Written by Joe Jackson on Jan 5, 2022. Posted in Production News

Showmax reveals second original series from Kenya

A new Kenyan original series is scheduled to premiere on streaming platform Showmax. Produced by Insignia Productions, Single-ish is a 13-part drama series adapted from the popular South African series Unmarried. This new adaptation follows three Nairobi women – Sintamei, Mariah and Rebecca – as they negotiate the challenges generated by commitments to marriage, relationships and their careers. The first episode will debut on 20^th January 2022.

“Other than the fact that it’s a show about women, Single-ish has this chic yet nostalgic old-school girlfriend’s vibe that takes the drama a notch higher without feeling like the friendship will fall apart,” says Gathoni Mutua, the actress who will star as Sintamei.

Sintamei is a talented lawyer who – on the surface – appears to balance a happy relationship with her career at a prestigious law firm. Her friend Mariah, played by Minne Kariuki, is a sassy character who uses her looks and charm to negotiate tricky situations. “She [Mariah] is a modern-day slay queen who pretends to afford a lavish lifestyle and flaunts it all on social media because she wants to keep up with the trends,” explains Minne.

Faith Kibathi completes the trio as Rebecca, a down-to-earth mother who lives unmarried with her sweetheart from high school. Single-ish explores the strong bond of friendship that these women share, knowing that even when situations become complicated and distressing, Sintamei, Mariah and Rebecca will always have each other.

“It’s an honour to get to play Rebecca as she explores motherhood and failures of her relationship,” declares Faith. “Single-ish is different because it’s very relatable and has a touch of the actual dating experiences in Nairobi. It also shows the beauty of reliable female friendship especially when things get bad.”

The new show will also star Brian Abajah (Sincerely Daisy), Michael Munyoki (A Grand Little Lie), Lucarelli Onyango (Crime and Justice), Mburu Kimani (Nairobi Half Life), Lenana Kariba (Selina), Dora Nyaboke (Crime and Justice) and Jacky Kaboi (Bait).

Insignia Productions is the studio behind popular shows Changing Times and New Beginnings, and Insignia’s duo Philippe Bresson and Grace Kahaki with co-direct Single-ish alongside Robby Bresson (Simiyu Samurai).

Photo by Yonko Kilasi on Unsplash