Twende

Made in Kenya

Twende is Showmax's first Original 2D animated series, and the first animation of this quality and scale to be made almost entirely in Africa.

The first Showmax Original 2D animated series, Twende follows a pangolin of the same name, the slowest moving animal in the savannah. Twende’s belief that "life is about the journey, not the destination" is constantly at odds with his job as a boda boda driver in the bustling, fictional East African city of Milima.

Twende is voiced by Junior Nyong'o (The Legend of Lwanda Magere, Hamlet), while June Gachui (Crime and Justice, Nairobi Half Life) plays his unlikely best friend and navigator, Nuru - a whip-smart bird who always looks out for her bestie, even if his chilled-out vibe drives her crazy sometimes.

Kalasha Awards nominee Elsaphan Njora (Super Sema, Kati Kati) voices Boss, the perennially broke and exhausted hyena who owns the boda boda agency where Nuru and Twende work. The all-Kenyan voice cast also includes Charles Ouda (Crime and Justice) as showy stunt driver Kimbe and Mkamzee Mwatela (Mali) as Boss’s rival, Madam Mongoose, CEO of the evil tech empire Goober. Also listen out for Kalasha Awards winner Nyokabi Macharia (Super Sema), Joyce Musoke (Second Family) and seasoned voice actor and director Khaemba W. Edward (Ogas at the Top, The XYZ Show).

Produced by London-based Braintrust and Johannesburg-based Mind’s Eye Creative, Twende is co-created by Charlie Maas, Kayla Archer, Mike Scott and Regan Riskas Maas, with Greig Cameron (Seal Team, Supa Strikas) as the showrunner.

Twende’s pilot screened in competition at Annecy, the world’s premier animation festival, in 2021. MultiChoice Studios is handling international sales.

The first 2D animated show of this scale and quality made almost entirely in Africa, Twende is now streaming on Showmax.

Slow down and enjoy the ride.

Join the conversation: #twendeshowmax

Watch it now

Twende S1

Twende follows the hilarious adventures of Twende and Nuru, two boda boda drivers in the vibrant East African city of Milima.

OriginalMade in Kenya

Nuru (June Gachui) and Twende (Junior Nyong'o) in the Showmax Original Twende

Twende, the first Showmax Original 2D animation, lands 1 December 2023

Ahead of the launch of the first five episodes of Twende, Showmax's first Original 2D animation, we chatted to showrunner Greig Cameron.

OriginalMade in Kenya

Twende

Twende is Showmax's first Original 2D animated series, and the first animation of this quality and scale to be made almost entirely in Africa.

OriginalMade in Kenya

More for kids on Showmax

Must-watch trailer: Slay Queens doccie coming to Showmax

Watch the explosive trailer for Slay Queens, a Showmax Original docuseries about women chasing the soft life. Streaming from 31 October, new episodes every Friday.

OriginalMade in South Africa

The best kids' shows and movies to stream during school holidays

Showmax has loads of fun to look forward to during school holidays in October 2025, including blockbuster movies for the whole family.

The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City S6 on Showmax

The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City S5-6

Follow the hidden social circle made up of successful Utah women who have created their own paradise filled with luxury homes and shopping sprees.

First

A Nice Indian Boy (2025)

In this humorous, heartfelt romcom, a gay doctor brings his white fiancé home to meet his traditional Indian family.

Catch the fiery battle between Chelsea and Liverpool live on Showmax Premier League

The Premier League canvas: a Saturday masterpiece painted in blue and red

Catch all the action from the Chelsea v Liverpool game live on Showmax Premier League on Saturday, 4 October at 18:30.

LiveMade in South Africa

Thembinkosi Mthembu and Londeka Sishi as Bonga and Nkanyezi in Adulting

RSVP for a Showmax wedding: 40+ celebrations to enjoy

From surprise vows to family feuds, Showmax is serving up over 40 wedding-themed movies and series. We’re saying I Do to non-stop entertainment!

Thabiso Ramotshela on the heart-wrenching Youngins Season 3

Thabiso Ramotshela talks about his heart-wrenching performance as Mahlatse in Youngins S3, now streaming on Showmax. Watch new episodes every Friday.

Original South Africa

31 top shows & movies to watch with Pride

While we held space for our friends in the US in June, South Africa celebrates Pride in October, so here are 31 shows that fly the Pride flag high.

Add these top-notch Kenyan shows to your watchlist

Life coach Ofentse represents Mzansi in The Mommy Club NBO

South African Ofentse Tsipa talks motherhood, marriage and being part of Kenya's edition of The Mommy Club, now streaming on Showmax. Catch new episodes every Friday.

OriginalMade in Kenya

Missed the 11th AMVCAs? Watch the awards on Showmax

Showmax will stream the full broadcast of the 11th Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards from 14 May 2025.

OriginalMade in Nigeria

The Real Housewives of Miami - Season 4 on Showmax

Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online

Showmax is the home of The Real Housewives, giving an inside look at the lives of these glam women from Durban, Abuja, Lagos, Joburg, Nairobi and more. Plus, go on vacation with The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip!

Original