Television musical series Groove Theory has won four nominations for the annual Kalasha Film & TV Awards, led by its nomination as this year’s Best TV Drama. Groove Theory picked up the four nominations in various categories in the only awards designed to allow Kenyans to celebrate their cultural diversity through film and TV shows and to recognize the role of film in economic sustainability. The stars cast in Groove Theory, Paseal Ipesinoi, Patricia Kihoro, and Peter King Mwania, have also been nominated for best lead actor, best lead actress and best supporting actor in TV dramas. Groove Theory’s recognition comes just six months after its premier in November 2013 on Zuku Africa Channel 100, making it by far the newest series among the TV shows nominated.
Groove Theory now goes up against heavy-hitters like Housemates, Mali, Saida, and Sumu la Penzi- some of Kenya’s longest drama series, following its independent production that has brought fresh blood to the broadcast industry in Kenya. “These nominations are really inspiring for independent producers such as ourselves, as a recognition of new shows and concepts produced outside of the mainstream, by those of us now pushing into independent production,” said Kanjii Mbugua of Kijiji Entertainment, the producers of the show.
Groove Theory tells the story of Zamm who is striving to cut a niche for himself in a university that seems not to be supportive of his musical talent . He finds plenty of obstacles on his way and he tries to put together a band. The choir master, a stubborn dean of students, lack of instruments, Zamm’s nosy younger sister Clarinet, and the generational pressure from his traditionalist father, are elements that stand in his way to achieving an illustrious musical career.
