Showmax is cranking up the heat this March with its latest crime drama, The Chocolate Empire, from the powerhouse creators behind Single Kiasi.
Set against the glitzy yet treacherous world of Nairobi’s elite, The Chocolate Empire follows JB Mauzo, portrayed by the legendary Jimmi Gathu (Kina). A once-dominant businessman, JB is freshly out of prison, determined to rebuild his life and mend his fractured family. However, beneath the polished facade of his exclusive cigar club, he secretly runs a high-end escort service. His carefully concealed operation takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Lily (Ann Muli, A Familiar Christmas), a young woman from a struggling background. Desperate to support her mother, Lily takes a job at JB’s club, oblivious to the illicit activities lurking beneath its surface.
Boasting a stellar ensemble cast, The Chocolate Empire features some of Kenya’s finest actors, including Sanaipei Tande (Kina), Kalasha winner Mumbi Maina (Second Family), Kalasha nominee Jackie Kaboi (Single Kiasi), Escay Gitonga (Kam U Stay), Kael Njihia (Country Queens, Salem), Linda Tyagi, Michael Sanuri (Kiu), Angie Magio (Selina), Kennedy Musumba, Mwaniki Mageria (The Real Housewives of Nairobi), Aleks Kamau (Volume, Faithless), Amalie Chopetta (You Again), and Derek Bbanga (Big Girl Small World).
Adding even more depth to the cast are Ivy Wanjiku (Sanura), Makena Kahuha (Subterranea), rapper Xtatic in her Showmax debut, Palma Lumbasi (Borderline), fashion model-turned-actress Everlyne Kanane, Sharon Muriithi, and Mercy Kavulani, who portray the enigmatic “chocolates.”
The show is co-produced and co-directed by the dynamic duo Phillippe Bresson and Grace Kahaki of Insignia Productions. A thrilling exploration of the delicate ties of family, the various shades of love, the pursuit of redemption, and the steep cost of deception, The Chocolate Empire promises to push storytelling boundaries.
“This is darker and bolder than anything we have done before,” says producer Grace Kahaki. “We love a challenge and are committed to taking our craft to the next level. Authenticity was key in telling this story, so we spoke to people who live in these worlds. Jimmi Gathu was always JB in my mind. Having worked with him on Single Kiasi, I knew he could embody JB’s charm, menace, and complexity. Somehow, you root for JB—even when he’s in the wrong.”
“This is the largest cast we’ve ever worked with. We’ve produced and directed more than 10 TV shows, but the casting process for The Chocolate Empire was the most extensive. We knew exactly what we wanted and didn’t settle until we got it. The result is an incredible mix of fresh talent and seasoned industry legends—I’m absolutely in love with this cast,” she adds.
As the second Kenyan Original from Showmax in 2025, following Take Me Home Season 2, The Chocolate Empire continues the platform’s impressive streak of bold, authentic African storytelling. Last year, Showmax made waves by releasing a record-breaking 12 Kenyan Originals, doubling its content slate from the previous year. With The Chocolate Empire, Showmax further cements its reputation as a leader in premium entertainment.
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Mark your calendars! The Chocolate Empire premieres on Showmax on 20 March, with new episodes dropping every Thursday.
