In Sketchy AF!, a desperate entrepreneur, pushed by family expectations and business struggles, teams up with her friend, a debt-ridden theatre director, to fake an engagement and stage a sham dowry ceremony to secure much-needed cash.
The film stars Nyokabi Macharia and Bruce Makau in the lead roles, with supporting performances from Morris Mwangi, Shix Kapienga, Duncan Murunyu , Benson Ojuwa, Beatrice Kamuyu (Faithless), Gloria Songoro, and Andrew Levi.
Mbaya has previously directed Country Queen, the Kalasha-winning crime drama series Pepeta and the Kalasha-nominated drama film Chaguo.
Sketchy AF! is his first-ever comedy project, and one that he hopes will deliver laughs and relatable storytelling that explores the quirks of navigating modern life in Kenya and in Africa.
“Sketchy AF! takes a comical look at the hardships of making it in a cut-throat Nairobi during these tough economic times, while also struggling to balance modernity and cultural expectations. It’s a universal experience that resonates across Africa,” said Mbaya.
Adding “The film also celebrates how quirky we can get as a society, where sometimes ambition means setting aside what would be perceived as moral values. Then again, it’s a comedy and so it looks at the improbable and the impossible.”
He said this is the start of a movement in African comedy cinema, with the potential to captivate audiences far and wide
“By involving the actors and writers from the very beginning, we were able to craft something truly unique, featuring a diverse ensemble cast that prioritizes the audience experience,” he concluded.
by QUEEN SEREM