Amber Ray, Phoina and KRG the Don among stars in new Showmax reality series Nai-Rich

Off the back of the record-breaking title The Real Housewives of Nairobi, Showmax has unveiled its next Original reality series in Kenya, Nai-Rich, that will premiere on the platform soon.

Nai-Rich takes viewers on a thrilling journey into the lives of five influential figures that have made their way to the top against all odds and are now making a killing out of it. They share their lives behind the glitz and glam 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 is produced by Samuel Maina, popularly known as Sammy Dee.“The idea for Nai-Rich was born from a desire to showcase the vibrant and dynamic lifestyle of Nairobi’s young elites, blending luxury, ambition and 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 like Ugandan reality Kampala Crème and Maisha Magic’s Oh Sister and Date My Family, says that the key ingredient in creating a hit reality series is authenticity. “Audiences are drawn to real, unfiltered stories that they can connect with on an emotional level. This includes relatable characters, genuine conflicts, and personal growth. Additionally, high production values, a captivating storyline, and a touch of drama are essential to keep viewers engaged and coming back for more,” he says.

Meet the stars of Nai-Rich

Phoina Wambui, popularly known as just Phoina, is a celebrity hair and make-up artist, a beauty entrepreneur and founder of Nairobi’s premium make-up and beauty parlour Phoina Beauty, which is the go-to beauty hub for Nairobi’s 1% of the 1%.

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

Karuga Kimani, popularly known as KRG the Don, is a businessman, farmer, industry loan shark, producer and an 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 rose to fame after appearing in Kenya’s premier reality series Nairobi Diaries, where she portrayed herself as a strong and no-nonsense woman. She owns a skincare brand that specifically caters to African skin and has collaborated with her friend Phoina in several business ventures that have been highly successful. The mother of one is happily married to a Nairobi realtor whom she met in 2015.

Nairobi businessman Ken Rapudo is known for his vast wealth and his current relationship with Amber Ray, which has been the talk of the town for a while now. Together with Amber, the two are in a blended family raising four children – two from his previous relationship, one from Amber’s previous relationship, and their lastborn together.

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. They include the third season of Kalasha-nominated drama Single Kiasi, which launched in February; May launch titles such as Nick Mutuma’s comedy drama Big Girl Small World S1, Phil Karanja’s dramedy Untying Kantai S1, The Real Housewives of Nairobi S2 which recently wrapped and is now heading to the Reunion, and docuseries Nilichoma S1; and the recently launched youth drama Jiji.

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