I think it is safe to say Citizen TV's Maria Series was among the most followed television shows in the country for the period it aired.
The Jiffy Pictures production commanded a huge audience across the country ranging from children to adult members of the public.
The drama series brought to the limelight a number of talented actors, and some whose roles made them an instant favourite among fans.
In this segment, Nairobileo.co.ke looks at the life of Tina Njambi Wamwati who played the role of Lona - a nosy househelp who just can't mind her own business.
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Her responses and 24-hour "mushene" peddling rendered her a household name among fans of the drama series.
During a previous interview with a local daily, Tina explained how fans react to her role in real life, how she landed the opportunity to feature on Maria, and what her personal life looks like.
The 41-year-old is not married and takes care of two children.
"...am not married and I don't have biological children. I take care of two kids who I call my own. They are my late sister's children. She passed away when they were young. They have grown up but I still refer to them as my kids," she told the publication.
Tina is a devoted Christian who loves to inspire others, especially young people. She is passionate about educating and engaging with young people and speaking into their lives
She notes that she is prayerful and is always dedicated to whatever she does.
Tina recounts how she got to feature in Maria as a miracle.
She had acted before, playing a leading role in Wash and Fate as Jacky. After that show, she took a sabbatical from acting and focused on growing her business.
The actress revealed that fans demanded that she make a comeback, and they would even go to the extent of inboxing her.
"I didn't study film but I had a passion since I was young. I kept asking God to restore my career and in December 2018, after my pastor pushed us to get out of our comfort zone, I went on to audition for lots of shows. I tried a lot but none came to my fruition. In 2019, I told God I am ready and when auditions were held for Maria Series, I tried my hand as they were looking for Madam Liki's role.
"I landed it but after shooting the pilot, people thought I was too young for the role. For me, it was bittersweet and that's how I got the Lona role. I love entrepreneurship but when acting, I am in my element and that ticks," she narrated.
Tina noted that a section of fans believed she was evil and some would message calling her a bad woman due to her role on TV.
A collage image of Tina Njambi Wamwati, Yasmin Said (left) and Lulu Hassan (2nd right). |Photo| Courtesy|
However, she understands that it was all for the show, and appreciates her audience.
"Yes. A lot of times. In fact, many people out there literally believe I am evil. At times they inbox me calling me a bad woman. However, I understand it's all about the show. This has pushed me higher and I have embraced it," she said.
Jiffy Pictures, the company that produced the Maria show and now produces Zora, is owned by media couple Lulu Hassan and Rashid Abdalla. The two have taken the industry by storm.
Tina describes the couple as incredible people and also her mentors.
"They are my mentors by force. I am learning from them as they build a film empire. Their work ethic is so honest and admirable. I look at them, honour them and thank them for such an opportunity and for also getting mentorship for free.
"They are giants in this industry and I am blessed to be under them. At work, they are always concerned about everyone. I wonder how they manage to care for all of us," she stated.
Apart from acting, Tina is passionate about entrepreneurship and operates her own company.
"I have a company that deals with baking ingredients for hotels and companies. It's called Bakes And Packaging. I also do Ankara (African fabric) as a side hustle and many other things in the business sector," she revealed.
