See the trailer for Showmax’s The Chocolate Empire

Showmax is turning up the heat this March with a new gripping crime drama, The Chocolate Empire, from the creators of the hit show Single Kiasi.   

Set against the backdrop of Nairobi’s elite circles, The Chocolate Empire follows JB Mauzo, played by the multitalented Jimmy Gathu (Kina), a once-powerful businessman freshly released from prison. As JB works to rebuild his life and mend his fractured family, he secretly operates a high-end escort service from his exclusive cigar club. His clandestine empire and personal life collide when he meets Lily (Ann Muli, A Familiar Christmas), a young woman from a struggling family, who takes a job at JB’s club to help her mother make ends meet, unaware of the illegal operations taking place. 

The show boasts a stellar ensemble cast that includes Sanaipei Tande (Kina), Kalasha winner Mumbi Maina (Second Family), Kalasha nominee Jackie Kaboi (Single Kiasi), Escay Gitonga (Kam U Stay), Kael Njihia (Country Queens, Salem), Linda Tyagi, Michael Sanuri (Kiu), Angie Magio (Selina), Kennedy Musumba, Mwaniki Mageria (The Real Housewives of Nairobi), Aleks Kamau (Volume, Faithless), Amalie Chopetta (You Again), and Derek Bbanga (Big Girl Small World).  

Supporting the cast are Ivy Wanjiku (Sanura), Makena Kahuha (Subterranea), rapper Xtatic in her Showmax debut, Palma Lumbasi (Borderline), fashion model turned actress Everlyne Kanane, Sharon Murithi, and Mercy Kavulani as the “chocolates”.  

Watch the trailer for The Chocolate Empire

Co-produced and co-directed by the dynamic duo Phillippe Bresson and Grace Kahaki from Insignia Productions, Chocolate Empire examines the fragile bonds of family, the different shades of love, the quest for redemption, and the high cost of deceit. 

“This is darker and bolder than anything we have done before,” says producer Grace Kahaki. “We love a challenge and are absolutely dedicated to elevating our craft. We approached this production with care – it’s important to tell stories authentically, so we spoke to people who live in these worlds. Jimmi Gathu was always JB in my mind. Having worked with him on Single Kiasi, I knew he could bring JB’s charm, menace, and complexity to life. Somehow, you root for JB, even when he’s wrong.” 

“This is the biggest cast we ever worked with. We have produced and directed more than 10 TV shows, and the casting process for The Chocolate Empire was by far the longest. We knew what we wanted and didn’t settle until we got it. It is an incredible mix of fresh talent and industry legends – I’m completely in love with this cast.” adds Grace.  

This new drama marks the second Kenyan Original from Showmax in 2025, following the release of Take Me Home Season 2. Last year, Showmax launched a record-breaking 12 Kenyan Original titles, doubling its output from the previous year. With Chocolate Empire, Showmax continues to set the bar for bold, authentic storytelling in Africa in its content slate for the coming months.  

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

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