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.”

ACTRESS PIERRA MAKENA IS ROAD SAFETY AMBASSADOR

Actress Pierra Makena has taken her role as a Road Safety ambassador seriously. Recently during the World Day of Remembrance For Road Crash Victims Pierra held a mini launch for the Sio Lazima Road Safety Campaign.
Pierra who currently stars in the M-Net TV series Changes participated in a tree planting exercise at Uhuru Park to remember the victims who lost their lives in grisly road accidents.
The environmental exercise won’t end there, “We will be planting 3000 trees at the Mau Forest to symbolize the same number of Kenyans who loose their lives through road crashes very year.”
The launch will culminate into a concert in December dubbed Sio Lazima Road Safety Concert, to draw attention to the devastating consequences of these deaths on families and communities.
She was joined by businessman Charles Njonjo, roads minister Franklin Bett and survivors of road accidents from various organisations.
According to research road crashes are the leading cause of death in people ages 5 to 34 in the United States, the leading cause of death globally for children and young people ages 10 to 24, and the third leading cause of death globally among people ages 30 to 44.
Though a major public health problem, most road traffic injuries are preventable by increasing helmet, seat belt, and child restraint use, reducing drunk-driving and speeding.

ROBBER BREAKS INTO ACTRESS PIERRA’S HOUSE

Actress turned film producer/director Pierra Makena is still hoping that the robber who made away with a number of her personal items from her house is arrested.
Pierra who was shooting a commercial in Mombasa on the weekend of October 16 - 18 received a phone at the airport on Sunday 18 when she was travelling back to Nairobi after the shoot with information that her house had been burgled.
The Changes star who plays the role of the ditzy Cindy in the M-Net drama says there is something not quite right about the break in.
“I just feel like it’s an inside job and someone is just being malicious,” adding the experience was “a bit traumatising.”
She reported the matter to the Kilimani police station, and says “the cops were very helpful”.
Pierra lost her laptop, camera, passport and other small items that can easily be carried out of the apartment without the thief raising any eyebrows.

HOW TV’S NEWEST DITZY BLONDE WAS CAST

The second episode of the Kenyan made drama, Changes, will be aired on Mnet. But what viewers do not know is that is was very hard for Njoki Muhoho, the Executive Producer to cast the role of Cindy Kamau played by Pierra Makena, actress and filmmaker.
“Initially we thought I was going to be an easy task and the number of girls who turned up for the casting were many,” she recounts. However, Njoki says that they were all too blonde for the role. That is when she realized the only way to go was get an intelligent girl to play the part and settled on Pierra.
Cindy is a dizzy blonde who lives with her older Tanzanian boyfriend Minja Kabwe (Producer Adam Juma) in the most expensive flat at Makao Close.
When contacted Pierra explained the task of playing blonde.
“It was one of the most difficult auditions I had ever attended since there were many other many girls who were auditioning for the same role,” Pierra said. Adding. “I felt ridiculous auditioning, I did not think I would get the part.”
A few months later she was called for the role and the rest as we say is history.
She talks about playing the role of a ditzy blonde. “It is fan and the best part is, the viewers love Cindy and are always anticipating her next blonde moment.”

KENYAN CELEBS REMEMBER JACKO

As the world mourns the death of the greatest pop icon ever, Three Kenyan celebs give their own thoughts on the same. Michael Jackson, 50, died early Thursday afternoon after suffering a cardiac at his Holmby Hills home. Paramedics were unable to revive him.


RUFFTONE – VITA500 BRAND AMBASSADOR, PRODUCER AND MUSICIAN
“I think it is a funny thing that he has become an instant hero now that he is dead. I saw on TV a fan who almost fainted when they were told Michael Jackson is dead. For me, it is a difficult lesson to learn that you are never indispensable and there are really never any superstars. Look at Jackson’s life. He died in a rented house, his home was repossessed, he lived in a foreign country, Bahrain, for a long time after America and the world had forgotten him. After his child molestation trial his musical career was brought down just like that. The UK tour was to help him make a financial comeback, now he’ll make a musical one. Despite his musical success people ditched him and now that he is dead people are still thinking of ways to cash in. It is a big lesson for me as an artiste that there is nothing like a super star.”


PIERRA MAKENA – ACTOR AND FILMMAKER
“I’m terribly crashed by his death. He was the big star I listened to growing up. I was also waiting eagerly for his South African tour, because I heard last year that he was going to do one. The world did not treat Michael the way he should have been treated. You know what Quincy Jones said, ‘It’s a surprise that guys were not really nice to him when he was alive, and now that he is dead they are all teary and sad.’ I think people should have just treated him as a star; after all we all have our weaknesses. And for that people judged him harshly. Despite all that he is still my hero.”

AMANI – SINGER
“I still look up to him. I’m a pop artiste and he is the Kind of pop. I loved listening and watching his performances during his world tours, he was my inspiration. I still believe he will make a commercial come back. The only other pop icons that equal his legendary status in my opinion are Mariah Carey, U2 and Madonna.