Gallery: Showmax takes over Kalasha as it celebrates its stars

On Friday, 29 March 2024, the African streaming service took over the Kalasha International Film and TV Market, Festival and Awards in style with the first-ever Showmax Industry Mixer held at KICC.

Hosted by Lotan, the exclusive was attended by media, actors and filmmakers including Philip Karanja, Wakio Mzenge, George Mo, Enos Olik, Nick Mutuma, Shuga actor Emmanuel Ikubese, Grace Kahaki, Nini Wacera, Tosh Gitonga, Likarion Wainaina, Gathoni Mutua, Faith Kibathi, Francis Ouma, Fidel Maithya, Mumbi Maina, Eugene Mbugua, RHONairobi Housewife Sonal Maherali and so many more.

Also in attendance were other film stakeholders as well as the CEO of Kenyan Film Commission Mr. Timothy Owase.

While unveiling Showmax’s upcoming slate in the exclusive event, Showmax GM in East Africa, Emma Gichonge, reiterated Showmax’s commitment to investing in the film and TV industry in Kenya, while also acknowledging the support from the Kenya Film Commission.

“Now, more than ever, Showmax is in a unique position to deliver not only diverse, award-winning local content but also hit international titles from the world’s best studios like HBO and Universal as well as the world’s biggest sport – the Premier League, right in your pocket, all at unbeatable prices,” said Gichonge.

The Real Housewives of Nairobi and Pepeta win Best TV Show and Best TV Drama at Kalasha Awards

In even more great news, Season 1 of The Real Housewives of Nairobi won Best TV Show at the Kalasha Awards ceremony held on Saturday. The popular reality series is the biggest Showmax Original yet in Kenya, having broken streaming records when Season 1 launched in February 2023, and making it to the top 10 most-watched shows on Showmax in Kenya in 2023.

Crime drama Pepeta was another Showmax winner of the night at the Kalashas, clinching the coveted Best TV Drama and Best Viewers’ Choice.

Based on the real-life story of Harun ‘Rio’ Wathari, Pepeta follows the three intertwining stories of Junior, a 17-year-old talented footballer torn between the thrills of crime and the promises of soccer; Kepha (George Mo), an unforgiving cop with a personal vendetta; and Biki, an ambitious football coach determined to get Junior and his friends scouted before the barrel of the gun cuts short their dreams.

More winners on Showmax include Roast House, Best Performance in a TV Comedy for Abel Mutua; Salem, Best Lead Actor in a TV Drama for Charles Ouma; The Caller, Best Supporting Actress in a Film for Brenda Mwai; The Last Door for Best Documentary Feature; and Kina, Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama for Ndugi Kithuku.

More details about Showmax’s 2024 slate in Kenya will be shared soon. For any press queries, please reach out to Jennifer.ochieng@multichoice.com.

More images from the Kalasha Awards