Showmax Originals have scored 26 nominations at the recently unveiled Kalasha Awards 2024 nominations.
This is the highest achievement at the Kalasha Awards yet for the African streamer, which has already released 12 Originals in Kenya, with more titles set to launch in 2024 following the recent Showmax relaunch in partnership with Comcast.
Adding to this impressive list of Showmax Original nominees are 21 titles from Maisha Magic Plus and Maisha Magic Movies that are available to stream on Showmax. Overall, Showmax earned 47 nominations, making it the most-nominated platform at this year’s Kalasha Awards.
“These 26 nominations are a great milestone for us at Showmax, not only as a celebration of our incredible local content offering but also as a validation of our content strategy and investment in Kenya,” says Emma Gichonge, the newly appointed Showmax General Manager East Africa. “And congratulations to all our Kalasha nominees; we couldn’t have done this without the immeasurable talent of our actors and filmmakers who continue to set the bar high in telling diverse stories that resonate with our audience.”
In the TV category, leading the pack for Showmax nominations is the thriller series Igiza with five nominations, including Best TV Drama, Best Lead Actor for Blessing Lung’aho and Best Lead Actress for Serah Ndanu. Set against the backdrop of Nairobi’s fashion industry and the infamous wash wash, Igiza follows twin sisters (both played by Ndanu) caught in a bitter rivalry after a betrayal in the past.
Single Kiasi, one of the top 10 most-watched shows on Showmax for three years in a row, follows closely with four nods, including Best TV Drama and Best Lead Actress for Faith Kibathi. The female-led drama returns for the highly anticipated third season on 5 March, with new cast members like Nini Wacera (Country Queen) and Jimmi Gathu (Kina) joining returning favourites Kibathi, Gathoni Mutua and Minne Kariuki.
The Kibera-set crime drama Pepeta, from director Vincent Mbaya, is up for Best TV Drama and the Viewer’s Choice Awards; the record-breaking first season of The Real Housewives of Nairobi is competing for Best TV Show; and stand-up comedies Roast House and Comedy Riot are vie-ing for Best TV Comedy, with Abel Mutua (Roast House) and Ruth Nyambura (Comedy Riot) up against each other for Best Performance in a TV Comedy. Roast House and Comedy Riot are produced by Eugene Mbugua’s D&R Studios, also behind The Real Housewives of Nairobi.
In the film category, Kenya’s first-ever Christmas feature, A Familiar Christmas, from director Reuben Odanga, shines with nine nominations, including Best Feature, Best Lead Actor and Best Lead Actress for Pascal Tokodi and Maureen Kunga respectively.
Maisha Magic Plus and Maisha Magic Movies nominees available on Showmax include telenovelas Salem, Kina and Sanura and John Allan-Namu’s true crime series The Last Door.
See the full Kalasha Awards 2024 nomination list of Showmax Originals and all Maisha Magic titles available on Showmax.
TV CATEGORY
Best TV Drama
Igiza
Pepeta
Single Kiasi
Kina
Best Lead Actor in a TV Drama
Blessing Lung’aho – Igiza
Charles Ouda – Salem
Jimmi Gathu – Kina
Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama
Serah Ndanu – Igiza
Faith Kibathi – Single Kiasi
Sanaipei Tande – Kina
Ivy Wanjiku – Sanura
Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama
Ainea Ojiambo – Igiza
Michael Munyoki – Single Kiasi
Ndungi Githuku – Kina
Best Supporting Actress in a TV Drama
Sophie Reuben – Pete
Aisha Said – Sanura
Julie Brenda Nyambura – Kina
Best TV Comedy
Roast House
Comedy Riot
Best Performance in a TV Comedy
Ruth Nyambura – Comedy Riot
Abel Mutua – Roast House
Best TV Show
The Real Housewives of Nairobi S1
Our Perfect Wedding S16
Best Viewers’ Choice (TV Drama)
Igiza
Pepeta
Single Kiasi
Kina
FILM CATEGORY
Best Feature Film
A Familiar Christmas
Best Lead Actor in a Film
Pascal Tokodi – A Familiar Christmas
Best Lead Actress in a Film
Maureen Kunga – A Familiar Christmas
Best Supporting Actress in a Film
Ruth Kamanzi – A Familiar Christmas
Ann Muli – Murder Camp
Best Supporting Actor in a Film
Michael Oluoch – Agonda
Best Lighting Technician
Gregory Kiwo – A Familiar Christmas
Best Editor
Hannah – Wangari – A Familiar Christmas
Steve Biko – Murdered for Love (The Last Door)
Best Viewers’ Choice (Feature Film)
A Familiar Christmas
Best Make-Up and Hairstylist
Classford Saul – A Familiar Christmas
Best Director of Photography
Elijah Kanyi – Murdered for Love (The Last Door)
Best Production Designer
June Ndinya – A Familiar Christmas
Catherine Muema – Murdered for Love (The Last Door)
Best Documentary Feature
Murdered for Love (The Last Door)
Death of a Kenyan Heiress (The Last Door)
Best Original Screenplay
Murder Camp
Best Original Score
Agonda
Best Costume Designer
A Merry X-Mess
Best Director
Elijah Kanyi – Death of a Kenyan Heiress (The Last Door)
