Tanzania’s ‘Wa Milele?’: A Bold Reality Show Tackling Marriage and Winning Awards
“Wa Milele?” is a groundbreaking Tanzanian reality show co-produced by Kefa Igilo and Jerryson Onasaa, winning Best Unscripted Series at the AMVCA. It uniquely explores marital challenges, steering away from typical reality TV tropes. The show’s success illustrates the global potential of Swahili content and the importance of authentic storytelling.
In a notable achievement for Tanzania’s film and television industry this year, the reality show “Wa Milele?” has made waves by winning the award for Best Unscripted Series at the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). The ceremony took place on May 9, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria. Co-produced by Tanzania’s Kefa Igilo and Jerryson Onasaa, this show is a pioneer in the local entertainment scene, heralding a significant victory for Tanzanian reality TV on a prestigious continental platform.
Kefa Igilo, one of the co-producers, shared insight into the inception of “Wa Milele?” during an exclusive chat with The Citizen. The idea began to take shape during a meeting with Showmax, aiming to craft a local reality show that highlights authentic issues in the community. “I’ve worked in television before, but Wa Milele? is my first reality show and also my first series,” Kefa noted, explaining how his concept aligned with Showmax’s vision.
The show distinguishes itself from its peers by tackling the intricate and sometimes delicate topic of marriage. Kefa pointed out that many other reality shows sidestep these real-life issues, which is something he wanted to address. “None of the reality producers here had ever done something around marriage hearings or real-life couple experiences,” he explained, reflecting on the common themes often ignored in this genre.
The creative process involved rigorous brainstorming sessions with the Showmax team, with Kefa pitching various ideas that ultimately shaped the foundation of the show. “I wanted to do something different, something real. Most people think they’re watching reality TV, but a lot of it is scripted or fake,” he said, emphasizing the authenticity that “Wa Milele?” aims to portray.
Convincing participants to share their personal marital struggles publicly was no small feat. To find suitable couples, the team opted for online auditions, encouraging individuals to narrate their stories and the challenges they faced. “We posted a call asking people to tell us about their marriage struggles and what they hoped to solve. Everything had to be recorded,” Kefa recounted, noting the surprising response of nearly 200,000 submissions the show received.
Through the auditions, the team selected stories that resonated emotionally and were relatable to the audience. “We didn’t just want people who looked good on screen. We wanted people whose stories could help others,” Kefa said, highlighting the depth of the chosen narratives. The issues presented often pushed the boundaries, tackling what even therapists might find difficult.
Kefa further elaborated on how “Wa Milele?” captures daily life experiences, following couples from morning till night, thereby immersing viewers into their realities. He remarked, “Most reality shows don’t document time in that way. But for us, it was important to show every aspect of their lives.” The director, Canny, played a critical role in maintaining that authenticity by creatively documenting those moments.
Moreover, the show serves a wider purpose beyond entertainment; as Kefa puts it, it acts as a mirror to society and a resource for healing. “It helps people realize that it’s okay to seek help. Many issues like domestic violence arise because people bottle things up,” he noted, asserting that the series creates a safe space for dialogue and reflection.
Kefa sees the AMVCA win as a significant milestone, reinforcing the strength of Tanzania’s film industry and celebrating the global resonance of Swahili-language content. “This proves that our industry is much bigger than we think. And it also shows that our language, Swahili, is powerful,” he stated. He encourages budding filmmakers to prioritize collaboration and innovation, “Work with people who understand and support your vision. And always strive to create unique ideas that haven’t been done before. That’s what sets your work apart,” he advised.
As discussions about marriage and reality TV continue to unfold around “Wa Milele?,” the show highlights the possibilities of storytelling when approached with creativity and a sincere heart.
In summary, “Wa Milele?” stands out as a pioneering Tanzanian reality show that addresses the complex subject of marriage in a refreshing way. With its recent award at the AMVCA, the show underscores the potential of local narratives to resonate across the continent. Kefa Igilo’s vision for authenticity, combined with strong participant stories, showcases the growing strength of Tanzania’s film industry. The show’s success encourages emerging filmmakers, reinforcing the value of collaboration and innovative storytelling in the entertainment landscape.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
