PETE, a new Swahili soap opera, has launched on Maisha Magic East.

The show, which premieres today , Monday, 7^th January 2019 depicts hate, enmity and revenge that threatens to destroy a brotherhood bond, out of the desire to seek leadership and control.

There was uncertainty earlier if the launch would take place after the Kenya Film and Classification Board (KFCB) released a statement just hours to the launch stopping the event accusing the producers of violating the law governing creation, possession, exhibition, distribution and broadcast of any audio visual content in the country  , the launch however proceeded as planned after consultations  between the board and the team behind the film.

PETE will air every weekday Monday to Friday at 9.30pm on Maisha Magic East on both DStv channel 158 and GOtv channel 4.

To celebrate the launch of the new Swahili soap opera, Maisha Magic East organized a special screening of Pete’s first episode at the Jomo Kenyatta public beach(pirates) to give coastal region viewers a taste of what to expect when the show premieres on Maisha Magic East channel.

The special screening event also gave the audience an opportunity to meet and interact with the top-rated cast of the show, led by Mutran Tamim who plays Jasiri (the main protagonist) and Leon Ongaya, who plays Jasiri’s brother, Mbura (main antagonist). Other main cast members included Selestine Nyagha (Nuru) and Aisha Mwajumlah (Nimimi).

Speaking at the first-ever outdoor beach screening at the coast, GOtv Kenya General Manager Simon Kariithi reiterated the commitment by MultiChoice Kenya to offer memorable, quality and affordable entertainment.

He said, “We understand our customers changing demands and we are committed to offer them the kind of entertainment they want.  Furthermore, we strive to deliver value to our customers by making great entertainment more accessible by maintaining affordable subscription rates on both GOtv and DStv.”

Speaking at the same event, MNET Channel Director, East and Southern channels Timothy Okwaro reiterate Maisha Magic’s priority to deliver 100% local content to its consumers

“We are committed to the delivery of this promise to our subscribers by providing our customers with unique viewing experiences as the industry video entertainment leaders,” he said 

Kariithi added that Maisha Magic East provided a ready market for the growing entertainment industry and urged local producers to take the opportunity offered by Maisha Magic to invest in creation of more local shows that viewers across the East African region can enjoy.

Over the course of 2017 and 2018, Maisha Magic East has launched premium local content to the delight of its viewers.

Some of these include the award winning show Selina that won the Best TV Drama series award at Kalasha 2018 Awards, Maza – yet another Swahili soap opera produced in the coastal region, Sue na Johnnie amongst others.

PETE is a drama series that follows the fight by two brothers, Mbura (older brother) and Jasiri (younger brother), to attain the right to rule Funzi Island after the demise of their father Dalu.

At the centre of this fight is the leadership tool, the ring (pete). Also keen on getting their hands on the ring are the mermaids, who send their beautiful daughter, Safira, to fetch the ring that threatens to end the mermaid generation if they don’t claim it from the human race.

Pete is a Swahili word meaning a ring and in this case it denotes a circular or endless situation.

This ring plays out metaphorically as a beacon of ultimate competition, love and hatred.

The show is produced by Daudi Otieno, a cinematographer and with seven years’ experience.

Speaking about the production, Otieno said, “Pete is one of my biggest projects that I am so much passionate about. The story is close to me, especially having been raised at the Coast and experienced its rich culture which plays a major role in this telenovela drama series”.

Below are some photos from the launch