The Chocolate Empire is a 2025 Kenyan crime drama set in Nairobi, featuring an ensemble cast that includes Jimmy Gathu, Sanaipei Tande, and Mumbi Maina. The series is produced by Insignia Productions, the creators of Single Kiasi and Netflix original Kash Money.
Plot The Chocolate Empire follows the life of JB Mauzo, a once-powerful businessman freshly released from prison. As JB works to rebuild his life and mend his fractured family, he secretly operates a high-end escort service from his exclusive cigar club in Nairobi. His clandestine empire and personal life collide when he meets Lily, a young woman from a struggling family, who takes a job at JB's club to help her mother make ends meet, unaware of the illegal operations taking place.
Cast Jimmy Gathu as JB Mauzo, a former criminal and businessman Ann Muli as Lily, JB's love interest and Margaret's daughter Mumbi Maina as Vera, JB's diamond and high-end escort. Sanaipei Tande as Margaret, Lily's mother and a widow struggling to maintain her catering business. She is also a mother to Grace Nuru. Jackie Kaboi as Marie, JB's unfaithful wife and mother to his two kids. Kael Njihia as Kevin, JB's and Marie's rebellious son. Escay Gitonga as Sheila, JB's and Marie's caring daughter. Derek Bbanga as Mike, JB's longtime friend who gets romantically involved with Marie during JB's imprisonment. Amalie Chopetta as Mona, JB's longtime business partner and a former escort. Aleks Kamau as Clemo, an ex-con and JB's closest confidant. Linda Tyagi as Grace Nuru, Margaret's rebellious daughter and Lily's sister. Michael Saruni as Peter, Lily's religious boyfriend. Angie Magio as Subira, wife to Mr. Wambua. She is a city council official. Cindy Kahuha as Ebony, an escort at JB's club. Xtatic as Jade, an escort at JB's club. Ivy Wanjiku as Caramel, an escort at JB's club. Mwaniki Mageria as Pastor Maurice, a respected church leader in his community who also harbors feelings for Margaret. Kennedy Musumba as Mr. Wambua, a wealthy elderly man and husband to Subira. He is having an affair with Grace Nuru.
Episode
Season 1 (2025)
Production Development Show producer Grace Kahaki said the show is a local adaptation of the South African television series Rockville with an authentic Nairobi vibe.
Casting The cast was announced at the start of season 1 and included Jimmy Gathu, Sanaipei Tande, Mumbi Maina, among others.
Release Showmax released the first episode of The Chocolate Empire on 20 March with subsequent episodes released every Thursday.
Critical reception Business Daily Africa's Sophie Nzisagave the series a positive review describing it as " a dramatically raunchy look at the dark side of Nairobi" adding that "Chocolate Empire strikes a nice balance between glamour and realism. It's raunchy and provocative, but it doesn't forget its themes".
Awards and nominations Year Award Category Recipient(s) Result 2025 Zanzibar International Film Festival Best TV Drama Series in East Africa Phillipe Bresson & Grace Kahaki Best Actor in a Drama Series in East Africa Jimmy Gathu 2026Kalasha International Film and TV Awards People's Choice Award - TV Drama Phillipe Bresson & Grace Kahaki Best Lead Actor - TV Drama Jimmy Gathu Best TV Director Phillipe Bresson & Grace Kahaki 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards Best Scripted Series Phillipe Bresson & Grace Kahaki Best Indigenous M-Net Original Phillipe Bresson & Grace Kahaki
References
External links
The Chocolate Empire at Showmax