Kenyan entertainment industry has produced some of the greatest music and films even though it is still looked down upon.
Kenya has been rated low in the industry as compared to Nigeria, South Africa and even Tanzania.
It has now become a matter of blame games with players in the industry claiming that Kenyans(including media channels) do not support their own. On the other hand, the players have been accused of not putting in their all to produce content that can even reach international levels.
But all the same, Kenya has talent, be it music, film, dance and in all aspects of entertainment.
There are some of great films that have been produced locally and they have kept the majority of Kenyans glued to the screens. They include:
1.Makutano Junction
Makutano junction premiered in 2006 on Citizen TV. The film touches on issues affecting the African community including murder, HIV/AIDS, pregnancy, human rights and social injustices as well as values and perception.
The show was produced by David Campbell and Naomi Kamau. Some of the cast include Naomi Kamau who played the role of Mama mboga, Philip Luswata as Matano, Raymond Ofula and Maqbul Mohamed
2.Siri
Siri was aired about 12 years ago. It also revolved around social issues affecting the community. The TV drama revolved around a society’s struggle against cultural norms that threaten to divide them.
The show was produced by Al Is On Production.
3.Mali
Mali is also another Kenyan film that was aired on NTV. It premiered in October 2011. The series revolved around a rich and affluent family that had a lot of hidden secrets.
The story was written by Alison Ngibuini and Damaris Irungu. Some of the cast include George Ohawa, Brenda Wairimu, Mumbi Maina, Abel Amunga among others.
The series focused on how a family can be divided by greed and secrets.
4.Changing times
The TV series featured notable celebrities such as Joey Muthengi, Ian Mugoya, Joy Kendi, Gera Rocker and Nice Githinji.
The series was produced by Insignia productions which was launched in 2008.
5.Beba times
Beba aired on NTV once a week. The show was produced by Machakos governor Alfred Mutua after an encounter he had on the road while heading to his company.
“I came up with BebaBeba TV show after a Matatu blocked me while heading to my Golden Dreams Company offices. I wrote the first season and with my friend Victor Muniafu, we cast for the show at the National Theatre. I co-produced it with NTV. We need to rerun it,” Mutua said in a tweet.
The drama series explored the life of the middle class in Nairobi.
- Vitimbi
Vitimbi was a popular Swahili comedy show that was broadcast on KBC since 1985. At the time it premiered, KBC was still called Voice of Kenya.
The Kenyan show was all about drama and revolved around the life of the main character Mzee Ojwang’. Others who participated in the film include Inspector Mwala, Mama Kayai as well as Mogaka.
7.Nairobi law
This was a drama series that focused on the law and court. It was aired on a local TV channel between 2009-2011.
Stars in the series were Rashid Mwango, Raymond Wafula and Nini Wacera.
- Vioja Mahakamani
This was also another Kenyan court drama series that was aired on KBC for over 25 years. Some of the favorite actors that cracked Kenyans’ ribs include Makokha, Alexander, Ondiek Nyuka Kwota and many others.
9.Papa Shirandula
Papa Shirandula was another of Kenyans’ favorite local dramas. The series was aired on Citizen TV from 2007.
It revolved around the life of Charles Bukeko(papa Shirandula) and his screen wife Jackie Nyaminde(Wilbroda).
Papa Shirandula worked as a watchman in a big company but he however hid that from Wilbroda, who always knew that her husband was a managing director at the company.
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