Showmax is set to premiere its latest Kenyan Original reality series, Nai-Rich, offering an exclusive glimpse into the lives of five prominent figures who have risen to the top of Nairobi’s social and entertainment scenes.

This 13-part series provides an unfiltered look at the drama and challenges that come with their high-profile lifestyles, going beyond the glamorous façades presented on social media. Viewers will follow these influential personalities as they navigate complex relationships, business ventures, and the pressures of staying on top in the dynamic Kenyan entertainment industry.

Produced by Samuel Maina, widely known as Sammy Dee, Nai-Rich promises to capture the essence of Nairobi’s vibrant and ambitious young elites. “The concept for Nai-Rich came from a desire to spotlight the energy and culture of Nairobi’s rising stars, blending luxury with the struggles they face,” says Sammy Dee. “These are individuals who have not only made a name for themselves through social media but have also overcome significant obstacles along the way, turning challenges into opportunities.”

Sammy Dee, whose production company True-D Pictures has previously worked on projects like the Ugandan reality series Kampala Crème and Maisha Magic’s Oh Sister and Date My Family, emphasizes that authenticity is key to creating a compelling reality series. “Audiences are drawn to stories that resonate with their own experiences. They want to see real emotions, genuine conflicts, and personal growth. High production quality, engaging storylines, and just the right amount of drama are essential to keep viewers hooked,” he explains.

Meet the Cast of Nai-Rich

The series features a diverse cast of influential figures:

• Phoina Wambui: Known simply as Phoina, she is a celebrated hair and make-up artist, beauty entrepreneur, and founder of Phoina Beauty, Nairobi’s premium beauty parlour catering to the city’s elite.
• Faith Makau (Amber Ray): A brand influencer and entrepreneur, Amber Ray is a mother of four (including two step-children) and is currently in a high-profile relationship with city businessman Ken Rapudo.
• Karuga Kimani (KRG the Don): A multi-faceted entrepreneur, farmer, industry loan shark, and entertainer, KRG the Don claims to be one of Kenya’s wealthiest artists. The father of four is also known as a music industry fixer and the go-to person for luxury cars.
• Risper Faith: Rising to fame from the reality show Nairobi Diaries, Risper Faith is an entrepreneur and influencer with a skincare brand designed for African skin. She frequently collaborates with her friend Phoina on successful business ventures. Risper is happily married to a Nairobi realtor and is a proud mother of one.
• Ken Rapudo: A wealthy Nairobi businessman, Ken Rapudo is known for his relationship with Amber Ray. The couple shares a blended family of four children, making them a frequent subject of public interest.

Nai-Rich is the latest addition to Showmax’s growing portfolio of Kenyan Originals, joining other 2024 releases such as the third season of the Kalasha-nominated drama Single Kiasi, Nick Mutuma’s comedy-drama Big Girl Small World, Phil Karanja’s dramedy Untying Kantai, and the recently launched youth drama Jiji. The series underscores Showmax’s commitment to investing in authentic local content that resonates with Kenyan audiences.

As Nai-Rich gears up for its highly anticipated premiere, it promises to deliver an exciting blend of luxury, ambition, and the real-life drama of Nairobi’s most influential personalities. The journey to the top is never easy, and Nai-Rich is set to show just how high the stakes are for those living the Nai-Rich lifestyle.

Kenya’s leading spirits brand, Chrome, is offering graffiti artists across the country a unique opportunity to shape the future of the iconic matatus, commonly referred to as nganyas.

This exciting initiative is part of the brand’s upcoming #HonourTheStreets campaign, a movement dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the rich and diverse street culture that defines urban Kenya.

As part of the campaign, Chrome is inviting graffiti artists to submit designs that capture the essence of their neighborhoods and personal stories. The winning artwork will be featured on Chrome’s signature matatus, which have become symbols of the brand’s deep connection to Kenyan street culture. These matatus are well-known for their vibrant, eye-catching designs that turn heads wherever they go.

Lilian Mbugua, Brand Manager for Chrome Trademark, emphasizes the significance of this project: “Our brand is deeply rooted in the stories and creativity of the streets. By giving graffiti artists a platform to showcase their work, we’re not just decorating a vehicle; we’re giving life to the voices of Kenyan communities.”

The competition is open to graffiti artists aged 18 and above who can demonstrate a strong link to their local community through their art. Entries will be evaluated based on creativity, storytelling, and the artist’s connection to their neighborhood. The winning design will be unveiled at a special event, kicking off a new chapter in Chrome’s engagement with street culture.

Artists who wish to participate should submit their work via direct message to the Chrome Kenya Instagram page by August 31, 2024. The winners will be announced on September 10, 2024, with the newly designed Chrome nganya hitting the streets soon after, embodying the spirit of Kenyan street art in motion.

4o

R&B sensation H.E.R. is set to bring her soulful voice to the world stage as she performs the U.S. national anthem during the Closing Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The 27-year-old Grammy-winning artist will play a significant role in the festivities at the Stade de France on Sunday, August 11, 2024. Her performance will be part of the handover ceremony to the 2028 Los Angeles Games, adding a touch of American culture to the grand finale of this year’s competition.

H.E.R.’s participation adds to the excitement surrounding the Closing Ceremony, which will also feature a breathtaking stunt by Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise.

According to sources, the 62-year-old actor will descend from the top of the Stade de France, carrying the official Olympic flag. The stunt, which will be televised, is expected to be one of the highlights of the ceremony.

As part of the event, the broadcast will transition to a pre-recorded film showing Cruise’s journey from Paris to Los Angeles. The film will capture the actor skydiving down to the iconic Hollywood sign before passing the Olympic flag to a group of athletes, including a cyclist, a volleyball player, and a skateboarder, as they make their way through the City of Angels.

The Los Angeles segment of the stunt was filmed in March, with insiders revealing that the production team managed to keep the shoot under wraps despite the potential for leaks. However, logistics for the French portion of the stunt are still being finalized, with the possibility that Cruise might use a stunt double for the actual descent.

In addition to these high-profile performances, it was recently announced that Team USA gold medalists Katie Ledecky and Nick Mead will have the honor of serving as flag bearers during the ceremony.