Big Girl Small World (TV series)
| Big Girl Small World | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Romantic comedy |
| Written by | Angela Ruhinda |
| Directed by | |
| Starring |
|
| Country of origin | Kenya |
| Original languages | English Swahili |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 13 |
| Production | |
| Producer | Kevin Njue |
| Running time | 25-35 minutes |
| Production company | Giraffe Africa Productions |
| Original release | |
| Network | Showmax |
| Release | 8 May – 31 July 2024 |
Big Girl Small World is a 2024 Kenyan rom-com series directed by Nick Mutuma and produced by Kevin Njue about a plus-size woman who stumbles through a journey of self-discovery after a humiliating scandal.[1]
The show debuted on Showmax in May 2024, and stars June Njenga and Daina Njenga.
Plot
[edit]Ciku, a successful, plus-sized radio personality, stumbles through a journey of self-discovery after her sex tape leaks involving her long time boyfriend.
In the process, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting the stereotypes and societal pressures that seek to shrink her existence.
Cast
[edit]- June Njenga as Ciku, a successful plus-sized radio personality who faces challenges in her personal and professional life.
- Daina Njenga[2] as Aisha, Ciku’s former best friend who is free-spirited and has a carefree outlook on life.
- Emmanuel Mugo as Cassim, Ciku's long-term boyfriend.
- Fidel Mathiya as Kwame, Ciku’s colleague and confidant. He is also a single dad who habors feelings for Ciku.
- Derek Bbanga as Jomo, a charming man who is willing to offer Ciku everything she desires.
- Kui Kabala as Maureen, Ciku’s nemesis. She is a fast-rising and ambitious radio presenter.
Series Overview
[edit]| Season | Episodes | Originally released | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First released | Last released | |||
| 1 | 13 | May 8, 2024 | July 31, 2024 | |
Season 1 (2024)
[edit]| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Sex, Lies & Covers" | Nick Mutuma | Various | 8 May 2024 |
| 2 | "Rise & Fall" | Nick Mutuma | Various | 15 May 2024 |
| 3 | "Origin Story" | Nick Mutuma | Unknown | 22 May 2024 |
| 4 | "Hide & Seek" | Nick Mutuma | Various | 29 May 2024 |
| 5 | "Love & Light" | Nick Mutuma | Various | 5 June 2024 |
| 6 | "The Beatdown" | Nick Mutuma | Various | 12 June 2024 |
| 7 | "S.O.S" | Nick Mutuma | Various | 19 June 2024 |
| 8 | "Cock Blocker" | Nick Mutuma | Various | 26 June 2024 |
| 9 | "Running on Fumes" | Nick Mutuma | Various | 3 July 2024 |
| 10 | "Tea, Cookies & Triangles" | Nick Mutuma | Various | 10 July 2024 |
| 11 | "The Great Awakening" | Nick Mutuma | Various | 17 July 2024 |
| 12 | "Case of The Ex" | Nick Mutuma | Various | 24 July 2024 |
| 13 | "The Naked Truth" | Nick Mutuma | Various | 31 July 2024 |
Production
[edit]Development
[edit]Big Girl Small World was announced [3]ahead of the Showmax Kenya relaunch[4] in May 2024 alongside Untying Kantai, The Real Housewives of Nairobi Season 2 and Nilichoma.
The show features an all female writing team. Angela Ruhinda, known for her work on Binti serves as the headwriter an Joining her are Gathoni Kamau (Murder Camp), Wanjiru Kairu (The Agency), Safina Iqbal (“Disconnect”), and Kui Mwai.[1]
Release
[edit]Showmax released the first episode on 5th May, and subsequent episodes were available on the streaming platform every Wednesday until July 31st.
Reception
[edit]Critical and audience response
[edit]Business Daily Africa's Stanlaus Manthi termed the Big Girl Small World as a ″humorous look at middle-class struggles in Nairobi″in his positive review.[5]
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Dakar Séries Festival | Best Short Series | Nick Mutuma and Kevin Njue | Won | [6] |
| Best Editing | Allan Bosire | Won | |||
| Best Lead Actress | June Njenga | Won |
References
[edit]- ^ a b Onyando, Winnie (23 April 2024). "TV show about the life of a plus-size radio girl to premiere on Showmax". NairobiNews. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
- ^ Apondo, Agnes (5 November 2024). "Daina Njuguna: From New York Drama Graduate to Rising Star of the Big Screen". KenyanVibe. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
- ^ Ochieng, Jennifer (9 April 2024). "Showmax Unveils Incredible Slate in Kenya Including 'The Real Housewives of Nairobi S2'". Sinema Focus. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
- ^ Venter, Stacey (9 May 2024). "Gallery: Showmax celebrates its stars and stories as it officially relaunches in Kenya". Showmax Stories. Retrieved 1 August 2024.
- ^ Manthi, Stanlaus (20 May 2024). "Big Girl Small World: Humorous look at middle-class struggles in Nairobi". Business Daily Africa. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
- ^ Mundia, Nicholas (10 January 2025). "2024 in review: What Kenyans watched on Showmax". Sanaa Post. Retrieved 11 January 2025.