Award-winning thespian Elsaphan Njora on playing Allan in 4Play

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Award-winning thespian Elsaphan Njora on playing Allan in 4Play
Elsaphan Njora. [Courtesy, Showmax]

Elsaphan Njora, best known for his roles in films like 'Briefcase Inc', 'Lies That Bind', and the animated hit 'Twende', has garnered critical acclaim for his acting prowess.

His performance in 'Kati Kati' earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the 2017 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards.

Beyond acting, Njora is a renowned spoken word artiste, having won the Best Poet trophy at the Sanaa Theatre Awards in 2016.

Now, he stars in '4Play', an adult drama series on Showmax that follows the lives of four men navigating friendship, love, and personal challenges in Nairobi.

Njora reflects on his role as Allan, a charismatic yet insecure ladies' man grappling with inner demons.

“On the outside, he seems confident and charismatic, yet he has deep insecurities that hold him back from fully committing to the woman he loves. He’s one of those characters you might think you know, but the more you dig, the more complex he becomes. Playing him reminded me that people aren’t always as they seem and that everyone has their own struggles, even if they don’t show it,” he says

He shares his journey to securing the role, emphasizing the importance of auditioning and the unexpected twists that led him to portray Allan instead of the initially intended character.

“Landing this role was a perfect blend of luck and timing. I had auditioned for a few projects before, including Second Family, where Brian Ogola ultimately got the part. While I didn’t land those roles, I always enjoyed the audition process - it feels like a mini-production, giving me the chance to direct myself and fully embody a character.

When I met Draka, after a brief conversation, he encouraged me to audition for the show. Initially, I auditioned for Malik, the role played by Daniel Weke. However, the late Charles Ouda, our casting director, suggested I try out for Allan instead, and the rest is history,” he explains.

While Allan is often seen impeccably dressed, Njora humorously describes his own style as "hobo chic."

Reflecting on his career, Njora shares the profound impact of working on "Kati Kati," a film that won at the Toronto International Film Festival and served as Kenya's Oscar entry.

“Being on the set of Kati Kati was truly one of the best experiences of my life. I had the opportunity to collaborate with two of my closest friends, Mbithi Masya and Mugambi Nthiga. The entire process set a benchmark for me, showing what a well-executed production should look like,” he says

He fondly recalls the camaraderie and shared laughter on the set of '4Play', emphasizing the genuine bond formed with his co-stars. He describes how their off-screen chemistry translated seamlessly onto the screen, creating a believable portrayal of close friendship.

When not acting, he prioritizes spending quality time with his three children. He enjoys the creative outlets of daydreaming and poetry writing, and finds solace in his love for animals. Fitness plays a crucial role in his life, serving as a form of therapy and a means of stress relief.

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