Video-on-demand platform Showmax has been on a path to make its services as robust and attractive to as many people as possible.
Following the launch of its Pro version in mid-2020 that broadcasts live football streams from major leagues in Europe, among other good content, Showmax has also been producing original content. This development was first launched a couple of months ago in Nigeria.
Now, Showmax has announced that it will be doing the same thing in Kenya. Its first local original series will be produced in collaboration with CANAL+, a global broadcaster.
Named Crime and Justice, the show is a police procedural, besides presenting elements of the legal system.
The company has also announced some of the show’s cast, including Sarah Hassan (Plan B, How to Find a Husband) and Alfred Munyua (Poacher, The First Grader, Sense8) starring as Makena and Silas.
Others include Maqbul Mohammed (Varshita, Auntie Boss) as DCI Boss Kebo, Paul Ogola (Sense 8, Kati Kati) as Prosecutor Sokoro and Brian Ogola (Lusala, Disconnect) as Caleb, the resident pathologist, as well as the stage and screen legend John Sibi-Okumu (The Constant Gardener, The First Grader), Muhugu Theuri (Pillow Talk, Pieces of Us), Brian Abajah (Sincerely Daisy), Martin Githinji (Sue na Jonnie, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind) and Justin Mirichii (Rafiki, Watu Wote) in guest roles.
Showmax says that the series is produced by an all-Kenya crew, including the production team, director-ship and cinematography.
Crime and Justice will be aired sometime in 2021.
What they said
When I first read the script, I loved the delivery and realness of Silas as a character. It’s not exaggerated and he’s no Rambo hero; he just tackles his cases the normal way. I found a very real edge with this script, and I hope I’ll do justice to the role.
– Alfred Munyua
This is a very different character; I’ve never played anything like Makena before. It’s very exciting to get a character that makes me grow as an actor.
– Sarah Hassan
We are fundamentally an African business and are invested in telling African stories that reflect the lives, languages and cultures of the continent. We believe in African talent and look forward to shining the international spotlight on not only Kenyan stars, but the Kenyan technical industry’s capabilities.
– Yolisa Phahle, CEO of MultiChoice Connected Video
