Kenya: King Kaka’s debut film Kamtupe to premiere on 22 July

The film was written and directed by King Kaka and released via Kaka Empire Films, a new imprint of the Kaka Empire record label.

“Ladies and gentlemen, my debut as a writer and director,” the rapper announced on social media on Tuesday. “I present to you the official trailer of Kamtupe. This Friday we premiere at Anga Imax. Limited tickets available.”

The artist and his team said he was proud of his directorial debut and that he had always wanted to tell stories through film. “For the past 12 years, we have watched King Kaka tell stories through music. Now we're about to showcase his brilliant entrance into the film industry. This is major,” a post on his Instagram page reads.

The crime thriller features big names in the Kenyan film industry, such as renowned actor Jimmi Gathu, who is the film’s protagonist, and leading media personality Jeff Koinange, who is assigned voice-over duties.

Other well-known personalities featured in the film include musician Femi One and YouTuber Stanley Obienji, as well as Brendah Jons, Kelvin Musili, Vincent Otieno, Joyce Maina, Zack Matasi and Fidel Maithya.

The movie soundtrack includes songs from artists such as Otile Brown, Femi One, Kanambo Dede, Mbithi and Jadi.

The movie tells the story of a government worker who is robbed of his laptop when he ventures into a rough neighbourhood to relocate a relative. As fate would have it, the laptop holds crucial state information that, if leaked, can plunge the country into a civil war.

King Kaka, real name Kennedy Ombima, is known for his entrepreneurial activities in the Kenyan entertainment industry. He is the owner and founder of Kaka Empire, a record label and artist management company. He is also involved in business ventures outside the entertainment sector.