to the new Showmax.
Kicking off its highly anticipated second season on Friday, 10 May, The Real Housewives of Nairobi has added three new Housewives – Zena Nyambu, Farah Ismail and Reja Keji Ladu – who join Season 1 cast Minne Kariuki, Vera Sidika and Dr Catherine Masitsa.
Big Girl Small World, which premiered yesterday, on 8 May, follows newcomer June Njenga as a plus-size woman fighting to be seen in a world that is determined to shrink her.
From Philit Productions, Untying Kantai, which premiered today, 9 May, follows a man who stumbles on a lucrative but illegal business opportunity, and dives headfirst into a world of danger and deceit.
On 28 May, Showmax will also release its first-ever Original docuseries in Kenya, Nilichoma.
“Other than the ground-breaking Showmax Premier League in your pocket and global blockbusters from the world’s best studios, we are equally committed to our African content slate. This year, there will be more than 1 300 hours of Showmax Originals produced, representing a significant 150% increase in production output compared to the year before,” said Showmax GM Gichonge in her speech.
Acknowledging the four Kenyan titles releasing in May, Gichonge added, “We are very proud of this content because it directly demonstrates the skill and talent of our Kenyan film and TV community, many of whom are in the audience today.”
MultiChoice Kenya MD, Nzola Miranda, said, “Tonight we are revolutionising Streaming for Africa. We are supercharging the opportunities that come with the power of content in our hands. We are supercharging an exhilarating journey that has embraced the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and boundless possibilities. Together, we have the power to transform the way Africa experiences entertainment.”
Showmax also lined up a few surprises for the night, including performances by Nikita Kering and Okello Max, and the unveiling of the Kenyan May content slate pods, which allowed guests to experience the content as they interacted with the stars of the night.
More images from the star-studded launch event
Original African stories by local talent
Black & Blue S1
Black & Blue, a Showmax Original police-based mockumentary series, lands on 6 November, with new episode every Wednesday.
Ubuthe Uzobuya
Ubuthe Uzobuya delves into the lives of couples torn apart when one partner abruptly disappears without explanation. Stream from 29 October.
Princess on a Hill
Princess on a Hill is a compelling drama series that explores themes of power, ambition, and the cost of success. Stream from 7 November 2024 on Showmax.
Brasse Vannie Kaap
Brasse Vannie Kaap is a documentary about the iconic, game-changing 90s group who helped make hip hop South African. Stream now on Showmax.
Soft Life
Soft Life follows Owami who enters into the secretive world of high-society companionship. Stream from 18 November 2024, with new episodes every Monday.
Style Magnate
Style Magnate is a Nigerian Showmax Original following 20 designers vying for a life-changing prize. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.
Subterranea
Subterranea follows eight participants of a psychological experiment, trapped in an underground bunker. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Nai-Rich
Nai-Rich follows five influential Kenyans, giving a glimpse into the glitz and glam of their daily lives in the entertainment industry. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.
More Showmax Originals you'll love
Law, Love and Betrayal episode 7 recap: A violent eviction
In episode 7 of Law, Love and Betrayal, Ayanda and James defend a woman when she gets attacked and evicted by her landlord. New episodes every Thursday on Showmax.
The Mommy Club Sugar & Spice finale: Make-up class clashes
In the final episode of The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice, Neetasha and Lenore defy the dare, and the twins confront them. Catch new episodes every Thursday on Showmax.
Empini Season 1, episodes 43-44 recap: The grenade
In Empini episodes 43-44, Ndoni is reassigned to Amahle and vows to protect her, but things take a turn when the girl is kidnapped. Catch new episodes every Thursday on Showmax.
7 South African stand-up comedians that bring the laughs
Discover these top SA comedians ready to make you laugh out loud in their comedy specials and the 13-part Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, now streaming on Showmax.