Sammy Okore, once known to Kenyan audiences as young Tosh in the popular children’s series “Machachari”, is stepping into the spotlight with his role in Showmax’s new youth drama “Reckless”.
The 25-year-old actor plays Mika, a party-loving teenager whose reckless behaviour leads to a tragic street racing accident that affects both him and his older brother.
Okore’s journey has been shaped by influential mentors within Kenya’s entertainment industry.
During his “Machachari” years, Okore received mentorship from veteran actor Arabron Osanya, known for his role in “Faithless”.
“He happened to be the father of my best friend back then, and anyone who knows Arabron will tell you he is one of the best in the game. He took me under his wing and mentored me during those early days as a child actor, shaping my passion and approach to acting,” Okore recalled.
“Reckless” presented unique demands for the actor, particularly during the series’ signature street racing sequences filmed along Nairobi’s Southern Bypass at night. Working alongside professional stunt drivers, Okore described the experience as transformative.
“This scene is one of the biggest highlights of the show and my career. I got to work closely with a stunt driver, and honestly, it was insanely amazing. Half the time, my adrenaline was through the roof,” he explained.
The role’s physical requirements posed challenges for the self-described laid-back performer.
“Physicality was the toughest part of playing Mika. He’s all about high-energy stuff: fighting, driving, pure adrenaline. And I am a bit on the laid-back side, so it was a real challenge. The physical fitness he demanded was no joke. I had to switch up completely, man. I really had to step up,” he said.
Okore praised director Gilbert Lukalia’s role in helping him develop the character.
“Our director, Gilbert, played a huge role in helping me get into character. He didn’t just direct; he guided me to feel the emotions. Sometimes, as an actor, you struggle to connect with certain feelings, but Gilbert had this way of bringing it home.”
Beyond acting, Okore is actively pursuing music, specifically in the local trap scene as both writer and producer. His musical talents extend into his acting work, with several of his tracks featured in Reckless.
“Music absolutely influences my acting. For “Reckless”, the 2023 Amapiano hit Mnike became my ultimate go-to track to kick start my day on set. If you listen to it, it almost sounds like someone is saying ‘Mika’, which made it so relatable for me. The song is packed with energy and psych, just like Mika’s character. It really helped me tap into his vibe every morning,” he explained.
Regarding his personal life, Okore was candid about his relationship status.
“Yes, I’m a ladies’ man, but dating isn’t really my thing right now. I’m currently in a situationship. And hey, if you want to join the list, my DMs are wide open.”
Looking ahead, the actor has clear plans. “Looking forward to working on my music. I am working on a music video coming soon.”
Okore’s evolving career shows no signs of slowing down, with both his acting and music winning over new fans. As he embraces new challenges, Sammy Okore’s journey is one to watch.
