Amber Ray, Phoina among stars in new reality series

Following the record-breaking success of The Real Housewives of Nairobi, Showmax has unveiled its next original reality series in Kenya, Nai-Rich, which will soon premiere on the platform.

The new original reality series Nai-Rich takes viewers on a thrilling journey into the lives of five influential figures who have risen to the top against all odds and are now making a killing doing it.

They share their lives behind the glitz and glamour of social media, giving viewers a glimpse behind the curtains of their drama-filled lives as they navigate friendship, love, family and business in the Kenyan entertainment industry.

The 13-part reality series on Showmax is produced by Samuel Maina, popularly known as Sammy Dee.

"The idea for Nai-Rich was born out of a desire to showcase the vibrant and dynamic lifestyle of Nairobi's young elite, combining luxury, ambition and the challenges they face," says Sammy Dee.

"It aims to highlight the unique culture and diverse personalities that make Nairobi such a fascinating place. The cast became stars through social media and some of them had to turn lemons into lemonade as they became stars in unconventional ways."

Sammy Dee, whose production company True-D Pictures is also behind projects such as Ugandan reality series 'Kampala Crème' and Maisha Magic's 'Oh Sister' and 'Date My Family', says the key ingredient in creating a hit reality series is authenticity.

"Audiences are drawn to real, unfiltered stories that they can relate to on an emotional level. This includes relatable characters, genuine conflict and personal growth. In addition, high production values, a compelling storyline and a touch of drama are essential to keep viewers engaged and coming back for more," he says.

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Meet the stars of Nai-Rich

Phoina Wambui, popularly known as Phoina, is a celebrity hair and make-up artist, beauty entrepreneur and founder of Nairobi's premium make-up and beauty salon, Phoina Beauty.

Faith Makau, popularly known as Amber Ray, is a brand influencer and entrepreneur. Although not officially married, the mother of four (two biological and two stepchildren) is in a relationship with flamboyant city businessman Ken Rapudo.

Nairobi businessman Ken Rapudo's relationship with Amber Ray has been the talk of the town for some time now. Together with Amber, they are a blended family raising four children - two from his previous relationship, one from Amber's previous relationship and their last born.

Karuga Kimani, popularly known as KRG the Don, is a businessman, farmer, industrial loan shark, producer and entertainer who claims to be one of the richest artists in Kenya. The father of four is a music industry fixer and the go-to guy for luxurious cars and the life of the party.

Entrepreneur and influencer Risper Faith shot to fame after appearing on Kenya's leading reality series 'Nairobi Diaries', where she portrayed herself as a strong and no-nonsense woman.

She owns a skincare brand that caters for African skin and has collaborated with her friend Phoina on several successful business ventures. The mother of one is happily married to a Nairobi estate agent she met in 2015.

Nai-Rich follows six other Showmax Originals already released in Kenya in 2024 as the African streamer delivers on its promise to increase investment in local content.

Others include the third season of Kalasha-nominated drama 'Single Kiasi', which launched in February; May launches such as Nick Mutuma's comedy-drama 'Big Girl Small World', Phil Karanja's dramedy 'Untying Kantai', 'The Real Housewives of Nairobi' Season 2, which recently wrapped and is heading for reunion and docu-series 'Nilichoma'; and the recently launched youth drama 'Jiji'.