Filamu Kenya Issue 2 | Seite 27

Start small, then blow up! That is exactly what Eve D’ Souza has done in her character as

B y S h e i l a K i m a n i
Kenya has experienced and upsurge regarding locally produced content which is definitely a step in the right direction! From days when KBC was the only channel then outstanding shows included“ Tausi” and“ Kisulisuli”, current turn of events proves progress within the industry.
“ Of course, I used to look at shows like Tausi where my aunt played a major role and I was certain I’ d find myself in the acting profession. Back then options were limited but today, a good actress can find herself starring in 2 or more hit television series in Kenya, which is great,” Olympia, who has been an actress and assistant director for many TV shows, affirms.

“ Varshita”

Moonbeam Productions, which belongs to Eve D’ Souza and Mwangi, is one such production house whose television shows“ Auntie Boss” and
“ Varshita” have become favourites among the Kenyan audiences. Hinged on a story line that follows the lives of house helps, watchmen and queer bosses within the local Kenyan estates, Eve admits that the show was a true reflection of what happens in our day today lives.
Following up the show’ s conception, Eve explains that she had been sitting with her friend and discussing just how much house helps stressed them out. After a session of laughing it out and trying to find solutions, they agreed that lives could make for a good reality series.
Evidently, the Kenyan film, theatre and production industry is robust and growing each passing day. The local television stations are taking in locally produced shows and less of the Mexican telenovelas. Platforms like Maisha Magic focus on local content and therefore, creatives have a chance to start production houses and create television content.
“ It started out as an idea, but we put life to it and today, production and acting is my full-time job.” Eve, the executive producer who also doubles up as“ Varshita” in the show says.
Quite the handful, Varshita’ s role in Auntie Boss started out as a loud personality who often
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