Showmax has unveiled the first look teaser trailer for the upcoming drama series Pepeta, premiering on 24 November 2022. The sixth Showmax Original in Kenya, Pepeta is loosely based on the real-life story of Harun ‘Rio’ Wathari. The eight-part series captures the dreams and realities of the youth in Kibera, known for churning out top football players in the country.
Pepeta follows three intertwining stories. Junior is a 17-year-old talented footballer torn between the thrills of críme and the promises of soccer. Kepha is an unforgiving cop with a personal vendetta, determined to rid the streets of the likes of Junior. And Biki is an ambitious football coach determined to get Junior and his friends scouted before their dreams are cut short.
Featuring a predominantly young cast, including some who have never been seen on screen before, Pepeta stars Brahim Ouma (Famous) in his first-ever lead role as Junior. The cast also includes Malik Lemuel, who makes a major comeback after Machachari, Dedan J. Onyango (The Real Househelps of Kawangware), Lwanda Jawar (Sense8), Avril Nyambura (MTV Shuga), George Mo (Borderline), Wycliffe Eravuna (Selina), Marrianne Nungo (Supa Modo), Brian Ngaira (Baba Twins), and newcomers Eric Aswani, Fridah Mumbe and Suzanne Karani.
Pepeta is produced by CJ3 Entertainment and directed by Vincent Mbaya (Country Queen, Chaguo), with Damaris Irungu (Críme and Justice), Charles Ouda (Waiting Room, Makutano Junction) and Abigail Arunga (How to Find a Husband) as writers.
Speaking about his experience directing the show, Mbaya describes it as a lifetime in the making. “I had to dig deep into my experiences, especially working with young first time actors. I really had to go back to my acting days and put myself in their shoes, guiding them through the process, helping them tap into the small things that define their characters. It was a very fulfilling experience,” Mbaya says.
Even though challenging, Mbaya admits, watching Pepeta’s young cast morph into their roles and blossom as performers really made him feel proud. “I think that we are about to discover some amazing talent. Some of the more known faces also deliver on a level we haven’t seen them reach before.”
Pepeta builds on other Showmax Originals in Kenya like the political thriller series County 49, the thriller series Igiza, the police procedural and legal drama Críme and Justice S1 and S2, the drama series Single Kiasi and the coming-of-age film Baba Twins.
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