First Kenyan Produced Sitcom Airing on Maisha Magic

One in a Million is the name of Kenya’s first ever locally produced sitcom. The MNET commissioned show is an intelligent comedy that promises to keep viewers watching. The series premiered on Maisha Magic on Wednesday, 3rd June 2015 at 8 pm.

The new TV series revolves around the Bolos, a family of four consisting of Jacinta (Virginia Mando), Gidraff (Jim Were) and their two kids Riqo (Brian Ngaira) and Kabi (Valentine Kariuki). The Bolos are a family of modest means but this all changes when they hit the jackpot and move from their run down neighbourhood, Mchanganiwa, to their new four bedroomed apartment in the suburbs.

Speaking at the launch event, the producers of the show, Joyce Musoke of Cheese Pictures and Ken Oloo of Zindua said, “Through this show we have further explored our niche in producing comedies. After our first TV series, Briefcase Inc was received well by the market, we were inspired to create content with similar themes, but raise the bar by doing a sitcom.”

They added, “We’re excited about the opportunity this show has provided us to work with MNET and our own homegrown talent, right from the writers to the extremely talented cast and crew at Filamujuani.”

The launch was graced by Mr. Chris Foot, Chairman of the Kenya Film Commission. In his remarks, Mr. Foot congratulated the team announced that the Government was in the process of signing an MOU with Communications Authority of Kenya to agitate broadcasters run between 40% – 60% of local content. This is good news for producers because it will ensure a balance between creativity and commerce.”

Ken Oloo founder of Filamujuani and Zindua appreciated MNET for believing in the local artists and relaunching Maisha Magic East. “You have definitely shown your support to boost local productions. These local productions have created jobs and opportunities for many people. Some of these local productions employ over 50 people; that is a small sized enterprise.”

The One in a Million show is novel in numerous ways; in addition to being the first ever sitcom in Kenya, it also included a unique production crew which was mostly sourced from Filamujuani Foundation. Filamujuani invests in youth from disadvantaged backgrounds so that they can break into careers in film and television.

The show was written by Yafesi Musoke, a master at creating rib cracking – memorable characters like Ben of Briefcase Inc and now the Bolos of the One In a Million show.

Check out the trailer to the sitcom here:

http://maishamagic.dstv.com/2015/05/25/one-in-a-million-coming-soon-to-maisha-magic-east