Jackie Kaboi on The Chocolate Empire and her advice for Gen Z

Jackie Kaboi might seem shy and introverted in person, but don’t let that fool you – her career has been nothing short of explosive. Starting out as a dreamer in high school during the late 2000s, she quickly shot to fame with her Kalasha-winning performance in the 2014 breakout film Tamed. 

And the accolades didn’t stop there. In 2016, Jackie bagged another major win, snagging the Best Actress award for her role in Kibanda Pictures’ short film Bait at the Riverwood Academy Awards. 

She has also been lighting up our TV screens in fan-favourite shows like Showmax’s Single Kiasi and Maisha Magic’s Nyumba 10. 

Now, she’s taking things to a whole new level in The Chocolate Empire, where she stars alongside Jimmy Gathu as his on-screen wife, Marie Mauzo. But don’t be fooled by her polished exterior – her character Marie has a scandalous secret! As her husband sat behind bars, Marie was entangled in a steamy affair with JB’s longtime friend. Struggling to keep her family together, she wrestles with guilt, fear, and the looming threat of public humiliation. 

In an exclusive with Showmax, Jackie dishes out on her career and newest project:  

This is your Showmax Original debut in a major role. Tell us how that felt when you got the role? 

I remember reading my lines during the auditions and I just knew – this was the role I’d been waiting for! A powerful woman, a leading cast member – it was everything I had dreamed of. I went all in, giving it 100%. When the call came in, it took me about 30 minutes for it to really sink in. On my first day on set, I couldn’t believe I was living this dream.  

How did you prepare for this role?  

Preparing for this role was an exciting challenge! I drew inspiration from Khanyi Mbau’s character on the The Wife. She plays a strong, ruthless woman, and I felt like Marie had a lot of similarities to her character.  

I also went back to my roots, drawing from two years of workshops I attended while working on Salem. I wanted Marie to stand out, to feel completely different from the character I played on Salem. Even down to the tiniest details – facial expressions, body language – I made sure Marie had her own unique identity. 

Being an introvert, how do you manage working with several people on set?  

Here’s a fun fact: a lot of actors are introverts.  It might sound surprising, but when you are on set, it’s like being with family. People just get it. They understand that at some point in the day, introverts might need to step away and recharge. For me, when I start feeling overstimulated, I have a little ritual – I step aside, put on my headphones, and let music work its magic. It’s my way of resetting. Luckily, most sets are super accommodating, so I never feel like my energy is completely drained. That’s why I absolutely love what I do. Being surrounded by creatives feels like home – it’s a space where I can be myself and thrive. 

Talking about music being your way of keeping calm, what are you currently listening to?  

My go-to song is “God Will Work It Out” by Maverick City as it grounds me. It was my number one song on my Spotify Wrapped. I also love some Watendawili and Jonathan McReynolds.  

With a career spanning more than 10 years, what have you had to learn and relearn to thrive in the industry? 

I have come to realise that every production is its own kind of teacher. Some sets teach you patience – waiting for the right shot, dealing with delays – while others demand resilience, pushing you to keep going even when it’s tough. And then there are those projects that stretch you as an actor, where you must deliver raw, on-the-spot performances. 

People don’t see the grind behind the glamour. Waking up at 5am, being on set for hours, sometimes until 10pm – it’s no joke. Without discipline and the right commitment, you simply can’t keep up. 

For me, these 10+ years have been a masterclass in dedication, growth, and the kind of hustle that makes dreams a reality. And I’m still learning, still growing – because that’s what it takes to thrive here. 

What advice would you give to the new crop of content creators trying to make it in the industry? 

If there’s one thing I have learned, it’s that content creation has been a game-changer for artists. Honestly, it’s the best thing that could have happened to us. Looking back, I feel like some of us missed the mark – especially introverts like me – hesitating to put ourselves out there, wondering if it was safe. 

But those who embraced content creation, especially during Covid, skyrocketed to incredible heights. Now, some of them are in a completely different league. They have the numbers, and let me tell you, numbers matter. 

So, my advice? Start now. Don’t overthink it. Use what you have, even if it’s just a basic phone or simple ideas. Forget about perfection and just create. Over time, you’ll get better, and trust me, the numbers will follow. And with those numbers come opportunities, and hopefully, money too. Your time is now – go for it! 

What’s on your 2025 bucket list? 

My 2025 bucket list is loaded. First, I want to get back into hiking – I’ve fallen so far behind! I’m determined to see all the waterfalls in Africa. In particular, the scenic Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls is calling me.  

Watch Jackie on The Chocolate Empire now streaming on Showmax.