Mkamzee Mwatela, born Mkamzee Chao Mwatela emerges as a leading Kenyan actress, director, screenwriter, and producer, profoundly influencing East Africa’s entertainment landscape. She rose to prominence through her mesmerizing depiction of the antagonist Usha in the acclaimed soap opera Mali, evolving from stage acting to a dynamic presence across film, TV, and production roles. Key projects in her repertoire feature Stay, Lusala, and the Showmax production Second Family, where she excels as showrunner and director.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Mkamzee Chao Mwatela |
| Date of Birth | 1982 |
| Place of Birth | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| State of Origin | Taita-Taveta County |
| Partner | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Actress, Director, Screenwriter, Producer, TV Host |
| Net Worth | $500,000 – $1 million |
Early Life and Education
Born in Nairobi in 1982, Mkamzee Mwatela traces her roots to the Taita community. Her schooling started at Nairobi Primary School, followed by Moi Nairobi Girls’ School for secondary level.
Drawn to the performing arts, she pursued an International Baccalaureate at St. Mary’s School, Nairobi, emphasizing Theatre Arts over conventional options like economics. She refined her expertise through studies in Film and Theatre at the State University of New York in Buffalo.
Career
Mkamzee’s path launched in theater, featuring in Kenya’s adaptation of Sarafina! in 2003, plus work on Eric Wainaina’s Lwanda and authoring the book for Malaika in 2005.
Her TV ascent occurred in 2011 with the memorable Usha Mali character in NTV’s Mali, succeeded by her lead as Nubia in Stay spanning 2013 to 2016.
She broadened her scope by hosting Sugar and Spice on Ebru TV, contributing as writer and casting director to Netflix’s Country Queen, and spearheading Second Family as showrunner, head writer, and director. She also lends her voice to Madam Mongoose in the animated series Twende.
Personal Life
Mkamzee guards her private world closely, avoiding public discourse on relationships or family matters. She advocates fiercely independent stances on marriage, once noting in discussions that women need not conform to sharing paradigms. Observers frequently liken her look to that of South African star Leleti Khumalo.
Mkamzee Mwatela Net Worth
Estimated at $500,000 to $1 million as of 2025, Mkamzee’s fortune arises from her multifaceted pursuits in acting, screenwriting, directing, producing, and television hosting within Kenya’s thriving film scene.
Filmography
Television & Film Roles:
- Mali (2011–2015) – Usha Mali (Main Role)
- Stay (2013–2016) – Nubia (Main Role)
- MTV Shuga (2012) – Martha
- Lusala (2019) – Beatrice
- White Widow (2023) – Akili
- Twende (2023) – Madam Mongoose (Voice)
- Tahidi High (2009) – English Teacher
- Siri (2010) – Hamida
- Intellectual Scum (2015) – Moderator
Production Credits (Writer/Director/Producer):
- Second Family (Showrunner, Head Writer, Director)
- Country Queen (Writer, Casting Director)
- MTV Shuga Mashariki (Writer)
- Malaika (Musical Writer)
Awards and Nominations
- Winner: Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama (Mali) – Kalasha International Film & TV Awards (2014)
- Nominee: Best Supporting Actress (Lusala) – Kalasha International Film & TV Awards (2019)
- Nominee: Best Director TV Drama – Women in Film Awards (WIFA) (2024)
- Nominee: Best Screenplay TV Drama – Women in Film Awards (WIFA) (2025)
