Kalasha Awards 2018 nominees and where to find them on Showmax

The 2018 Kalasha Film and TV Awards nominations were announced yesterday at Prestige Cinema by the Kenya Film Commission, and as expected, some of the biggest shows and movies that have captivated audiences in 2018 did not miss their place on the coveted list.

Just like Sue na Jonnie’s 2017 Kalasha domination, Swahili telenovela Selina did not disappoint, scooping three nominations in the Best TV Drama, Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama (Celestine Gachuhi) and Best Lead Actor in a TV Drama (Pascal Tokodi) categories.

When asked about predictions for the Kalasha Awards in a recent interview with Showmax (watch it here), Selina’s male lead Pascal Tokodi said he doesn’t do what he does for the awards, while acknowledging that Selina is a great show and it would be God’s plan if they ever got nominated.

Selina’s director Reuben Odanga, who, like Pascal, doesn’t really dwell on awards, had this to say on the three nominations, “It’s a good thing to be nominated; we feel vindicated. It’s been a lot of hard work and sacrifice, and we pray that we will win this because it will be good for the team.”

Selina tells the story of a “too good” humble village girl (played by Gachuhi) and her star-crossed romance with her wealthy employer’s son Nelson (Pascal Tokodi), and also stars Kone Nouhoum and Alex Khayo. Selina is now streaming on Showmax.

Auntie Boss’ spin-off Varshita was nominated in two categories – Best TV Comedy and Best Performance in a TV Comedy (Eve D’Souza).

When asked for her comment in an interview over the phone, D’Souza said she is proud of the entire team – the cast, crew, writers and editors who truly gave Varshita their heart and soul. “Varshita was such a labour of love and a challenge put on us to take Kenyan comedy to the next level. We are so grateful to have our efforts acknowledged with nomination.”

For her nomination for Best Performance in a TV Comedy, D’Souza applauded her character, saying playing the psychotic Varshita has nurtured her to become an even better actress. “Love her or hate her, Varshita is a character I fully embraced. She has helped me step out of my comfort zone, to stretch my capabilities and evolve. This role has brought me so much growth, confidence and constant opportunities to learn.”

She added, “This Kalasha nomination is enough validation for me that all my hard work and efforts are appreciated. And that motivates me to keep going and trying to do better.”

Varshita follows toxic lovebirds Varshita (Eve D’Souza) and Donovan (Maqbul Mohammed) in their life as newlyweds as they try not to drive each other crazy while living under the same roof.

Catch up on your favourite 2018 Kalasha Awards nominees from the beginning on  Showmax. For the very latest seasons, tune in to Maisha Magic East on DStv and GOtv.

1. Best TV Comedy

Varshita

Real Househelps of Kawangware

2. Best TV Drama

Selina

Maza

3. Best Performance in a TV Comedy

Eve D’Souza (Varshita)

Makhokha (Hullabaloo Estate)

4. Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama

Angie Magio (Maza)

Celestine Gachuhi (Selina)

Catherine Kamau (Sue na Jonnie)

5. Best Lead Actor in a TV Drama

Martin Githinji (Sue na Jonnie)

Pascal Tokodi (Selina)

Congratulations are in order to all the Kalasha Awards 2018 nominees!

WATCH: Interviews with some of the nominated stars

Start watching now »