MultiChoice has unveiled two brand new telenovelas in Kenya set to premiere on Maisha Magic Plus in October 2023. Produced by Lulu Hassan and Rashid Abdalla’s Jiffy Pictures (behind telenovelas like Maria, Zora and Kovu), these two projects are part of Maisha Magic Plus’s content rebranding strategy that will also see the channel adopt a new logo in October.
In Ka-Siri, a wealthy patriarch is killed in a home invasion gone wrong leaving behind a home divided by lies and dark secrets, and an unlikely heir that no one saw coming. Featuring over 100 episodes, Ka-Siri will air every Monday to Wednesday at 7:30 pm from 9 October. This telenovela stars Torome Sision (Igiza), Saada Fateh (Kovu), newcomer Philip Munyua, Muhugu Theuri (Crime and Justice), Lucarelli Onyango (Single Kiasi), Nyakundi Isaboke (Click Click Bang), Sheila Ndanu (Igiza), Nancy Wanjiku Karanja aka Shix Kapienga (Country Queen) and Christine Njambi (Maria).
Described as a modern-day Cinderella story, Zari tells the story of a young woman whose rightful family and fortune is stollen from her by her duplicitous adopted family. Born to a wealthy family, Nina is given away by her grandfather to be raised by his servant Bosco and his wife Fridah who swear to keep this secret. Years later, when the opportunity presents itself for Nina to claim her rightful place, Bosco and Fridah pass off their biological daughter Lola as Nina, denying Nina a chance to meet her real family and live the life she was meant to live.
Premiering on 23 October, Zari stars Sarah Hassan (Crime and Justice) and Brenda Wairimu (Disconnect: The Wedding Planner) in the lead role as Nina and Lola respectively, with newcomer Mike Makori, Angie Magio (Selina), Yasmin Said (Maria), Dennis Musyoka (Maria), Eravuna Wycliffe (Selina), Raymond Ofula (Monica) and Ronald Ndubi (Maria) also starring.
“Film production is very expensive and as filmmakers, investing and putting money behind productions is not easy, access to finance and capital too has many barriers,” said Jiffy Pictures’ Rashid Abdalla. “As industry players, we are delighted to have partners like MultiChoice who allow Kenyans to tell their own stories that are authentic and speak to our cultural and societal nuances while creating jobs for actors, actresses, chefs, transporters, real estate owners, make-up artists, video editors, sound producers, camera crew, set designers among others in the film ecosystem.”
Since 2015, MultiChoice has invested in over 89 local shows in Kenya, both commissioned and licensed, with 15 new shows releasing this financial year (from April 2023 all the way to March 2024), revealed Timothy Okwaro, M-Net’s Channel Director East and Southern Africa. “With an annual investment of over $5m in content production and licensing, translating into well over 5,600 hours of content annually, we have lined up some of the biggest, most exciting shows that will give our viewers more choice and more entertainment,” Okwaro said.
Nzola Miranda, Managing Director at MultiChoice Kenya said, “The launch of these new shows Zari and Ka-Siri underscores MultiChoice unwavering commitment to delivering family-friendly and exceptional entertainment to its viewers with content that resonates with them. The shows will be available to customers subscribed to the bouquets from DStv Access and GOtv Plus and above. By this, we are fulfilling our promise to be Kenya’s most-loved storyteller, giving access to this premium local content to our broader audience of viewers.”
Miranda added: “In all we do, we remain committed to leveraging our resources partnerships and talent collaborations, to bring our customers the best-in-content. The two new local shows will be a game-changer in local film production and consumption and will give the whole family more reasons to stay glued on their televisions,” noted Mr. Miranda.
