Kenyan Talent Dominant at Upcoming Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards

As the dust from Hollywood’s furore over Kenya’s Lupita Nyong’o’s landmark Oscar win settles, Kenya has yet another chance to celebrate. Saturday March 8 will be the day that exceptional African film and entertainment stars are awarded for their talent and outstanding performances.

Kenya’s “Nairobi Half Life” has been nominated in a whopping seven categories including Best Movie (Drama), Best Make-up artist and Best Indigenous Language Movie/Series (Swahili). This is a strong indication that the Kenyan film industry is a force to be reckoned in the continent that churns out award worthy thespians. Spielworks Media, a Kenyan production house has also consistently proved their mettle having a show win at last year’s Awards and bearing seven nominations this year for their productions.

The nominees range from veteran actors such as David Mulwa who began his career in 1967 to Valerie Kimani who doubles up as singer and former Tusker Project Fame winner. What stands out about the Kenyan nominations is the spectrum of categories indicating the increasing creativity of Kenyans in the entertainment industry such as the Best Online Video and Best Art Director categories.

Don’t miss this year’s awards which will be screened live from Lagos on Saturday March 8th 2014 on DSTV and GO tv.

Look out for the Kenyan nominees in the following categories:

1. Best Actress in Drama nominee

Higher Learning - Veronica Waceke

2. Best Movie (Drama)

Nairobi Half Life - Edwin Maina Kariuki

3. Best Online Video

Dorothy Ghettuba & Oyunga Pala for the Next Big Host

Mark Kaiyare – Deceit

4. Best Supporting Actor in a Drama

Higher Learning Episode 26 Season 3 - David Mulwa

House of Lungula - Ian Mbugua

5. Best Supporting Actress in a Drama

Higher Learning Episode 26 Season 3 - Valerie Kimani

6. Best Make-Up Artist

Elayne Okaya - Nairobi Half Life

Alex Gakumo - Sumu La Penzi Episode 1 Season 1

7. Best Indigenous Language Movie/Series (Swahili)

Nairobi Half Life - Edwin Maina Kariuki

8. Best Cinematographer

Christian Almesberger - Nairobi Half Life

9. Best Television Series Comedy / Drama

Grace Kahaki Munthali - Prem Episode 2

10. Best Costume Designer

Sumu La Penzi Episode 5 - Catherine Kibugi

Lies that Bind Episode 2 Season 2 - Ruth Ndulu

11. Best Movie Director

Nairobi Half Life - Tosh Gitonga

12. Best Lighting Designer

Nairobi Half Life - Mohamed Zain

13. Best Art Director

Nairobi Half Life Barbara Minishi

By Amal Mohamed