Kenyan filmmaker Daudi Anguka is making his debut on Showmax with the highly anticipated drama-thriller series, Mizani, set to premiere on February 5th.
This gripping series takes viewers into the depths of Mombasa’s criminal world, where a determined journalist confronts a powerful organ trafficking ring backed by political influence to rescue his abducted daughter. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a complex web of corruption, manipulation, and startling revelations.
Mizani features a talented cast, including Michael Saruni (The Chocolate Empire), Stephanie Maseki (Mkasi), Kieth Chuaga (Jiji), Bhavnesh Chudasama (Subterranea), Jack Mutinda (It’s A Free Country), Denis Humphrey (Sultana), Anita Wawuda (Jiji), Reinhard Inzai Bonke (Kam U Stay), Mehul Malde (Crime & Justice), Kathleen McKenzie (Maria), Ashik Ali (Zari), Mariam Mzee (Sultana), Patrick Owino (Zari), Victor Opondo (Mvera), and Nima Kubo (Karata).
Produced by Anguka under his AR Film Productions banner, Mizani continues his tradition of compelling Swahili storytelling. Anguka’s previous works include the award-winning telenovela Pete and the acclaimed short film Zilizala, which won Best Indigenous Language Movie (Swahili) at the 2017 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. His debut feature film, Mvera, was Kenya’s submission for the 2024 Oscars.
Anguka explains that Mizani builds on the organ trafficking theme first introduced in Mvera. “Organ trafficking is a pressing issue, not just in Kenya but across Africa,” he states. “I aimed to challenge myself creatively and craft a darker, more urgent narrative that entertains while also educating the audience.”
He emphasises that Mizani portrays the delicate balance of life, showcasing how individuals make choices that can save or ruin them.
The series is directed by a talented team including Janet Chumbe (4Play), Eric Mdagaya (Mkasi), Isaya Evans (Reckless), and Bill Jones Afwani (18 Hours), who co-wrote the script with Brian Munene (Subterranea), Ambat Rioba Mann (Jiji), and Kevin Amakobe.
