Sanaipei Tande, Mumbi Maina, Jimmy Gathu feature in crime drama ‘The Chocolate Empire’

Legendary journalist turned actor Jimmy Gathu, singer Sanaipei Tande and actress Mumbi Maina have been featured in a new crime drama ‘The Chocolate Empire’.

Set against the backdrop of Nairobi’s elite circles, The Chocolate Empire follows JB Mauzo, played by the multitalented Jimmy Gathu, a once-powerful businessman freshly released from prison.

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 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, Kalasha winner Mumbi Maina, Jackie Kaboi, Escay Gitonga, Kael Njihia, Linda Tyagi, Michael Sanuri, Angie Magio, Kennedy Musumba, Mwaniki Mageria, Aleks Kamau, Amalie Chopetta, and Derek Bbanga.

Supporting the cast are Ivy Wanjiku, Makena Kahuha, rapper Xtatic in her Showmax debut, Palma Lumbasi, 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.

The new crime drama ‘The Chocolate Empire’ will launch on Showmax on March, 20^th, 2025 with new episodes every Thursday.

“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 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.