Dysfunctional, wealthy families have long been prime fodder for television. From the Roys in Succession to the Targaryens in House of the Dragon, and nearly every family in Game of Thrones, to the Gemstones in The Righteous Gemstones, the Lyons in Empire, and the Richards in Riches, the world just can’t get enough of rich people scheming and trying to destroy each other without an ounce of remorse. Closer to home, we’ve had the Gatehi-Lang’ats in Showmax’ Second Family, a series that introduced us to the succession battles and chaos that erupt after the untimely death of a milling empire patriarch.
And now Kash Money – the upcoming Kenyan drama series set to premiere on Netflix this month – introduces us to the Jengas, a powerful family dynasty whose foundation is shaken following the death of the family patriarch.
Kash Money is directed and produced by Philippe Bresson and Grace Kahaki, the Insignia Productions duo behind the Showmax hit series Single Kiasi.
“Phil and I came up with the idea of Kash Money more than 6 years ago. It’s been our brainchild,” says Kahaki. “At the time, a Kenyan tycoon had died without putting his affairs in order, leaving his surviving dependents to scramble and fight for his wealth.”
Kahaki and Bresson have over 10 years of experience working in the television industry in Kenya. They are known for popular shows such as Changing Times, New Beginnings, My Two Wives and Pieces of Us. Their hit series Single Kiasi remains a fan-favourite and is the longest-running Showmax Original in Kenya, with a potential fourth season in 2025.
Kash Money is their first TV project to premiere on Netflix. “It’s a dream come true after all these years of grinding to see our project premiere on a global platform like Netflix. This feels amazing,” says Kahaki.
Describing the series, Kahaki calls it a gritty, fast-paced drama that explores how we are all susceptible to being manipulated by greed.
What is Kash Money about?
Kash Money is a six-part series that follows the powerful Jenga family whose lives are thrown into turmoil after the mysterious death of their patriarch, Joe Jenga. With a shocking twist in his will and long-buried secrets coming to light, the family must navigate a treacherous path of power, deception, and hidden motives.
The official synopsis reads, “Kash Money delves into the intricate web of secrets, betrayal, and dark family dynamics surrounding the death of the wealthy and powerful Joe Jenga. When Joe dies under mysterious circumstances, triggering a shocking twist in his will, the stage is set for a thrilling journey that exposes the true nature of the Jenga family.”
Who’s is in the cast of Kash Money?
Kash Money features an ensemble cast of both fresh and seasoned talent, with Kahaki describing them as “the best cast for the job.” The series marks the return of Sanaipei Tande to television following her abrupt exit in 2023 from her role as the ruthless water magnate Nana Tandala in Maisha Magic’s Kina. Another notable return to television is Janet Mbugua, last seen portraying a deputy governor in the third season of Showmax’s drama Monica.
The cast also includes acclaimed thespian John-Sibi Okumu, renowned for his work on stage and screen in productions like Crime and Justice, The First Grader and The Constant Gardener. Joining him are Lenana Kariba (Single Kiasi), Dedan Juma (Pepeta), singer Amara Tari, Maqbul Mohammed (Crime and Justice), Morris Mwangi (Sketchy Africans), Oliver Litondo (The First Grader), Joey Muthengi (Changing Times), Shiv Singh (Prem), Ronnie Kariuki (Trap House) and newcomer Anastaciah Liz Wamoro.
When does Kash Money come out?
All 6 episodes of Kash Money will drop on Netflix on 31 January 2025.
Watch the trailer below.
