US actor Omari Hardwick and the cast of the upcoming Showmax TV series, The Chocolate Empire, came together at an industry-connect held at the Tatu City Auditorium in Nairobi on March 18, 2025.
The exclusive fireside chat event served as a vibrant platform for filmmakers, local actors, and other industry players to connect and engage with the Hollywood star, best known for his role as Ghost in the popular crime drama-thriller TV series, Power.
Hardwick shared his experiences and perspectives on navigating the global entertainment landscape.
“Kenya’s vibrant creative industry has so much to offer, and I’m thrilled to have had the chance to connect with so many talented individuals during my time here,” Hardwick said. “Storytelling in this region is deeply authentic and resonates universally. It’s a reminder that our stories, no matter where they are told, can impact and inspire globally.”
This industry connect event was a culmination of Hardwick’s four-day tour in Kenya, which began on March 14.
Speaking about the event, MultiChoice Kenya public relations manager Elisha Kamau noted: “Today’s industry connect with Omari Hardwick is a testament to the growing influence of African storytelling on the global stage. This was not only an opportunity to learn from his incredible journey but also a chance to inspire and empower our local creatives to tell their stories boldly.”
The Chocolate Empire, starring veteran actor Jimmy Gathu and singer-actress Sanaipei Tande, is set to debut on Showmax on March 20. Both actors graced the occasion.
Reflecting on the event, Jimmy Gathu said: “Having Omari Hardwick here is a powerful reminder that storytelling transcends borders. His insights into character development and the dedication required to bring a role to life are invaluable. It’s inspiring to see Showmax facilitate these kinds of interactions, which are crucial for the growth of our industry.”
The Showmax Original will follow JB Mauzo (Jimmy Gathu), a once-powerful businessman freshly released from prison, who works to rebuild his life while secretly operating a high-end escort service from his exclusive cigar club.
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. His clandestine empire and personal life collide when he meets Lily (Ann Muli, A Familiar Christmas), 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.
The show boasts a stellar ensemble cast that includes Sanaipei Tande (Kina), Kalasha winner Mumbi Maina (Second Family), Kalasha nominee Jackie Kaboi (Single Kiasi), Escay Gitonga (Kam U Stay), Kael Njihia (Country Queen, Salem), Linda Tyagi, Michael Sanuri (Kiu), Angie Magio (Selina), Kennedy Musumba, Mwaniki Mageria (The Real Housewives of Nairobi), Aleks Kamau (Volume, Faithless), Amalie Chopetta (You Again), and Derek Bbanga (Big Girl Small World).
Supporting the cast are Ivy Wanjiku (Sanura), Makena Kahuha (Subterranea), rapper Xtatic in her Showmax debut, Palma Lumbasi (Borderline), fashion model turned actress Everlyne Kanane, Sharon Muriithi, and Mercy Kavulani as the ‘chocolates’.
Co-produced and co-directed by the dynamic duo Phillippe Bresson and Grace Kahaki from Insignia Productions, Chocolate Empire examines the fragile bonds of family, the different shades of love, the quest for redemption, and the high cost of deceit.
“This is darker and bolder than anything we have done before,” says producer Grace Kahaki. “We love a challenge and are absolutely dedicated to elevating our craft. We approached this production with care – it’s important to tell stories authentically, so we spoke to people who live in these worlds.
“Jimmy Gathu was always JB in my mind. Having worked with him on Single Kiasi, I knew he could bring JB’s charm, menace, and complexity to life. Somehow, you root for JB, even when he is wrong.
“This is the biggest cast we have ever worked with. We have produced and directed more than 10 TV shows, and the casting process for The Chocolate Empire was by far the longest. We knew what we wanted and didn’t settle until we got it. It is an incredible mix of fresh talent and industry legends – I’m completely in love with this cast,” adds Grace.
This new drama marks the second Kenyan Original from Showmax in 2025, following the release of Take Me Home Season 2. Last year, Showmax launched a record-breaking 12 Kenyan Original titles, doubling its output from the previous year. With Chocolate Empire, Showmax continues to set the bar for bold, authentic storytelling in Africa in its content slate for the coming months.
