Mumbi Maina: The star to watch in film

She stumbled into acting after accompanying her sister to an audition, but Mumbi Maina is taking the driver’s seat in the fast-rising Kenyan film industry.

She is no longer limited to the local actress title after cruising her way into some of the world’s best productions in record career time. She is now profiled among the prolific African acts making it big in the world.

As the Africa Majic Viewers’ Choice Awards (2022) nominees were announced last Saturday, Ms Mumbi’s name stood with a nod for one of the most prestigious categories; Best Supporting Actress for La Femme Anjola, a 2021 film written by Tunde Babalola and directed by Mildred Okwo.

Ms Mumbi joins Sarah Hassan who is now used to the same script and whose Just in Time has been nominated in several categories, including her Best Actress in a Comedy slot.

Ms Mumbi has been nominated alongside Bisola Aiyeola (Sugar Rush) Mercy Johnson Okojie (The New Normal), Clarion Chukwurah (Amina), Enado Odigie (The New Normal), Omowunmi Dada (Country Hard) and Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha (Omo Ghetto: The Saga).

“What a way to start the week. So stoked and grateful. I really did not see this coming,” Ms Mumbi said after the nominees were unveiled.

The talented thespian appeared in popular Kenyan shows like the soap opera Mali, and Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice nominee Jane & Abel and How to Find a Husband before appearing in Kenya’s 2018 Oscar submission Kati Kati.

Then her big break came with Sense8, the popular American science fiction drama streaming television series. It was after this that she got a role in Matrix Resurrection by Warner Bros, which premiered late last year.

“One should practice confidence, self-belief and humility. I am humbled by the likes of Lupita, who set the stage for us, as much as we have never met. When you get consistent, you experience growth. You get deep. A lot of work starts coming your way,” she said.