Tanzania’s Wa Milele? Wins Best Unscripted Series at AMVCA

Wa Milele?, a locally produced Tanzanian reality show, won Best Unscripted Series at the AMVCA awards. Co-produced by Kefa Igilo and Jerryson Onasaa, the show addresses real marriage issues and encourages participants to share their stories. This accomplishment highlights the growing strength of Tanzania’s film industry and the value of storytelling in the Swahili language.

Tanzania’s reality show, Wa Milele?, has made an impressive mark in the television landscape, recently snagging the Best Unscripted Series award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards on May 9, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria. This major achievement is co-produced by Tanzanian filmmakers Kefa Igilo and Jerryson Onasaa and represents a significant beacon of success for Tanzanian entertainment on a continental level.

In an exclusive chat with The Citizen, Kefa Igilo, co-producer, detailed the inception of Wa Milele?. It all started when Kefa had a meeting with Showmax, where the idea for a locally-focused reality show emerged, aiming to tackle community issues directly. “I’ve worked in television before, but Wa Milele? is my first reality show and also my first series,” said Kefa. The show bravely delves into the intricate world of marriage, a subject often sidestepped in local reality programs.

Kefa pointed out that most reality shows shy away from depicting the real aspects of married life. “None of the reality producers here had ever done something around marriage hearings or real-life couple experiences,” he mentioned, expressing the show’s goal to combine entertainment with education.

The team initiated rigorous brainstorming sessions with Showmax to craft the show’s fundamental idea. “I wanted to do something different, something real,” Kefa stated. He emphasized that despite what audiences might assume about reality TV, much of it is scripted. Wa Milele? is aiming for the genuine, raw portrayal of life.

The task of getting Tanzanians to share their marital struggles for the show was daunting. The production team turned to online auditions to unearth authentic narratives. “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 recalled. To their astonishment, nearly 200,000 individuals responded.

Ultimately, they selected stories that were relatable with emotional depth. “We didn’t just want people who looked good on screen. We wanted people whose stories could help others,” Kefa remarked, revealing some challenges shared were incredibly tough, even for professionals.

The uniqueness of Wa Milele? partly stems from its comprehensive portrayal of couples’ daily lives, from sunrise to sunset. Kefa noted, “Most reality shows don’t document time in that way.” Their director, Canny, was crucial in capturing these moments creatively and effectively.

Kefa views Wa Milele? as more than just entertainment; it is a reflective tool for society. “It helps people realize that it’s okay to seek help,” he asserted, especially in cultures where discussions about personal struggles are often frowned upon. He added, “Many issues like domestic violence arise because people bottle things up.”

The recent award win at the AMVCA signifies the robust potential of Tanzania’s film industry and the influence of Swahili-language content. Kefa expressed, “This proves that our industry is much bigger than we think. And it also shows that our language, Swahili, is powerful.”

He encouraged new filmmakers to foster collaboration, embracing creativity in their work. “Work with people who understand and support your vision.” As Wa Milele? continues to ignite discussions on marriage and reality television, it stands as a powerful testament to the impact local stories can achieve when portrayed with sincerity and creativity.

In conclusion, Wa Milele? is not only a groundbreaking reality show that proudly represents Tanzanian stories but it also demonstrates the potential of the local film industry. Kefa Igilo’s vision to highlight the realities of marriage and personal struggles resonates deeply, making it a commendable entry in the competitive world of reality television. Its recent recognition at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards affirms the strength of the Swahili language and Tanzanian culture in storytelling, inspiring future creators. Through immersive storytelling, the show not only entertains but also provokes genuinely necessary conversations about marriage in contemporary society.

Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz