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As Kenya’s film industry continues to gain international recognition, actor Brian Abajah is positioning himself as both a leading performer and an advocate for inclusive storytelling.
The rising star, currently featured in Showmax’s drama “Reckless,” has made representation a cornerstone of his career choices.
Abajah’s commitment to inclusive filmmaking is evident in his recent project “Silent Checkmate,” where he worked alongside a predominantly Deaf cast. The decision to take on the role wasn’t just about expanding his acting range; it was about using his platform to amplify voices that are often overlooked in mainstream media.
“I took on that project to give a voice to those who are often unheard, to do something different that could spark real impact,” Abajah explained. “Representation in storytelling is so important. For me, it’s about shining a light on people who are overlooked or don’t often get the chance to be seen or heard.”
Abajah has been consistently vocal about the need for greater representation across Kenya’s entertainment industry, acknowledging both the progress made and the work still ahead.
“I know our industry is still finding its footing. I would like to see more productions have more representation,” he said, reflecting on the current state of Kenyan cinema and television.
His latest role in “Reckless” showcases a different kind of storytelling challenge. Playing Pete, a character who begins as entitled and narcissistic but undergoes significant personal growth, required Abajah to dig deep into complex emotional territory.
“What pulled me into the show was the emotional rollercoaster my character, Pete, goes through. He’s yanked out of the big city by his parents and forced to find his footing in a completely new environment,” he explained.
Working with director Gilbert Lukali and acting coach Caroline Odongo, Abajah found himself particularly challenged by the character’s most vulnerable moments. “Those emotional and vulnerable moments were tough to nail,” he admitted. “Sometimes you just don’t hit it right on the first or even second take.”
The actor’s approach to character development involves thorough preparation, including studying character backgrounds and working closely with directors to understand the emotional journey required for each role.
Abajah’s career trajectory from not completing his law studies to starring in Kenya’s Oscar submission “Mission to Rescue” reflects a broader trend of young Kenyan creatives forging unconventional paths in the entertainment industry.
His future plans include establishing his own production house, a move that could further his advocacy for inclusive storytelling. “I am currently building my own production house, working hard to release a tonne of content and short films,” he said.
As Kenya’s film industry continues to evolve and gain international attention, actors like Abajah are helping to shape not just what stories are told, but whose voices are heard in the telling. His dual focus on performance excellence and inclusive representation suggests a maturing industry that’s beginning to recognize the value of diverse perspectives both on and off screen.
