Kenyan Classics
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Kenyan TV has had amazing productions that provide us with rib cracking humour and provoke profound thought in equal measure.
While some shows died a natural death and were replaced with something more generically appealing, others like the monstrosity that was Cobra Squad make us happy that they stay dead and gone. Seriously, keep it gone.
Here are some Kenyan TV shows we all miss.
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Tusker Project Fame
Considered East Africa’s biggest talent show, it ran from 2006 – 2014.
It was a singing competition sponsored by Tusker Lager that produced- er, stars like Ng’ang’alito and Valerie Kimani.
OMO Pick a Box Show
This was a competition show that ran from the 90s to early 2000s where contestants would have to make choices on which contests to participate in and eventually would have to pick between money and a box that could have anything. From a matatus to a diaper hamper.
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Who’s Smarter Now?
The clue is in the title. This was a quiz show that ran in the early 2000s. It had a spinning wheel which contestants would answer questions on the category where the needle falls.
Redykulass
Arguably the best comedic show ever produced in Kenya, the show focused on satirizing Rt. President Daniel arap Moi (Walter Mong’are), his right hand man Joseph Kamotho (John Kiarie) and a body guard (Tony Njuguna). They also played different leaders such as the late George Saitoti, Rt. President Mwai Kibaki and the late Mama Lucy Kibaki. They also introduced us to the king of parody music, Kajairo.
Vitimbi
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This was a skit show that set the stage for all future Kenyan comedy.
Kinyonga
Revolved around daily life and how Mzee Zero, who was a chief- and his son Shikwekwe who had to adapt to a changing Kenya.
Vituko
This ran from when KBC was still called VOK. And was one of Kenya’s first original shows.
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Tahamaki
It was a Kenyan detective show from 1990. Of course it was awesome.
Tausi
Anyone who loved TV loved this show. It was a dramatic story about an orphan girl called Lindi who had a very mean aunt. There was also the iconic Rukia and a handsome fellow called Baraza. It was a family drama that had issues that were relatable to all Kenyans from whatever walk of life.
I just came to the startling realization that the list is almost endless. Other shows that Kenyans loved and unceremoniously lost include Better Days, Makutano Junction, Changing Times, Penzi Hatari, Kisulisuli and countless others.
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Perhaps one day, Riverwood will get the Hollywood recycling manual and learn how to recreate beloved shows much to the delight of their nostalgic fans.
