By Shadrack Nyakoe
Aicy Stevens, widely recognized for her Instagram skit character Mama Ryan, has long aspired to extend her acting beyond one-minute comedy skits.
This aspiration has materialized with her lead role in Jiji, a new youth drama streaming on Showmax.
Directed by Enos Olik, Jiji features Aicy as Mwende, whom she describes as “the typical ghetto lady striving to escape her circumstances and improve her life.”
Mwende is an adventurous beauty, a slick charmer, and a natural pickpocket—a valuable asset in her group of four young girls fighting to make ends meet in the streets of Jericho.
In her first on-screen role, Aicy sees this as just the beginning of her acting career.
“Expect to see much more from me on screen from now on,” she said.
She expressed excitement about the role, viewing it as a beautiful challenge that will help her grow as an actress. “Jiji is a story that I hold dear to my heart. This is a different kind of show, very relatable, and I’m sure our audience is going to love it. It has been my dream since I was a small girl to appear on big screens, and thank God it has finally come true.”
Aicy credits her role as Mama Ryan with sharpening her acting skills, allowing her to fully immerse herself in her Jiji character, Mwende.
“Mama Ryan was a random thought that came to mind since I had been doing skits for the longest time,” she explained.
The positive reception from fans encouraged her and Nick Kwach, her co-creator, to develop more ideas for their characters.
“Nick is very creative, open-minded, and very supportive. He has helped me nurture my acting talent,” she said.
Regarding Mwende’s character, Aicy described her as a go-getter, sassy, hardworking, fashionable, and a lover of the soft life, with a no-nonsense attitude.
She appreciated the character’s complex arc, which allowed her to explore different emotions and personalities.
“When I was asked to take this role, I was both shocked and super excited. I cried because this role is something I had been praying for so long,” Aicy revealed.
She praised Enos Olik, the director, for his talent, dedication, and supportive approach, stating that he brings out the best in actors.
Jiji is now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes releasing every Monday and Tuesday. To watch the Jiji launch trailer, click https://youtu.be/U2N1VXdDAyQ