How ‘Wa Milele?’ is Transforming Tanzania’s Reality TV Landscape

“Wa Milele?” is a ground-breaking reality show from Tanzania that recently won Best Unscripted Series at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. Co-produced by Kefa Igilo and Jerryson Onasaa, the show tackles the complexities of marriage, focusing on real-life experiences and struggles. It represents a significant achievement for Tanzanian cinema and encourages deeper conversations about marital issues.

Tanzania’s entertainment industry received a significant boost with the emergence of the reality show “Wa Milele?” Co-produced by Kefa Igilo and Jerryson Onasaa, the series recently nabbed the title of Best Unscripted Series at the prestigious 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards held in Lagos, Nigeria. This marks a noteworthy victory for Tanzanian reality television on a continental scale.

In an exclusive chat with The Citizen, Kefa Igilo recounted the inception of the show, detailing how an idea formed during a meeting with Showmax transformed into a groundbreaking production. “I have worked in television before, but Wa Milele? is my first reality show and my first series. It began when my concept aligned with Showmax’s vision for a locally-rooted reality show that addresses real community issues,” Kefa explained.

Distinct from typical local reality shows, “Wa Milele?” dives into the often-neglected subject of marriage. Kefa noted that many reality shows skirt around the authentic challenges of married life, and his team sought to change that narrative. “None of the reality producers here had ever done something around marriage hearings or real-life couple experiences,” he stated, highlighting their aim to produce content that is not only entertaining but also enlightening and socially reflective.

During brainstorming sessions with Showmax, Kefa articulated his desire to create something unique and genuine. “Most people think they are watching reality television, but much of it is scripted or phony. With Wa Milele?, we wanted to present real life, as raw and honest as possible, ” he said, underlining the show’s authenticity.

However, there were hurdles to overcome, especially in encouraging couples to share their marital experiences on an international platform. To recruit participants, the production team launched online auditions, inviting couples to narrate their challenges and aspirations for the show. “We posted a call asking people to share their marriage struggles. To our surprise, almost 200,000 people responded,” Kefa reported. Ultimately, they selected stories resonating with the audience on emotional levels, focusing on narratives that might aid others in similar situations.

The show takes an immersive approach by documenting the daily lives of the couples, from rising to sleep. “Most reality shows do not capture time this way. For us, it was crucial to portray every facet of their lives. Our director Canny was exceptional at seizing those moments,” Kefa remarked. He further emphasized how “Wa Milele?” acts as a catalyst for dialogue about private issues, particularly in a culture where such matters are often hushed up.

Kefa expressed that the success of the show reveals the considerable potential of Tanzania’s film industry and the importance of the Swahili language in storytelling. “This win highlights that our industry is much more substantial than we acknowledge and that Swahili can deliver powerful narratives that resonate across Africa,” he shared.

He further called on upcoming filmmakers to collaborate and innovate. “Work with those who comprehend and support your vision. Always aim to create unique concepts that haven’t been explored before. That is how you distinguish your contributions,” he advised.

As “Wa Milele?” continues to spark discussions regarding marriage and reality TV, it stands out as a testament to the potential of authentic storytelling, creativity, and heartfelt connections in the realm of local media.

In summary, “Wa Milele?” is not just a reality show; it represents a significant leap for Tanzanian media. Winning the Best Unscripted Series at the AMVCA highlights the potential of local narratives told in the Swahili language, encouraging openness around marital issues. This groundbreaking series sets a new standard in the realm of reality television, inspiring future creators to share their unique stories.

Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz