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Prolific Kenyan filmmaker Reuben Odanga, famed for the award-winning telenovela Selina and feature film Nafsi, is set to premiere his newest series, Mo-Faya, on Netflix. The seven-episode drama, a captivating mixture of hard-nosed storytelling combined with aspects from the telenovela genre, will be launched in a global premiere on December 20, 2024. This seals Kenya’s rise in the global entertainment scenery.
Set mainly in Nairobi, with unique peeks into Western Kenya, Mo-Faya follows the tumultuous life of Zawadi, a young woman intent on starting her life afresh alongside her boyfriend, Brian. Family secrets and Brian’s involvement in the criminal underworld derail her from this intent, hurtling her into a deadly game of deception and crime. The series goes deep inside love, identity, and resilience to show Odanga’s commitment to grounded and resonant emotional storytelling.
Odanga describes the series as “raw and grounded in realism,” reflecting authentic Kenyan life while exploring the impact of present and responsible parenting. This socially conscious narrative reflects his consistent focus on addressing real-world issues through compelling drama.
The cast is a dynamic blend of talent, including Lorna Lemi (Nairobby), Brahim Ouma (Pepeta), and newcomers Tobit Tom and Mathew Ngugi. Renowned actors Alex Mwakideu (Nafsi), Blessing Lung’aho (Country Queen), and Tessy Njine (Selina) are part of the ensemble, adding depth and nuance to the characters.
Co-executive produced by Odanga and Jacqueline Musyoka of Multan Production in Nairobi, lead produced by Margaret Wanjiru Muriithi, the series was written by Edijoh Mwaniki of Lost in Time, while Okada Media handled distribution. Mo-Faya is positioned to expose Kenyan stories to the world on a wider scale.
This will be Odanga’s first series with Netflix, after the 2022 success of Nafsi, and becomes the first Kenyan series to premiere on the platform since Volume in 2023. The arrival of Mo-Faya signals a massive moment for Kenyan cinema, showcasing the country’s robust storytelling tradition on a world stage.
With a well-woven plot and a touch of real culture, Mo-Faya will capture the attention of many in the world while improving the status of Kenyan filmmakers on the globe.