In 2023, Showmax soared to new heights in Kenya, with local productions such as The Real Housewives of Nairobi and Single Kiasi dominating the streaming platform’s viewership charts.
The success wasn’t limited to Kenya, as hits like Adulting from South Africa, Wura from Nigeria, and The Billionaire’s Wife from Ghana captivated audiences across the continent.
Showmax made a bold statement in Kenya by introducing a record seven original titles throughout the year.
The lineup included Single Kiasi Season 2, The Real Housewives of Nairobi Season 1, Kyallo Kulture Season 2, Faithless Season 1, and the telenovela Second Family Season 1 and Season 2.
Additionally, the platform premiered the animated series Twende and the second-ever Kenyan Christmas feature, A Merry X-Mess in December.
The 2023 viewing statistics released by the streaming platform underscored the importance of local content, proving that it can thrive alongside international hits like the Drama Winner Succession and The Last of Us.
These two shows also dominated the Emmys nominations, showcasing Showmax’s ability to cater to diverse audience preferences.
Also Read: Showmax Campaign Offers One Month of Free Viewership to Subscribers
Partnership with International Media
Beyond content achievements, the platform reached significant milestones in 2023 as a major partnership was announced with international media heavyweight Comcast, set to relaunch Showmax in February 2024.
The collaboration aimed to create the leading streaming service in Africa, combining the best of local and international programming, along with the continent’s first standalone live Premier League mobile streaming plan.
The video platform further expanded its content library with the launch of 21 Originals from four African countries in February alone. This included international hits like Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and Halo Season 2.
Also Read: Showmax’s Second Family Newcomer Vanessa Okeyo
Launch Of the Real Housewives of Nairobi
The Real Housewives of Nairobi Season 1, launched in February 2023, emerged as the biggest Showmax Original in Kenya to date.
Breaking streaming records, it claimed the top spot on the platform’s Top 10 most watched from the moment it was released.
Kenya’s recognition in the entertainment industry reached new heights as the country earned a record 17 nominations at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs).
Notably, Kenyan Showmax Originals Single Kiasi and County 49 led the nominations in various categories.
Similarly, March 2023 marked the launch of Second Family, the first Showmax Original telenovela in Kenya.
The show’s gripping storyline is filled with power struggles and family dynamics, after the untimely death of millionaire Leo Lang’at.
In September, the second season raised the stakes with the surprising return of the key character, Leo.
Showmax First original 2D Animation
Closing the year on a high note, Showmax introduced Twende in December 2023, as its first Original 2D animation series.
It featured a boda-boda-riding pangolin voiced by Junior Nyong’o, the show received rave reviews, highlighting Showmax’s commitment to diversity and innovative storytelling.
The cast of Twende featured a talented ensemble of Kenyan actors.
Among them are Elsaphan Njora, recognized as a nominee at the Kalasha Awards for his roles in Supa Sema and Kati kati, Charles Ouda from Crime and justice, Mkamzee Mwatela known for her work in Mali.
Others are Nyokabi Macharia, a Kalasha winner for Super Sema, Joyce Musoke from Second Family, and Khaemba W. Edward, acclaimed for his performances in Ogas at the Top and XYZ show.
All this Kenyan cast add depth and authenticity to Twende, contributing to the show’s positive reception with critics and audiences alike.
As Showmax continues to make significant strides, Jennifer Ochieng’, Showmax PR & Publicity, expressed excitement about the platform’s journey and the vibrant future of African streaming entertainment.
