Nairobi News

Nicole Murphy, the renowned Hollywood actress, producer, and former model, is set to make her first-ever visit to Kenya tomorrow. Best known for her ageless beauty and with over 1 million Instagram followers, Murphy, who is also the ex-wife of Hollywood icon Eddie Murphy, will arrive with a team of talented individuals for a film expedition.

The visit is spearheaded by Lovince Mckenzie, a Kenyan-born filmmaker and artist who has made significant strides in Hollywood. Mckenzie, a recognised leader in the creative economy for the Diaspora, has played a pivotal role in amplifying East African presence within the global entertainment industry. His passion for showcasing Kenya’s unique culture and untapped talent has led to this collaboration with Murphy.

Murphy’s announcement of her upcoming Kenyan trip on Instagram has already created a buzz among her followers. However, this visit is not just a leisurely vacation. Murphy and her team are set to film a documentary that will highlight Kenya’s beauty and challenge the African stereotypes that often permeate film and creative spaces.

Joining Murphy on this groundbreaking journey are several notable figures from her inner circle. Rita Ewing, an author and entrepreneur renowned for her critically acclaimed novel “Homecourt Advantage” and the “Patrick’s Pals” children’s book series, will be part of the ensemble. Frantz Michel, founder of Dream Deferred, an organisation providing support services for the formerly incarcerated, will also accompany the group. Michel is not only a business partner but also a close colleague of Murphy, Mckenzie, and Ewing.

The production team includes Olu the Wave, founder of “A Strange Picture” film company, who will serve as the director of photography and film crew lead. Olu is celebrated for his work in TV commercials, documentaries, and music videos. Complementing Olu’s skills is ‘Steadi.e Color,’ also known as Eduive Cyprain Emojevwe, a certified FPV drone pilot. He will be responsible for drone photography and color grading, as well as assisting the film director.

The star-studded team isn’t relying solely on international talent; they are also partnering with local entities such as RSVP Africa and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB). A local film crew will be involved, ensuring that Kenyan expertise and perspectives are integral to the documentary’s creation.

This visit and documentary project align perfectly with Lovince Mckenzie’s ongoing efforts to boost Kenya’s presence in the global creative economy. Mckenzie, who recently participated in the Industry Leaders Dialogue supporting the US-Kenya Creative Economy partnership in Atlanta, sees this as another opportunity to showcase Kenya’s potential on the world stage.

For Nicole Murphy, this trip is more than just a new travel experience. It is an opportunity to use her platform and influence to challenge perceptions and showcase Kenya’s beauty to a global audience. Her involvement could potentially open doors for increased cultural exchange and collaboration between Hollywood and the Kenyan film industry.