Charles Ouda’s Final Film Set to Premiere on November 21
After the success of *Pepeta*, Showmax is set to premiere *4 Play*, an 18-rated adult drama that delves into the complex lives of four men navigating friendship, love, and survival in Nairobi’s dynamic urban scene.
*4 Play* marks the final project of Charles Ouda, the actor and scriptwriter who passed away on February 3 at the age of 38. The cause of his death remains speculative, as his family has not commented on the matter.
CHECK OUT:
Ciru Muriuki Remembers Charles Ouda In Emotional Post, A Month After His Demise
Premiering on November 21, *4 Play* promises a raw and honest exploration of modern Kenyan life. The series highlights the struggles and triumphs of men balancing personal chaos, loyalty, and ambition. The main cast includes veteran actors Daniel Weke (Mali), AMVCA nominee Elsaphan Njora (Kati Kati, Twende), Maina wa Ndungu (Kina, Volume), and Kalasha Award winner Bilal Wanjau (Faithless), who play the roles of Malik, Allan, Edu, and Michael – friends navigating the unpredictable journey of city life. They are joined by Patricia Kihoro (Crime and Justice, Rafiki), singer-actress Habida Moloney (Zari), and Tracy Macharia (Big Girl Small World).
Produced by James Kombo of CJ3 Entertainment, *4 Play* is directed by Mwangi Rurengo (Pepeta), Janet Chumbe (Faithless), and Mkaiwai Mwakaba, who makes her directorial debut. The head writer, Abigail Arunga, known for *Junior*, *Pepeta*, and *Lies that Bind*, leads the storytelling team, which also includes the late Charles Ouda as a writer and casting director.
Kombo, who produced *Pepeta*, explains that the inspiration behind *4 Play* was to shift the focus to the male experience, a narrative often overlooked in current television. “I wanted to tell the story from the man’s perspective, capturing the struggles and everyday challenges of men in Nairobi,” he says. “The show reflects Nairobi’s nightlife, flashy lifestyle, and love life, showing the relatable struggles of the main characters as they fight to survive.”
ALSO CHECK OUT:
*4 Play* blends humor, grit, and Nairobi’s vibrant energy as it explores themes of friendship, family, ambition, and lust. The show boldly tackles adult themes, such as sex work and addiction, that are often absent from mainstream Kenyan television. According to Arunga, *4 Play* allowed her to express her creative voice, especially in depicting adult relationships and sensuality.
