MultiChoice productions have achieved a remarkable milestone at this year’s Kalasha International Film and TV Awards, securing an impressive 31 nominations across multiple categories, reaffirming the company’s position in championing Kenyan storytelling.
Leading the nominations is Big Girl Small World, the romantic drama by Nick Mutuma, which garnered eight nominations including Best TV Drama, Best Lead Actor for Emmanuel Mugo, Best Lead Actress for June Njenga, Best Supporting Actor for Dennis ‘OJ Mugo and Best Supporting Actress for Daina Njuguna.
The groundbreaking sci-fi drama Subterranea follows closely with seven nominations, including People’s Choice – TV Drama. The series also earned acting nominations for Melvin Alusa (Best Lead Actor), Foi Wambui (Best Lead Actress), Biko Nyongesa (Best Supporting Actor), and Nice Githinji (Best Supporting Actress), alongside recognition for direction by Likarion Wainaina and scripting by Brian Munene.
Insignia Productions’ Single Kiasi Season 4 and The Chocolate Empire secured six and three nominations, respectively. Single Kiasi S4 is nominated for Best TV Drama and People’s Choice – TV Drama, with acting nods for Kevin Maina and Minnie Kariuki, both earning their first-ever nominations. Jimmy Gathu also received a Best Lead Actor nomination for The Chocolate Empire.
Maisha Magic Plus telenovela Lazizi was also recognized in Best Actress Lead (for Helen Keli) and Bes TV Director categories (for June Ndinya, Vincent Mbaya and Davis Nato). Long-running dramedy Njoro wa Uba picked up two nominations, including Best Lead Actor for Joe Kinyua and Best Supporting Actress for Jane Wambui.
Other titles Adam to Eve and Mizani received noms in the Best Supporting Actor (for Jack Mutinda) and People’s Choice – TV Drama categories (Adam to Eve).
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In the student category, MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy alumni Brian Kabogozza and Sihnemariam Abebe were nominated for Best Student Film for Dinner for Three, highlighting the impact of the academy in nurturing the next generation of African filmmakers.
See the full Kalasha Awards 2026 nomination list of Showmax Originals and all Maisha Magic titles.
BEST TV DRAMA
Big Girl Small World — Nicholas Mutuma
Single Kiasi — Grace Kahaki
BEST LEAD ACTOR IN A TV DRAMA
Emmanuel Mugo (Big Girl Small World)
Jimmy Gathu (The Chocolate Empire)
Melvin Alusa (Subterranea)
Kelvin Maina (Single Kiasi)
Joe Kinyua (Njoro wa Uba)
BEST LEAD ACTRESS IN A TV DRAMA
June Njenga (Big Girl Small World)
Hellen Keli (Lazizi)
Foi Wambui (Subterranea)
Minnie Kariuki (Single Kiasi)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TV DRAMA
Dennis Mugo (Big Girl Small World)
Jack Mutinda (Mizani)
Biko Nyongesa (Subterranea)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TV DRAMA
Nice Githinji (Subterranea)
Jane Wambui (Njoro wa Uba)
Daina Njuguna (Big Girl Small World)
BEST TV DIRECTOR
Big Girl Small World — Nick Mutuma
Subterranea — Likarion Wainaina
Single Kiasi — Grace Kahaki and Philippe Bresson
The Chocolate Empire — Grace Kahaki and Philippe Bresson
Lazizi — June Ndinya, Vincent Mbaya and Davis Nato
BEST TV SCRIPTWRITER
Big Girl Small World — Angela Ruhinda
Subterranea — Likarion Wainaina, Brian Munene, Arnold Mwanjila and Martin Kigondu
Single Kiasi (Season 4) — Carol Kemunto, Jazzmine Maina, Grace Adhiambo and Jim Malakwen
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD – TV DRAMA
Big Girl Small World
Single Kiasi
Subterranea
The Chocolate Empire
Adam to Eve
BEST STUDENT FILM
Dinner for Three – Brian Kabogozza & Sihnemariam Abebe (Multichoice Talent Factory)
Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on 2 May 2026, as part of the Kalasha International Film & TV Market, Festival and Awards taking place from 28 April to 2 May 2026 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.
