Nearly 20 years after high school, Erick Muriuki and Doug Mutai have teamed up to create A Very Kenyan Sketch Show, a witty and innovative take on Kenyan life.

The series uses sharp cinematography and sketch comedy to explore the humor in everyday situations, highlighting the quirks and absurdities of local culture.

The cast features rising stars Morris Mwangi (Faithless), Faiz Ouma (Untying Kantai), and Sanchez Marley (Nairobby), alongside guest appearances from Eddie Butita, Marya Okoth, TikTok dancer Collo Blue, and Instagram personality Sisinei Parmeres.

Co-produced by Stand-up Collective and Tribesman Pictures, the show premiered on January 4th at the Nairobi Laugh Bar to rave reviews. Audiences praised its clever humor and high production quality, a sentiment echoed globally after its YouTube debut on January 6th.

Muriuki, a filmmaker behind hits like A Nurse Toto, brought his expertise to the project, while Mutai added his comedic flair. “We wanted to celebrate Kenyan culture by poking fun at its quirks,” said Muriuki. Mutai added, “It’s all about taking ordinary moments and turning them into comedic gold.”

A Very Kenyan Sketch Show is a refreshing celebration of Kenyan humor and creativity, promising to set a new standard for local entertainment.

Netflix is set to broaden its repertoire of African storytelling with the premiere of Mo-Faya, an enthralling new drama series from acclaimed creator and director Reuben Odanga.

The seven-episode series is scheduled to launch on December 20, 2024, offering audiences a unique blend of intense drama and telenovela flair.

Mo-Faya takes viewers on a journey through Nairobi’s vibrant streets and into the lesser-seen corners of Western Kenya, an area rarely spotlighted in mainstream media. The show centers on Zawadie, whose life unravels after learning life-altering secrets about her family. Determined to rebuild, she begins a new chapter with her boyfriend, Brian. But when she discovers his dangerous double life, Zawadie is drawn into a shadowy world filled with betrayal and crime.

The series features a mix of seasoned talent and emerging stars, including Lorna Lemi (Nairobby), Brahim Ouma (Pepeta), and newcomers Tobit Tom and Mathew Ngugi. Also joining the cast are Alex Mwakideu (Nafsi), Blessing Lung’aho (Country Queen), Basil Mungai (Kina), Tessy Njine (Selina), and the well-known media personality Cate Rira.

Reuben Odanga, known for his work on the critically acclaimed, Kalasha Award-winning telenovela Selina, brings his expertise to Mo-Faya, marking his first series for Netflix. His directorial debut feature film, Nafsi, was also featured on the platform in 2022, solidifying his reputation as a pioneer in Kenyan storytelling.

Mo-Faya promises to bring a fresh and compelling voice to the global stage of drama.

Dictionary.com has named “demure” as its 2024 Word of the Year, a choice inspired by its viral popularity on TikTok.

Traditionally defined as “characterized by shyness and modesty; reserved,” the word took on a fresh, empowering meaning this year.

The trend began in August when TikTok creator Jools Lebron used the phrase “very demure, very mindful” in a series of videos offering advice on modesty, respect, and workplace etiquette. The word quickly became a playful descriptor for everyday moments, from eating a donut to commuting, and experienced a 1,200% increase in digital media mentions and 200 times more searches on Dictionary.com.

For Lebron, a transgender woman, the trend had a personal impact, helping fund her gender-affirming care. Other trans women also embraced “demure” as a way to share lessons on mindfulness and self-confidence, fostering a supportive community online.

Dictionary.com noted that “demure” reflects a broader cultural shift toward personal presentation and in-person interactions as society moves away from pandemic isolation. Alongside “demure,” other shortlisted words included Brainrot, Brat, Extreme Weather, Midwest Nice, and Weird.

The rise of “demure” demonstrates how language evolves, turning a traditional term into a modern expression of quiet confidence and empowerment.