‘Wa Milele?’: Tanzania’s Reality Show Trailblazing the Entertainment Industry
Tanzania’s reality show “Wa Milele?” won Best Unscripted Series at the 2025 AMVCA, co-produced by Kefa Igilo and Jerryson Onasaa. It tackles marriage topics, offering raw and honest stories of couples. The show’s success highlights the potential of Tanzanian storytelling and the Swahili language.
Tanzania’s entertainment industry has hit a milestone with the rise of “Wa Milele?,” a groundbreaking reality show co-produced by local filmmakers Kefa Igilo and Jerryson Onasaa. Earning acclaim, the series secured the Best Unscripted Series trophy at the recent Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) held on May 9, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria. This recognition marks a significant achievement for Tanzanian television on the continental stage, representing a growing local narrative in the bustling world of entertainment.
In an interview with The Citizen, Mr. Igilo shared insights into the show’s origin, which sprouted from a meeting with Showmax. He described how the collaboration focused on creating an authentic reality show that resonates with Tanzanian audiences, tackling real-life issues directly. Mr. Igilo remarked, “My concept met Showmax’s vision to create a local reality show rooted in our community.” His previous work in television led him to create “Wa Milele?,” his first experience in the reality genre.
What sets “Wa Milele?” apart from other shows is its courageous exploration of marriage. Most local reality series shy away from genuine discussions about relationships. Igilo highlights that such topics are often neglected, stating, “None of the reality producers here had ever done something around marriage hearings or real-life couple experiences.” He and his team sought to blend entertainment and education, encouraging viewers to reflect on societal norms surrounding marriage.
The journey to develop the show involved multiple brainstorming sessions with Showmax to solidify a fresh concept. Igilo expressed a desire to present reality in its true form, indicating that much of reality television can be scripted or staged. He asserted, “With Wa Milele?, we wanted to show the actual reality, as raw and honest as it gets.”
Finding participants willing to share their private lives was a challenge, prompting the team to conduct online auditions. They invited couples to narrate their marital struggles and aspirations for resolution. To their astonishment, approximately 200,000 Tanzanians responded to the call, eager to share their stories.
Ultimately, the team meticulously selected participants for their relatable narratives, ensuring that the show featured stories that could reach out and help others. “We didn’t just want people who looked good on screen. We wanted people whose stories could help others,” Igilo explained, acknowledging that some challenges discussed are even complex for professionals to manage.
The immersive approach of capturing the daily routines of couples, from waking up to going to bed, gives viewers a genuine window into their lives. Igilo noted, “Most reality shows don’t document time in that way.” The production team aimed to portray a comprehensive snapshot of reality, ensuring every moment was authentically recorded. They emphasize that this candid exposure can serve as a form of therapy for viewers.
The show’s ability to address sensitive issues like domestic conflict is another highlight. “Wa Milele? shows that there is a space to speak, to be heard, and to heal,” Igilo stated, advocating for a culture that embraces conversation around difficult topics. This kind of dialogue is crucial in a society where silence often dominates.
The recent AMVCA victory signals more than just a win for the show; it sends a strong message regarding the potential of Tanzania’s film industry. According to Kefa, it showcases the international capability of the Swahili language, capable of delivering profound narratives that resonate across Africa. He encourages aspiring filmmakers to collaborate and think innovatively, saying, “Work with people who understand and support your vision.”
As “Wa Milele?” continues to foster open discussions about marriage and reality TV, it emerges as a hallmark of local storytelling, emphasizing authenticity, creativity, and emotional depth. The show presents an example for future productions, proving that honest narratives have significant cultural impact.
In summary, “Wa Milele?” has emerged as a landmark reality show in Tanzania, blending entertainment with essential discussions on marriage. The show’s success at the AMVCA underscores the potential of local narratives and the strength of the Swahili language in the global entertainment landscape. Co-producer Kefa Igilo’s vision for authenticity and connection resonates throughout the series, making it an influential piece of Tanzanian television.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
