MultiChoice Group Ltd.’s streaming platform, Showmax, is deepening its investment in East African noir, tapping Oscar-shortlisted filmmaker Daudi Anguka for its latest original series.
The drama thriller, titled Mizani, is scheduled to premiere on Feb. 5, 2026. The move signals Showmax’s continued pivot toward high-stakes, localized content as it defends its market share against global rivals like Netflix Inc. and Amazon Prime Video in the African streaming sector.
Set against the backdrop of Mombasa’s criminal underbelly, Mizani marks the Showmax debut for Anguka’s AR Film Productions. Anguka has emerged as a powerhouse in the regional industry; his previous work, Mvera, served as Kenya’s official submission for the 2024 Academy Awards.
While Anguka’s earlier portfolio was defined by the high-volume Swahili telenovela format (Pete, Sanura), Mizani represents a shift toward the “prestige TV” model—grittier, limited-run narratives designed to drive subscriber retention.
The series follows a journalist, played by Michael Saruni (The Chocolate Empire), who attempts to dismantle a politically protected organ trafficking syndicate following a family tragedy.
The production reflects a significant scaling of Anguka’s previous thematic interests. “Organ trafficking is a real and growing issue, not just in Kenya but across Africa,” Anguka said in a statement. “I wanted to tell a darker, more urgent story.”
The writer’s room includes industry veterans Brian Munene (Subterranea) and Ambat Rioba Mann whereas directorial team comprises a four-person rotation led by J.A. Chumbe and Bill Jones Afwani. Ensemble cast features Kalasha Award winners Jack Mutinda and Denis Humphrey, alongside a mix of veteran coastal actors and newcomers.
For MultiChoice, Mizani is more than a creative venture; it is a tactical play. By leveraging the “Mombasa noir” aesthetic and Anguka’s critical pedigree, Showmax aims to capitalize on the growing demand for authentic African crime procedurals. As the streaming wars in Africa shift from library depth to original production quality, Mizani is positioned as a cornerstone of Showmax’s Q1 2026 strategy.
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