Meet the Kenyan actor set to sign lucrative Netflix deal

15 March 2022

• "If he signs that deal it is a big deal not only for Manasseh Nyagah but for the Kenyan acting fraternity. It will pave way for other young and budding TV and movie stars," A source whispered to Mpasho.

Manasseh Nyagah. Remember that name.

The swanky actor is currently in South Africa to sign a super lucrative deal with the popular content streaming app.

"If he signs that deal it is a big deal not only for Manasseh Nyagah but for the Kenyan acting fraternity. It will pave way for other young and budding TV and movie stars," A source whispered to Mpasho.

Manasseh's filmography gave him a foot through the door. He is famed for his roles in Netflix's Uradi and Showmax series Famous. He also had a show on Switch TV dubbed Switchboard.

"I believe Manasseh's brand caught the attention of the talent scouts who value that look and his film and TV body of work was also super impressive," the source added.

In Uradi, Manasseh played a very pivotal role that impressed the scouts. The film follows the life of a young man who goes to Nairobi for higher education.

Upon his admission to University, the drama soon begins to unfold as peer pressure increases his desire of “living the highlife”.

To make ends meet, he is forced into petty crime, not knowing that the allure of quick money is slowly sinking him into the dangerous territories of radicalization and terrorism. Now turning back becomes a daunting task.

Manasseh is loved by many for his work and among the fans is Classic 105 presenter Maina Kageni.

In one Instagram post, he wrote, "My superstar!!!!!!" adding, "My superstar in the city of superstars!!!!!"

In one of his posts n Cape Town, Manaseeh regaled his followers with a funny story of his tours.

"The highlight of my day today was when my shorts ripped open through the crotch while navigating the top of #TableMountain just trying to capture something for the content.

Everyone around me burst out laughing, I officially now have my most embarrassing moment miles away from home.

Hii kazi si rahisi maze!"

Besides Manasseh, other Kenyan creatives who have worked with Netflix include comedians Eddie Butita and Tosh Gitonga.

Tosh was selected among the six mentors for the Netflix and UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) short film competition dubbed ‘The African Folktales, Reimagined.’

In partnership with UNESCO, Netflix will award each of the six finalists $25,000 (Ksh 2.8 million) in the search for the best-reimagined folktales by African storytellers.

Additionally, a $75,000 (Ksh 8.4 million) production budget through a local production company to make their own film under the guidance of these industry mentors.

The collaboration will ensure everyone involved in the production is compensated. Their films will also premiere on Netflix in 2022 as an “Anthology of African folktales”.

Check out photos of Manasseh that will warm your fisilet hearts...Swipe left.