The Kenyan actor discusses his transition from legal studies to becoming one of the country’s rising film stars

Brian Abajah never expected to trade law books for film scripts, but life had other plans for the young Kenyan actor who has become one of the most recognizable faces in local television and cinema.

The actor, who gained recognition for his role as an audacious intern in the popular series “Single Kiasi,” was originally on track for a career in law before making the decision to pursue acting full-time. “I mean, yeah, I started, but I didn’t finish, that’s the thing, right? Life took its own twist,” Abajah explained in a recent interview.

Since leaving his legal studies behind, Abajah has built an impressive portfolio that includes starring in “Mission to Rescue,” Kenya’s 2022 Oscar submission for Best International Feature Film, as well as appearances in “Crime and Justice” and “Second Family.”

His latest project sees him taking on the lead role in Showmax’s youth drama “Reckless,” where he plays Pete, a conflicted young man dealing with guilt following a tragic accident during an illegal street race involving his younger brother. The role presented unique challenges that pushed Abajah as an actor.

“What pulled me into the show was the emotional rollercoaster my character, Pete, goes through. He’s yanked out of the big city by his parents and forced to find his footing in a completely new environment,” he said. “It’s a lot, heavy stuff emotionally and it really pushed me as an actor.”

Preparing for the complex character required extensive preparation, including working closely with director Gilbert Lukali and acting coach Caroline Odongo. “Those emotional and vulnerable moments were tough to nail,” Abajah admitted. “The vulnerable moments? Yeah, those were the hardest.”

Beyond his on screen work, Abajah has been vocal about advocating for inclusiveness in filmmaking. He recently starred in “Silent Checkmate,” a production featuring a predominantly Deaf cast, demonstrating his commitment to representation in the industry.

“I took on that project to give a voice to those who are often unheard, to do something different that could spark real impact,” he explained. “Representation in storytelling is so important. For me, it’s about shining a light on people who are overlooked or don’t often get the chance to be seen or heard.”

The actor acknowledges that Kenya’s film industry is still developing but remains optimistic about its future. “I know our industry is still finding its footing. I would like to see more productions have more representation,” he said.

Looking ahead, Abajah has ambitious plans beyond acting. He is currently building his own production house with the goal of releasing original content and short films. “It’s not just about me. I want to keep inspiring the next generation coming after me,” he said.

For now, the actor remains focused on his career, admitting he’s “all about work right now” when it comes to his personal life. His dedication to his craft and commitment to meaningful storytelling suggest that audiences can expect to see much more from this rising star in the years to come.