By Editorial team
Award-winning filmmaker Reuben Odanga is weaving a new tapestry for Kenyan television, stitching together the rich landscapes and languages of the sugar belt for his latest project, “Lazizi.”
Through his company, Multan Productions, Odanga has spent nearly two decades defining East African drama with hits like “Selina,” “Mofaya,” and “MTV Shuga.”
Now, he shifts his focus from the urban pulse to the rhythmic heart of Western Kenya.Odanga revealed that the breathtaking scenery of Muhoroni, framed by the Nandi Hills, directly inspired “Lazi zi.”
“I wanted to give our fans, especially those from that region, something that feels like home,” he said. The show fuses the high drama of a telenovela with raw, emotional storytelling, creating a narrative that is both epic and intimately human.
A Commitment to Authentic Casting and Setting
To capture this authenticity, Odanga is shooting the series on location in Luo Nyanza, particularly in Muhoroni and Kisumu. He also champions a casting philosophy that spotlights fresh talent alongside established actors.
“I have a soft spot for the new ones, the ones hungry to learn, to grow, to shine,” Odanga shared, recalling how he discovered Vivian Nyawira for a leading role in “Lazizi” during a stage play after extensive auditions failed to yield the right fit.
This relentless production pace “Lazizi” is his third major project in a year stems from what he calls “functional systems” and a diligent team.
“We have built a brand that is trusted over time,” Odanga stated, attributing his consistent output to intentional upscaling and a proven track record of delivery.
Embracing Critique and Championing Culture
When asked about fan criticism, especially for recent projects like “MTV Shuga,” Odanga maintains a philosophical perspective. “I have learned not to take criticism personally,” he said, adding that he sees the chatter as a uniquely Kenyan way of showing engagement.
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“If people are talking, it means they are watching.”With “Lazizi,” Odanga ultimately hopes to celebrate Kenyan culture in its specific, regional beauty.
“It’s easy to think Kenya is Nairobi, but it’s not,” he remarked. He aims to open a conversation about the nation’s diverse stories, showcasing the complex lives within the sugar belt ecosystem.
Looking beyond “Lazizi,” the filmmaker expressed a desire to adapt epic historical stories like “Nabongo Wanga” or the 1982 coup for the small screen.
For now, audiences can catch his latest love letter to Kenya, “Lazizi,” every Monday to Friday at 8:00 PM exclusively on Maisha Magic Plus.
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