By Jennifer Ochieng
Published June 3, 2024
Jiji, a fast-paced youth drama that follows the lives of four girls who are forced into a life of crime to make ends meet in the streets of Jericho, a low-income settlement in Nairobi’s Eastlands area who are forced into a life of crime to make ends meet, premieres on Showmax streaming service on June 17, 2024.
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Eighteen-year-old Julz will do anything to provide for her family. When her younger brother is accepted into a prestigious international school, she and three friends take another job with Jericho’s kingpin, Makali, leading to tragic consequences that change their lives forever.
“Capturing the raw and authentic experiences of life in the ghetto, Jiji delves into the nuanced lives of four young women, each with unique strengths and vulnerabilities, as they navigate a world that constantly pulls them back into crime,” says director Enos Olik. “The intense emotional and moral conflicts, combined with the dynamic setting of Eastlands, promise a gripping and heartfelt narrative that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.”
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With its leading ladies, Olik directs a predominantly young cast, which he describes as a very interesting experience. “It’s been a collaborative effort working with them. Their enthusiasm and commitment to portraying their characters’ struggles and growth add a vibrant and realistic touch to the series. It’s also inspiring to see how they connect with the material, drawing from their own experiences and observations to bring depth to their performances,” Olik says.
Jiji co-directors include Edwin Kamau, Njue Kevin, Isaya Evans and Michael Jones.
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And who is in the cast of Jiji?
Fridah Mumbe is Julz: smart, ambitious and loyal to a fault, a hustler and a problem solver who is always looking at the big picture, making her the natural leader of the group.
Nungari Kiore is Achie: a young mother who simply wants to provide for her children and give them better chances than she had. Not really the smartest but she is also the muscle of the group, she can lift and push anything and anyone.
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Newcomer Aicy Stevens is Mwende: the adventurous beauty and slick charmer of the group who makes the best decoy or pickpocket.
Sybil Colette is Vee: the one with the book-smarts in the group. She’s great with numbers and figured how to save proceeds from their robbery early on.
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Keith Chuaga is Jericho’s kingpin Makali: respected and feared by many. He has a tight grip on the girls that they can’t seem to shake off.
Wakio Mzenge is Milka aka Mama Julz: a strict and uncompromising mother who rules her household with an iron fist.
George Mo is Milka’s husband and Julz’s father Eddie: a loving and humble man who always protects Julz from the wrath of her mother.
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Jiji also stars Nick Kwach, Bridget Shighadi, Marcus Ochieng, Ywaya Xavier, Benson Ojuwa, Emmanuel Mugo, Helena Waithera, Anita Wawuda, Diana Luvanda, Carlyn Karagai and Kendi Taylor.
Jiji joins Showmax’s ambitious 2024 slate in Kenya that also includes Single Kiasi S3, which is now available to binge after last week’s finale, May titles The Real Housewives of Nairobi S2, which introduced three new Housewives this season, Big Girl Small World directed by Nick Mutuma, Untying Kantai from Philit Productions, and the first Kenyan Showmax docuseries Nilichoma.
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