London-based actor Lenana Kariba makes his return to Single Kiasi, with the story picking up from the explosive Season 3 cliffhanger that ended with his character in bed with Sintamei (Gathoni Mutua).Â
So what happens to his relationship with Rebecca (Faith Kibathi) in this new season? Â
In an exclusive, Lenana Kariba spills on his thriving career across continents and what to expect this season:
How has life been for you since moving to the UK?
Honestly, moving to the UK was never on my vision board.
I wasn’t sitting there plotting my big British takeover – but then life, as it loves to do, threw me a plot twist. I met my now wife, and before I knew it, she had to head back to the UK.
I was not really afraid of making that move.
Something just told me everything would be okay. If I needed to fly back for work, I would figure it out.
Turns out, it was the best leap I’ve ever taken. The UK’s been amazing – I love it here.
Sometimes, the unplanned moves end up being the best chapters in your story.
Since the big move, how have you been managing to still audition and get roles on Kenyan shows?
I have to say, I am quite fortunate with these gigs. The people I work with – especially Philip and Grace – are absolute gems.
They are patient with me, which is rare in this industry.
When I have time, we will chat before the shoot kicks off. They hand me the schedule, I juggle things at home, and then – boom – I am on a plane.
This season? I think I was here for just three weeks. Three intense, back-to-back weeks of shooting… and then I’m gone. Back home, back to normal life. It’s a bit of a whirlwind, but somehow, it works perfectly.
Despite last season’s scandalous cliffhanger that left us high and dry, Nick has had to earn Rebecca’s trust repeatedly. How does this progress in Season 4?
It is very interesting because they have gone through a lot, the two of them, up and down.
But I think he really tries to be a lot more sincere and honest this time about things that are happening in his life to try to win her back. But, you know, as you will see, things do not always go to plan…
In past seasons, Nick was seen as both hero and villain. What side comes out more now?
I feel like it could be cut right down in the middle. Because like I said, everything he has to deal with personally and bringing Rebecca into it is tough. In the end I think it will work out.
But I would say somewhere down the middle.
As much as he tries to be honest, there are some things he could have done better.
How did you balance Nick’s flaws and sincerity?
He has had a tough one this season. Everything that has happened between him and Rebecca has really come through to this moment now in Season 4.
I think Nick is a nice guy. I really think he is a nice guy. But everything is just against him.
A lot of things that happened with him and Rebecca are not really his fault.
Some things do not really work out the right way, but a lot of it is not his fault. He is a guy where the odds are just against him.
But what we see is that sincerity, that he really does love Rebecca and he is really just trying to make it work.
In the show, your mom, played by Nini Wacera, loves meddling in your relationship. How does Nick handle his family’s meddling now compared to past seasons?
This season, though, things feel a tiny bit easier. Well, Mom’s got her own emergencies to deal with, so she is a little less involved.
But just when Nick thinks he can breathe – boom – in comes Auntie. I will let you watch to know who gets into this role.
Now, Auntie’s no fan of Rebecca either, but here’s the difference: Nick can actually push back a little with her.
He is standing up for his relationship – even if it means locking horns with the family. Love is war, and he’s suiting up.
Which scene this season are you most proud of?
It is so hard to pick one. There are so many scenes that I feel proud of because there is a lot of emotion between Nick and Rebecca, then Nick and his auntie, and all the things that come into play.
I cannot tell you much about it. But it is a lovely scene. It is a very emotional, happy love scene, and I am looking forward to it.
What is one thing fans will finally understand about Nick this season?​
Nick is actually a very nice guy. He is very sincere. I think he has this image of being a typical guy, whatever that is.
But he is not like the other guys. And when you have this celebrity status like Nick has, there is an image that comes with it. But that is not what he is.
He is actually just a very genuine person, and that is what he is trying to show. I think they will get to see that a bit now.
What behind-the-scenes moment from past seasons still cracks you up?​
The first time Nick appeared on the show, it was a club scene. I had to crouch because of the camera’s eye line. It was the most ridiculous thing but to date, everyone cracks up about it.
What is your go-to set snack during long shoots?​
There are these chicken wings at Chicken Inn, spicy, I love them. That is my go-to after a long day.
If your character could have a crossover with any other Kenyan show which, would it be?​
The Chocolate Empire, definitely.
You are stuck in a desert. What three things would you bring?​
My phone so I can tell my family I am okay. Those Chicken Inn wings. A Showmax subscription.
What is next for you?​
We have finished this season. I head back to the UK. I have some projects I am working on but I cannot talk about them yet. I’m raising my daughter, she is two now.
Can we expect to see you in any international productions soon?
I think there is an expectation of that. A lot of people move with the purpose of building their career internationally, which I get. But I never made the move for that. I just moved to start my family.
But yes, for sure, I am working on trying to do more projects there. You can definitely look forward to seeing things I will probably do.
Lenana Kariba on Single Kiasi S4 now streaming on ShowmaxÂ
