By Editor
MultiChoice Productions stormed this year’s Kalasha International Film and TV Awards with an imposing 31 nominations across multiple categories, reaffirming the company’s commanding role in championing Kenyan storytelling.
Nick Mutuma’s romantic drama Big Girl Small World leads the charge with eight nominations, including Best TV Drama, Best Lead Actor for Emmanuel Mugo, Best Lead Actress for June Njenga, Best Supporting Actor for Dennis “OJ” Mugo, and Best Supporting Actress for Daina Njuguna.
The groundbreaking sci-fi drama Subterranea follows close behind with seven nominations, among them People’s Choice – TV Drama.
The series also earned acting nods for Melvin Alusa (Best Lead Actor), Foi Wambui (Best Lead Actress), Biko Nyongesa (Best Supporting Actor), and Nice Githinji (Best Supporting Actress), alongside recognition for Likarion Wainaina’s direction and Brian Munene’s scripting.
Insignia Productions’ Single Kiasi Season 4 and The Chocolate Empire secured six and three nominations, respectively. Single Kiasi S4 earned nods for Best TV Drama and People’s Choice – TV Drama, with acting nominations for Kevin Maina and Minnie Kariuki—both earning their first-ever Kalasha nominations.
Jimmy Gathu also scored a Best Lead Actor nomination for The Chocolate Empire.Maisha Magic Plus telenovela Lazizi picked up recognition for Helen Keli in Best Lead Actress and for June Ndinya, Vincent Mbaya, and Davis Nato in the Best TV Director category.
Long-running dramedy Njoro wa Uba secured two nominations: Best Lead Actor for Joe Kinyua and Best Supporting Actress for Jane Wambui.Other titles also made their mark.
Adam to Eve and Mizani received nominations in the Best Supporting Actor category (for Jack Mutinda) and People’s Choice – TV Drama, respectively.
In the student category, MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy alumni Brian Kabogozza and Sihnemariam Abebe earned a nomination for Best Student Film for Dinner for Three, underscoring the academy’s impact in nurturing the next generation of African filmmakers.
Full List of Kalasha Awards 2026 Nominations for Showmax Originals and Maisha Magic Titles
Best TV Drama· Big Girl Small World — Nicholas Mutuma· Single Kiasi — Grace Kahaki
Best Lead Actor in a TV Drama· Emmanuel Mugo (Big Girl Small World)· Jimmy Gathu (The Chocolate Empire)· Melvin Alusa (Subterranea)· Kelvin Maina (Single Kiasi)· Joe Kinyua (Njoro wa Uba)
Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama· June Njenga (Big Girl Small World)· Hellen Keli (Lazizi)· Foi Wambui (Subterranea)· Minnie Kariuki (Single Kiasi)
Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama· Dennis Mugo (Big Girl Small World)· Jack Mutinda (Mizani)· Biko Nyongesa (Subterranea)Best Supporting Actress in a TV Drama· Nice Githinji (Subterranea)· Jane Wambui (Njoro wa Uba)· Daina Njuguna (Big Girl Small World)
Best TV Director· Big Girl Small World — Nick Mutuma· Subterranea — Likarion Wainaina· Single Kiasi — Grace Kahaki and Philippe Bresson· The Chocolate Empire — Grace Kahaki and Philippe Bresson· Lazizi — June Ndinya, Vincent Mbaya and Davis Nato
Best TV Scriptwriter· Big Girl Small World — Angela Ruhinda· Subterranea — Likarion Wainaina, Brian Munene, Arnold Mwanjila and Martin Kigondu· Single Kiasi (Season 4) — Carol Kemunto, Jazzmine Maina, Grace Adhiambo and Jim Malakwen
People’s Choice Award – TV Drama· Big Girl Small World· Single Kiasi· Subterranea· The Chocolate Empire· Adam to EveBest Student Film· Dinner for Three – Brian Kabogozza & Sihnemariam Abebe (MultiChoice Talent Factory)
Winners will take the stage at a gala ceremony on 2 May 2026 as part of the Kalasha International Film & TV Market, Festival and Awards, running from 28 April to 2 May 2026 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.
