By Mark Allan Karanja
About a week ago, the last scene of season 1 SUMU LA PENZI was filmed, and the director called it a wrap. But this hardly means the end of the show. If anything it is the beginning of new and exciting prospects. Not only is season two slated to commence soon, but this week, SUMU LA PENZI was nominated for the KALASHA Awards 2014 as the best drama series.
It is indeed a humbling thing for the entire Spielworks family to have yet another one of our productions nominated, and this fresh from the AFRICA MAGIC VIEWERS’ CHOICE AWARDS (AMVCA) nominations that we received in the first half of the year. The ladies of SUMU LA PENZI are taking over and the world is sitting up and taking notice.
SUMU LA PENZI is the story of the quintessential Nairobi woman and her struggle to find her identity in a Man’s world. four ladies from four different worlds have a collision of sorts with the world and its harsh realities. Driven by the search for love, money and power, Mariam, Eva, Ama and Tindi, find themselves thrown to the wolves but come out swinging. This is a dynamic Quartet, making a symphony of what it is like to be an African woman in an African Man’s world.
Ama- the boss, Mariam- the vixen, Eva - the home maker and Tindi – the innocent, have done a great job this first season, leaving us hungry to see what they do in the coming seasons of this captivating show. And this is alongside their equally talented leading men Martin – the politician, Oscar – the pimp, Okwonkwo – the West African mogul, and Solomon – the upstart. From home wrecking to murders and everything in between, these girls have seen their fair share of action this season, and it can only get better with the coming seasons.
Kenyan television has come a long way, full circle one would say. From mediocre little skits with a skeletal cast and crew to the massive projects they are today with great stories, fantastic cast, gorgeous sets and beautiful end products that rival Nigerian and South African productions. From Lies that Bind produced by Spielworks media, to Mali, Demigods and Noose of Gold, Kenya is ripe with undeniable talent.
It takes a tremendous amount of time, talent and effort to produce the masterpiece that is SUMU LA PENZI. Every single individual involved in the project puts their heart and soul into it. What better way to see the curtains fall on a dynamic season than putting this talented team at the top. Be sure to vote for SUMU LA PENZI as the best Drama Series. It does not get any better than this. Keep it Spielworks Media for more surprises and great programs.