Popular musician Jovial Ayub has expanded her entertainment career after landing the lead role in Sura ya Pili, a new Kenyan television drama unveiled by StarTimes as part of its continued investment in local content production.
The series is set to premiere on Monday, July 6, on Rembo TV, adding to the broadcaster’s growing catalogue of Kenyan productions aimed at promoting homegrown storytelling and strengthening the country’s creative economy.
Known for her chart-topping music career, Jovial now makes a major transition into television drama, starring alongside Gibson Ausa, Ivy Wanjiku, Anita Wawuda, Michael Saruni, and other Kenyan actors.
Speaking during the launch, StarTimes Marketing Director Tamima Ibrahim said the company remains committed to investing in high-quality local productions that celebrate Kenyan stories while creating employment opportunities across the creative sector.
“We are investing heavily in the promotion of the creative economy through quality local productions. Sura ya Pili will not only entertain audiences but also create job opportunities for the cast and the many professionals involved in its production,” she said.
She noted that authentic Kenyan stories are essential in preserving culture, nurturing local talent and expanding opportunities within the country’s rapidly growing film and television industry.
The broadcaster also revealed that it is embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance content production, audience engagement and distribution.
However, Ibrahim emphasized that AI will complement—not replace—human creativity.
She said the company is exploring AI-powered solutions to improve production workflows and operational efficiency while ensuring that Kenyan storytellers remain at the centre of content creation.
“We see AI as a tool that supports creativity and innovation. Our investment remains firmly in local talent because authentic storytelling can only come from our people,” she added.
The announcement reflects a growing trend among media companies globally, where AI is increasingly being integrated into production processes without displacing creative professionals.
Story of resilience
In Sura ya Pili, Jovial plays Ziada, a devoted stay-at-home mother whose life takes a dramatic turn after her husband, Sam, abandons her for another woman.
Heartbroken and left to raise her child alone, Ziada embarks on a difficult journey of rebuilding her life from the ground up. As she enters the modern workplace for the first time, she confronts financial hardship, societal expectations surrounding single motherhood, and the emotional challenge of starting over.
Through new friendships and unexpected opportunities, she gradually rediscovers her confidence while opening herself to the possibility of love once again.
The drama explores themes of resilience, female empowerment, personal growth and the realities facing many modern families.
With its blend of emotional storytelling and relatable social issues, Sura ya Pili is expected to resonate with Kenyan audiences while highlighting the depth of local acting talent.
The series premieres on Monday, July 6, exclusively on Rembo TV.
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