Pepeta is a 2022 Kenyan crime drama set in Kibera, produced by CJ3 Entertainment for Showmax.
Inspired by the real-life story of Harun “Rio” Wathari, Pepeta tells the story of Junior, a 17-year-old talented footballer torn between the thrills of crime and the promises of soccer. The eight-part drama premiered on 24 November 2022.
The show featured an ensemble cast that included Brahim Ouma, Malik Lemuel, Dedan J. Onyango, Lwanda Jawar, Avril Nyambura and George Mo.
Pepeta won Best TV Drama and Viewers Choice (TV Drama) at the 13th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards.
Plot Pepeta follows three intertwining stories. Junior is a 17-year-old talented footballer torn between the thrills of crime and the promises of soccer. Kepha is an unforgiving cop with a personal vendetta, determined to rid the streets of criminals. And Biki is an ambitious football coach determined to get Junior and his friends scouted before the barrel of the gun cuts short their dreams.
Cast Brahim Ouma as Junior Malik Lemuel as Dimore Dedan J. Onyango as Zeze Lwanda Jawar as Biki Avril Nyambura as Nduta George Mo as Kepha Wycliffe Eravuna as Junior's dad Marrianne Nungo as Boss Lady Faridah Brian Ngaira as Benny Eric Aswani as Dayo Fridah Mumbe as Gracie Suzanne Karani as Esther
Episode
Season 1 (2022-2023)
Production Development Pepeta was produced by CJ3 Entertainment and was directed by Vincent Mbaya, known for directing Country Queen and Chaguo.
Damaris Irungu, known for Crime and Justice served as the headwriter, and was supported by Charles Ouda and Abigail Arunga.
Show director Vincent Mbaya described the show as a lifetime in the making, saying, “I had to dig deep into my experiences, especially working with young first-time actors. I really had to go back to my acting days and put myself in their shoes, guiding them through the process, helping them tap into the small things that define their characters. It was a very fulfilling experience.”
Release Showmax premiered the first episode on 24 November with subsequent episodes released every Friday.
Critical reception
Sinema Focus' Kelvin Kariuki in a positive review described the show as "a drama intending to probe into the duality of the lives of children born and raised in the hardships of Kibera."
Awards and nominations Year Award Category Recipient(s) Result 2024 Kalasha International Film & TV Awards Best TV Drama CJ3 Entertainment Viewers Choice (TV Drama) CJ3 Entertainment
References
External links
Pepeta at DStv