Jimmy Gathu spills on life, luxury, and The Chocolate Empire

Some stars do not require an introduction, and Jimmy Gathu is one of them. With an illustrious career spanning an incredible 35 years, Jimmy has been the face and voice of Kenyan entertainment, dominating TV screens, radio waves, billboards, and campaigns with his unmatched charisma and charm. 

From hosting celebrity interviews and presidential sit-downs to starring in unforgettable infomercials like Mpango wa Kando, Jimmy has been a trailblazer for change, becoming a household name in the process. 

After wowing fans with his lead role in Kina and exciting appearances in Single Kiasi and 4Play, Jimmy is back on Showmax in Chocolate Empire. In this gripping crime drama, he plays JB, a once-powerful tycoon fresh out of prison and ready to reclaim his place in the world. 

Even more exciting, he reunites with his Kina co-stars, Sanaipei Tande and Makena Kahuha, in what promises to be one of Kenya’s most thrilling dramas yet. 

In an exclusive, Jimmy reflects on his career and his lead role on Showmax’s newest Original:  

You have had a 30+ year career in media and entertainment. How have you managed to stay relevant for so long? 

Wow, it’s been 35 years now since I started my career in 1990 at the age of 20. What has kept me going is constantly reinventing myself. I’m always reevaluating, seeing what my audience wants, and growing alongside them, whether it’s in radio, TV, or acting, I’ve stayed in touch with the times because that’s essential in this field. To remain relevant, I’ve had to adapt and evolve consistently. 

How did you land the role of JB Mauzo in The Chocolate Empire? 

It all started with a call from Philip Bresson and Grace Kahaki, whom I had worked with on Single Kiasi Season 3. I remember how much I enjoyed working with them on the show. In fact, I told them back then, if they ever have another challenging role to think of me. 

When Chocolate Empire came up, they did just that. What truly captivated me about JB was the depth of his character. Despite his morally ambiguous background and the many challenges he faces, his unwavering faithfulness to his wife stood out to me. It’s rare to find a character with that level of complexity, and it really drew me in. 

JB Mauzo is a deeply complex character. How did you prepare to portray someone juggling the duality of a businessman and a man with a secret criminal empire? 

I’m not a method actor, but I lean heavily on the guidance of directors to shape my performances. Playing JB in Chocolate Empire was especially challenging because he’s so different from me. I had to “breathe life” into a character who is practically my opposite. 

Take smiling, for instance - JB doesn’t smile much, whereas I love to laugh! On set, every time I slipped into a smile, the director would shout, “Cut! JB, stop smiling!”. It became a running joke, but it also reminded me how much I needed to stay in character. 

My theatre experience played a huge role in helping me tackle JB’s emotional complexity. He’s calm under pressure, never shaken or visibly disturbed, no matter what’s happening around him. His secretive, dangerous, and stoic nature pushed me as an actor, but it was such an exciting challenge to portray. 

You reunited with your Kina co-stars on this show. How was that experience? 

It was amazing! Sanaipei is such an incredible actress and musician - working with her is always a joy. Sana has this remarkable ability to completely transform into her characters and watching her do it so effortlessly is nothing short of inspiring. And getting to team up with Makena as well, who played our daughter in Kina, felt like a proper reunion. Being back on set with both brought back great memories and made the experience even more special. 

What’s the most challenging thing you’ve ever done for a TV role? 

Playing Dickson in Single Kiasi was one of the most emotionally taxing roles I’ve ever taken on. Some scenes were so intense and graphic that they had to be edited for Showmax. It was a heavy role, both mentally and emotionally. 

As for JB, stepping into a steamy scene was a completely new challenge for me. I’d never done anything like it before, but the directors were incredibly supportive. They guided me through the process, ensuring it wasn’t just for shock value but served the story and JB’s character development. 

What’s the most expensive item you’ve recently purchased? 

Sure, my house and car are my biggest investments yet, but if we’re talking about essentials, my glasses top the list! Recently, I treated myself to a pair of designer frames worth KES 100 000. They’re not just functional - they’re a style statement. There’s something about rocking designer glasses that adds an extra layer of confidence.  

If JB could have any superpower to manage his double life, what would it be? 

A mix of telekinesis, telepathy, and teleportation. These powers would make JB even more formidable and multidimensional. Imagine how unstoppable he’d be with those abilities! 

What’s next for Jimmy? 

There’s something big coming this year that I’m 95% sure will redefine the media landscape. I’m also focused on expanding my acting career across borders. While awards are nice, for me, it’s about the joy of storytelling and pushing boundaries. Exciting things are on the horizon! 

Don't miss the premiere of The Chocolate Empire coming to Showmax on 20 March, with new episodes every Thursday.