What to Watch in East Africa This Month

This month’s guide features TV shows and movies from Ethiopia, Uganda and Kenya.

A still photo of June Njenga from the comedy series, ‘Big Girl Small World.’

June Njenga stars in the Kenyan comedy series, ‘Big Girl Small World.’

Photo credit: Showmax.

East Africa’s entertainment industry is booming with a diverse array of original series, reality shows, documentaries, and fictional films. This July, OkayAfrica’s watchlist features top-notch television series and films from Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia.

Netflix has made a significant entry with its first Kenyan reality show, The Bahatis Empire, while Uganda’s Senkyu Boss returns for another hilarious season, showcasing the highs and lows of the employer-employee dynamic. These are just a few of the fantastic offerings from the region.

Keep reading for a full guide to the best films and series from East Africa this month.

‘Jiji’ - Kenya


Jiji
is a fast-paced youth drama that follows the lives of four young girls in the streets of Jericho — a low-income settlement in Nairobi — who are forced into a life of crime to make ends meet. Directed by Enos Olik (Famous), Jiji stars Fridah Mumbe (Pepeta), Nungari Kiore (Volume), Sybil Collette (Igiza), and Aicy Stevens in the lead roles of Julz, Achie, Vee and Mwende respectively.

Where to Watch: Showmax.

‘The Bahatis Empire’ - Kenya


Gospel singer Bahati and his wife Diana navigate love, family and the high life in Nairobi in Netfliix’s first reality show from Kenya

Where to Watch: Netflix.

‘Senkyu Boss’ - Uganda

A new season of Senkyu Boss (Thank You Boss) follows two peculiar men from different backgrounds who are brought together to help a single mother take care of her home and her daughter who just returned from abroad. It stars Draru Mary Prisca, Okello Oyena Joshua, and Shalom Gabrie Rosse.

Where to Watch: Showmax, from July 8.

‘Big Girl Small World’ - Kenya


A plus-size woman stumbles through a journey of self-discovery after a humiliating scandal in this brand-new Kenyan comedy-drama series. In the process, she finds out what it means to live big in a world determined to shrink her.

The 13-part series stars newcomers June Njenga and Daine Njuguna as Ciku and her former best friend Aisha, respectively. Emmanuel Mugo (Igiza), Fidel Maithya (Single Kiasi), Derek Bbanga (Second Family) and Kui Kabala (Njoro wa Uba) are also starring.

Where to watch: Showmax

A Black man in a brown suit sits in a studio chair with four other people and speaks into a microphone while everyone pays attention.
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