The seven-part series, described as a drama with a touch of telenovela, unfolds predominantly in Nairobi, with glimpses of Western Kenya rarely seen on our screens.
Netflix is set to premiere a new Kenyan drama series Mo-Faya, created and directed by Reuben Odanga, on December 20, 2024. This will mark the first time media personality Catherine Ngarira, popularly known as Cate Rira, will venture into the film industry, having made her name through the radio airwaves.
The seven-part series, described as a drama with a touch of telenovela, unfolds predominantly in Nairobi, with glimpses of Western Kenya rarely seen on our screens.
Speaking exclusively to Viral Tea on Tuesday, November 26, Cate expressed her elation at trying her hand at acting.
“It’s an honour to explore my Acting career. Drama and film have been an art that I love and to experience this was a gift from God. I’m so happy that Kenyans and the world will be able to see such a great story and I’m simply excited,” she remarked.
Poster for the upcoming Netflix series ‘Mo-Faya’. /SINEMA FOCUS
When asked what this new venture would do in terms of her status as a ‘Media Maven’, Cate termed this a brilliant opportunity to expand herself to different ventures.
“Yes, it will definitely elevate Media Maven who is able to explore different genres and forms of art through a film which is Soo impactful. I’m ready for Kenyans to see this version,” she expressed eagerness.
Rira has also been active in the field of podcasting and has been hosting The Point Of View (POV), which was released on her birthday (February 4) and has been streamed across YouTube and other podcasting platforms.
It has featured a series of conversations from different perspectives and backgrounds, offering a unique take on stories from everyone’s point of view.
Rira parted ways with Nation FM after a stint of one year when she was hosting the Breakfast show Morning Fix alongside Comedian Dr King’ori in September 2019, announcing her exit through her social media pages.
Before joining Nation FM, she used to host NTV’s entertainment show dubbed Lit360 and was part of the Udaku Sasa crew that consisted of Sameer Bry and Jane Ngoiri. She had also worked with 1 FM prior to her stint at NMG.
Rira describes herself as a motivated, zealous creative, and respected media personality with a niche in Communications, Public Relations and Strategy.
Mo-Faya Synopsis
Meanwhile, the Mo-Faya series follows Zawadie, who, after discovering shocking truths about her family, sets out to build a new life with her boyfriend, Brian, unaware that his dangerous double life will pull her into a world of secrets and crime.
The series features a predominantly young cast of Lorna Lemi (Nairobby), Brahim Ouma (Pepeta), and newcomers Tobit Tom and Mathew Ngugi. The supporting cast includes Alex Mwakideu (Nafsi), Blessing Lung’aho (Country Queen), Basil Mungai (Kina) and Tessy Njine (Selina) who will all star alongside Rira.
Notably, Odanga is known for directing and producing the long-running, Kalasha-winning telenovela Selina, which captivated audiences over five seasons before coming to an end in 2022. Mo-Faya marks his first series on Netflix, following the premiere of his debut feature film, Nafsi, on the global streaming platform in 2022.
“Mo-Faya is raw and grounded in realism, reflecting who we are beyond the filters of social media. The show underscores the importance of present and responsible parenting as the cornerstone for raising wholesome individuals who shape the future citizenry,” says Odanga.
Produced by Multan Production, Mo-Faya is backed by executive producers Jacqueline Musyoka and Odanga, with Margaret Wanjiru Muriithi as producer and Edijoh Mwaniki (Lost in Time) as writer. The series is distributed by Okada Media.
A still image in the upcoming Netflix series ‘Mo-Faya’. /SINEMA FOCUS
About Multan Production
Multan Production Limited is a film production company founded in 2009 based in Nairobi, Kenya. The company has produced award-winning TV series and Swahili telenovelas such as Saida (Citizen TV), a Kalasha winner for the Best TV Drama 2014; Nira (Maisha Magic East); Pink Ladies (StarTimes); and most notably, the hit Swahili telenovela Selina (Maisha Magic East & Showmax), a two-time Kalasha Awards winner for Best TV Drama in 2018 and 2019 and with over 800 episodes, a first in Kenya.
Multan Production thrives in telling stories through the camera while anchoring on quality, uniqueness and creativity.