KENYAN ACTS SPOTLIGHT IN NEW CHANGES SEASON

Kenyan drama series CHANGES has returned to the M-Net schedule this month and DStv audiences can tune in for season 3 every Monday in a brand new 19:30 timeslot.

Once more the show uses a talented local cast and crew to tell the story of a group of diverse characters living and working in Nairobi, trying hard to find their own successes.  Relationships, both at home and at work, come into the spotlight as different ambitions and motivations drive each individual’s actions.

With marriage, love and family as some of the main themes, the show is jam-packed with drama and entertainment.

Last season saw key characters battle personal demons from addiction and revenge to obsession and betrayal while a mysterious disappearance, a cash-flow crisis and an unexpected tragedy kept audiences tuning in to the storylines.  

In the new season, the plot revolves around a dangerous undercover investigation, involving wildlife vet Antoine Naveed who is actually an undercover agent.

His mission is to stop an organized crime syndicate called the 06 from trafficking illegal arms into Kenya. Yet he is not the only one living a double life in the apartment block of New Makao Close. His girlfriend Cindy and his neighbours all have their secrets. Behind the closed doors of Makao lie some disturbing mysteries. But those who seek the truth will also find trouble!

“The success of CHANGES demonstrates again that audiences do embrace universal storylines that they can relate to. So the themes of family, home, relationships, ambition, love, fear, joy…these are things that people can identify with,” says M-Net Africa Managing Director Biola Alabi.

She continues, “M-Net is especially pleased that CHANGES is now in season 3. It really shows that if you invest in good TV, and stay committed to a series, you can create something audiences really enjoy.  And with season 3 now on air across East Africa, CHANGES is our longest running drama series in the region. So we must thank our Kenyan team for all their hard work and our loyal viewers for their support.”

The cast of the show includes several of Kenya’s most talented personalities including Jimmie Gathu, Fareed Khimani, Pierra Makena, Derek Bbanga, Nthiga Mugambi, Shirleen Wangari and Feisal Malik alongside’s Tanzania’s Kone Nouhoum and Uganda’s Gaetano Kagwa.

Changes is produced for M-Net by Njoki Muhoho  and Zebra Productions. And while the first three episodes of CHANGES season 3 have already been screened, there’s still a lot of great entertainment ahead for viewers! So even if you haven’t viewed it yet, you can still enjoy the series…just tune in to see these episodes:

Episode 4 (Monday November 28 at 19:30)

On M-Net’s CHANGES tonight…Death, prostitution, investigations and promotions are the cocktail of events and activities for the New Makao Close residents.

Episode 5 (Monday December 5 at 19:30)

On M-Net’s CHANGES tonight…The mysterious 06 group are linked to recent activities. Meanwhile the agents make headway while the 06 attempt to hedge them. What follows is a devious game of wit. And adding to the drama is an old court case won’t go away.

Episode 6 (Monday December 12 at 19:30)

On M-Net’s CHANGES tonight…It is girl power as Agent Michaela makes a big break in the case. Meanwhile Kuta and KJ blame each other for sloppiness when things don’t go well. Elsewhere Steve makes a new friend in the New Makao residence.

Episode 7 (Monday December 19 at 19:30)

On M-Net’s CHANGES tonight…Is romance in the air? Candles are lit and dinner with unlikely guests is a success. But can Jabali rekindle an old flame? Meanwhile, Alfred puts time into his philanthropic project.

Episode 8 (Monday December 26 at 19:30)

On M-Net’s CHANGES tonight…Alfred considers taking a well-funded charity project under his hat but his mentor tries to dissuade him.  For Ryan, it’s party time while the Big Boys are back playing at the Casino.  And the Agents finally get the go ahead for action!

Episode 9 (Monday January 2 at 19:30)

On M-Net’s CHANGES tonight…The Agents break into the case and make good progress. Elsewhere beauty, pictures and brochures enhance Cindy’s business at some expense. Meanwhile Jabali’s romantic life takes a step forward.

Episode 10 (Monday January 9 at 19:30)

On M-Net’s CHANGES tonight…Business strategies and financing is the theme for the Makao Close residents this week.  Cindy’s (a.k.a. Rahab’s) business strategy rolls out successfully. Alfred finds heavy investment for his charity from an unlikely source.  Cindy also finds financing from a likely source for her own business.  In other business, the Trucks are now on the move.

Episode 11 (Monday January 16 at 19:30)

On M-Net’s CHANGES tonight…Everyone is chasing each other. Agents chase those about to commit crimes, Detectives chase those who have already committed crimes and old files are retrieved from abandoned computers. Meanwhile Naima’s home is no longer peaceful.

Episode 12 (On Monday January 23 at 19:30)

On M-Net’s CHANGES tonight…Jabali’s old sins come back to haunt him and affect his current romantic interest. He also find another income generating business while Tendo has to admit to his gambling problem. Also Alfred must reach out to his mentor as all is not well.

Episode 13 (On Monday January 30 at 19:30)

On M-Net’s CHANGES tonight…The Trucks are ferrying the goods and the Agents are on to it. But they themselves are in danger.  Meanwhile Cindy finds a business protégée in her niece.

Episode 14 (Monday February 6 at 19:30)

On M-Net’s CHANGES tonight…Tendo is followed by someone close to him.  Alfred revisits the ailing mentor. Jabali is offered a lucrative job. 

Episode 15 (Monday February 13 at 19:30)

On M-Net’s CHANGES tonight…It is drama, drama and more drama tonight as businesses are searched! Meanwhile Jabali invests old business money. But is there a plot in progress and if so, just who is fooling who?

Episode 16 (Monday February 20 at 19:30)

On M-Net’s CHANGES tonight…Someone has to take the blame for the trouble. However investigation leads are lost. Plus it appears that the teenagers at Makao Close don’t get along and it seems that Richard has finally found a way to resolve his family problems. Meanwhile Morrison is not doing too well.

Episode 17 (Monday February 27 at 19:30)

On M-Net’s CHANGES tonight…Alfred and Elaine invest time on the case. Moraa invests her money in new business. Tendo explores a romance.

Episode 18 (Monday March 5 at 19:30)

On M-Net’s CHANGES tonight…Tempers flare at the Agency as they blame each other for the problems. Meanwhile Tendo and Jabali expand their businesses. The Big Boys have fun in celebration and self-gratification. However Cindy is not celebrating as her secret is now public news.

Episode 19 (Monday March 12 at 19:30)

On M-Net’s CHANGES tonight…There are blow-ups of relationships and lives.  Tendo is on the run over a business deal gone bad. Cindy loses and gains some. But will Naima ever see Tendo for what he is?

Episode 20 (Monday March 19 at 19:30)

On M-Net’s CHANGES tonight…The Assassin has a new assignment. Elsewhere Richard decides to take Tendo project into his hands. Naima finally sees the light. The mysterious 06 must keep close and tight.

Episode 21 (Monday March 26 at 19:30)

On M-Net’s CHANGES tonight…Richard’s career grows. Antoine is playing a dangerous game with KJ and Kuta. Jabali must legally bring an end to old ties.  Flames rekindle between Antoine and Cindy. Moraa and Jabali invest more into the vegetable business.

Episode 22 (Monday April 2 at 19:30)

On M-Net’s CHANGES tonight…Investors and funerals bring unlikely characters together. Old legal cases come to light. Naima decides to move on.

Episode 23 (Monday April 9 at 19:30)

On M-Net’s CHANGES tonight…Alfred has a Hopson’s choice. He has to make a moral choice between two evils.  Information is shared between unlikely fellows. It is sad news for Morrison. Alfred comes across more damaging information.

Episode 24 (Monday April 16 at 19:30)

On M-Net’s CHANGES tonight…Tendo is still on the run. Meanwhile Richard has a life of his own. Elsewhere Jabali cannot believe that history is repeating itself where business is concerned.  Moraa is broken both emotionally and financially.

Episode 25 (Monday April 23 at 19:30)

On M-Net’s CHANGES tonight…The 06 are all suspicious of each other. At Makao Close old grudges are fixed. Elaine makes a big discovery while Naima’s old sins bite back. Some lives are threatened and death is in the air.

Episode 26 (Monday April 30 at 19:30)

On M-Net’s CHANGES tonight…in tonight’s final episode, there are major losers and winners. There are those who have to make very hard choices. But the re-entry of a major player completely changes the rules of the game.

CHANGES SEASON 2 IS BACK!

Kevin Mbugua and Patricia Kihoro

A drama about marriage, romance, love and life! That’s Changes, M-Net’s exciting African drama series which returns for a second season on October 20 at 20.30. DStv audiences can tune in to the show every Wednesday night for 26 weeks on M-Net (channel 101).
Filmed in Nairobi, the story revolves around three couples as they navigate the challenges of their relationships, from surviving tragedy to finding new futures. As the new season begins, Namata lies fighting for her life in hospital while her lawyer husband Alfred comes to terms with a startling revelation that will change his life forever, while his professional life dangles by a thread as a difficult case threatens to derail his career.
For struggling mother Lupita, caught in the grip of a dangerous addiction, what will the future hold as husband Jabali is caught up in a deadly web of revenge? As for the ever fashionable Cindy, she’s trying to work out what’s happened to her uncle – who was dead but whose body has now disappeared! Is he really dead and if so, who killed him?


Nini Wacera and Fareed Khimani

And there’s more as a host of new characters make their appearance and bring with them a whole new dimension to Changes. Look out for the secretive Steven whose obsession with a very specific piece of footage signals more drama, the elusive Naima who must evade Karimi, and cash-strapped Kiki and Pet looking for a way to survive. It’s all happening at Makao Close this season so stayed tuned.
Meanwhile, make sure you also check out Changes for its stellar cast which includes… Jimmi Gathu, Fareed Khimani, Louis Otieno, Pierra Makena, Godfrey Odhiambo, Kevin S. Mbugua, Renee Sewe, Margie Kiundi, Nini Wacera, Cleoptra Koheirwe, Patricia Kihoro, Nicholas Munene Mutuma, Trevor Gitonga, Keith Pearson, Gaetano Kagwa, Kone Nouhoum, Raymond Ofula, David Opondoe, Derek Bbanga, Elizabeth Aruwa, Lara Mastropasqua, Paddy Mwangi, Mona-Ombogo Scott and Samira Murage.


Biola and Patricia Amira

Commenting on the new season M-Net Africa Director Biola Adekanbi, who flew to Nairobi recently to attend the show’s launch, is pleased that season two is making its debut. “M-Net invested widely in this series because we saw its potential and understood that audiences want to see homegrown programming. We are delighted with the reception that season one of Changes received and we are confident that season two will not only deliver the same exciting content but will improve on it.”
For Wangeci Murage, M-Net East Africa Manager, Changes remains a dynamic series because at its heart are the age-old themes of love and family. “Changes is such a compelling story because audiences can identify with the challenges of relationships and with some of the aspects of each of these characters. But at the same time, it’s not at all predictable…it’s a very different world that audiences can access where drama, glamour and intrigue merge together explosively. Like any good drama, Changes is focused on keeping viewers surprised, engaged and ultimately entertained.”
Season two of Changes was produced for M-Net by Zebra Productions, headed by Margaret Kibe and Njoki Muhoho who are thrilled that the series is about to make its continental premiere. “We had such a wonderful time creating this world, these characters, this season. And many thanks must also go to our very professional, dedicated writers, cast, crew and suppliers, who understood our vision and were able to help in creating it. It is our deepest hope that audiences tuning in will enjoy the production as much as we did making it.”

CAROL RADULL TAKES UP NEW TV ROLE

Radio Jambo’s Programmes Controller Carol Radul took up a new role as the host of a weekly show on Supersport Select called Simba Super Soccer.
“My role entails hosting the weekly show that focuses on what is happening in local football, and in particular the Kenyan Premier League. I have a permanent co-host - football analyst James Wokabi - who has been doing the show with Bernard Otieno for over a year. Each week we have a guest or two to discuss the games of the past weekend and look forward to what’s coming the next weekend,” Carol said.
The football enthusiast got the hook up when she was approached by the show’s producer Mark Moss and asked if she was interested in the position after the former presenter Bernard Otieno moved on. “Mark, his business partner Fareed Khimani and the shows executive producer, also Supersport Head of Africa, Gary Rathborne, asked me to give it a try. If I do a good job in the preliminary shows, then we take it from there.”
If you liked her on the show last night, you will be seeing more of her every Wednesday night at 9pm, with a repeat at 11am.
Carol, who has been fighting for the recognition and fan interest in the Kenya Premier League (KPL), said that the support is still dismal. “But with investors like Supersport, there is hope. Supersport beams the KPL to Africa and that in itself is growing interest in the league. They also pay the league for television rights and that means clubs have some money to use to keep afloat. Most of the issues that affect Kenyan football, don’t directly affect the KPL, but the national team and youth development more.”

Fareed's Wedding on Studio 53

Studio 53 showcases yet another wedding of one of its presenters. This time, it is Fareed Khimani's traditional Indian wedding to Leah. After getting married in Switzerland, they came back home to organise a beautiful traditional wedding in Nairobi for all their Kenyan friends and family.

FAREED KHIMANI’S TO EXCHANGE VOWS ON BOAT

Radio presenter Fareed Khimani’s big wedding will take place this Friday 26, in Geneva Switzerland. He will jump the broom with fiancée Leah a Swiss national.
Sources who will be attending the wedding confirmed that the couple will exchange vows on Friday evening aboard a boat and the evening party will be held the following day.
Some of the confirmed guests include Studio 53 cameraman Mark Moss, Gina Din Kariuki – Fareed aunt - of Gina Din Corporate Communications and a host of other guest flying in from the US.

This got me thinking, will the following scenarios be reenactyed by the soon to be married couple?
Check this out...


WEDDING SHOTS
Remembering the boat and the magical moments after saying ‘I do’.


Walking off into the sunset shot


Family portrait


The staring into each other’s eyes wedding shot


You may kiss the bride shot


Time to say the I Dos shot

Off to the honeymoon wedding shot


Not exactly on a boat but...


And finally another extreme, an underwater wedding


Or a snorkelling wedding

Studio 53 Gets A Face Lift

In the five years since its debut M-Net’s flagship Afro-chic, Afro-hip STUDIO 53 lifestyle series has captivated audiences across Africa, capturing the continent’s appeal and celebrating its talent, landscapes and energy. This month, STUDIO 53 evolves again, as M-Net gives the popular series a sensational new look.

Returning to DStv screens on May 24 in a brand-new, one-hour Sunday timeslot on M-Net, the refreshed STUDIO 53 will incorporate the best of its past with several dynamic new elements and three gorgeous new presenters.

Still focussed on positively profiling the events, people and places of Africa, the series will move out of its former studio, and each week one of Africa’s most breathtaking and glamourous locations will serve as the backdrop to the week’s stories.

First stop is the exotic island of Lamu, in Kenya, from where series presenter Gaetano Kagwa will introduce an eight story line-up including an insert from New York Fashion Week where African designers hit the runway for the first time ever as the likes of Oluchi, Grace Jones, Alek Wek and Face of Africa 2008 winner Kate Menson headed onto the catwalk.

In addition, episode one will see STUDIO 53 get VIP access to the latest album launch from hit-making Nigerian musician Ikechukwu who invites the team home with him as he demonstrates his lesser-known but quite delicious culinary skills.

Plus audiences can tune in for an interview with international superstar Eddy Grant whose hits Baby Come Back, I Don’t Wanna Dance and Electric Avenue have made him a global music icon. Then STUDIO 53 showcases the unique sounds of a Kenyan classic-fusion concert where two very different schools of music are merging to create an entirely new rhythm.

Joining host Gaetano Kagwa from episode 1 will be a team of six field presenters including adventurous Fareed Khimani (Kenya), charming IK Osakioduwa (Nigeria) and elegant Anita Erskine (Ghana). Fans can look out for new faces Thembi Lekwaila (Botswana), Grace Kelly Kalassa (DRC) and Ndaka Chigariro (Zimbabwe) who bring their vivacious personalities to the new series.

“It’s still STUDIO 53 but with a fresh new dimension and some innovative new changes,” says M-Net Africa Director Biola Adekanbi. “By making the series longer, we want to meet the growing demand for lifestyle programming while the Sunday time-slot taps into the dynamic of a weekend family gathering. It’s TV with style, contemporary African style and that’s what we hope our audiences will connect with.”

Having launched in 2004, to date STUDIO 53 (named in honor of the 53 countries in the African Union), has visited dozens of countries, stretching from the Cape’s southern tip of Africa to Cairo in the North. Along the way the series has stopped at destinations as varied as the ancient cities of Ethiopia and Tunisia, the stunning dunes and deserts of Namibia and Mali, the bustling heart of Nigeria’s Nollywood, the splendour of the Indian Ocean Islands and the magnificent Kenyan coastline.

Now, as STUDIO 53 embarks on a new journey and goes in search of new sights, sounds and scenes, its viewers will once again get a first-class ticket to travel their continent, without leaving their homes, to discover hidden worlds and exciting happenings, to celebrate the continent we all call home.

Fareed Khimani Had A Stag Party

I might not have the photos but I have it on good authority that TV and Radio personality Fareed Khimani and his group of boys hit up Kilifi over the Labour Day weekend for his bachelor’s party.
The M-Net Studio 53 presenter and also radio presenter at Capital FM back on Sunday evening after a weekend of merrymaking.
Fareed will be jumping the broom on June 27 to his long time girlfriend in Switzerland.