Tanzania entertainment industry enters the reality TV space
What you need to know:
- The Mommy Club follows the lives of five famous mothers as they navigate the complex realities of fame, family life, parenting, work, and social expectations.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s entertainment industry has taken a bold new step with the launch of its first locally produced reality TV show ‘The Mommy Club’ marking a significant shift from traditional drama series to a more unscripted, real-life storytelling format.
According to producer and director Freddy Feruzi, who is behind the ground-breaking project, the introduction of reality television in the country signals the growth and diversification of Tanzania’s creative industry.
“This has been a challenging production. It's the first of its kind in Tanzania, and it took immense effort. We barely slept, working around the clock to bring it to life,” said Mr Feruzi.
He explained that one of the key difficulties in producing reality TV content lies in its unpredictable and unscheduled nature.
“You’re constantly following the cast around. There’s no fixed filming timetable because sometimes it’s difficult to even get hold of the cast at the right time,” he added.
Mr Feruzi also pointed out what sets this genre apart: “The unique appeal of reality shows lies in their authenticity. What you see is what the cast is actually living.”
On the other hand, actress Gladness Kifaluka, one of the stars of ‘The Mommy Club’, said the emergence of reality TV in Tanzania is a long-overdue evolution that aligns the country’s industry with international trends.
“We’ve been used to seeing this type of entertainment coming from other countries. For Tanzania to embrace it now means we’re ready to learn, grow, and make it our own,” she said.
Ms Kifaluka added that one of the strengths of reality shows is their ability to reveal the true character of the people involved—beyond the scripted roles audiences are familiar with.
“There’s so much people go through behind the scenes—off the screen—that never gets told. Reality TV gives us the platform to share that side of our lives. And I want fans to remember, we’re human too. We face relationship struggles and everyday challenges just like anyone else,” she said.
The Mommy Club follows the lives of five famous mothers as they navigate the complex realities of fame, family life, parenting, work, and social expectations.
The show portrays how these women juggle their personal and professional lives, all while dealing with the added pressure of being public figures.
“This is not just about motherhood. These are women who are balancing everything—raising children, managing households, pursuing careers, and being wives or partners—all while being in the spotlight. That pressure adds another layer of intensity,” Ms Kifaluka said.
The launch of ‘The Mommy Club’ could pave the way for more reality-based content in Tanzania, creating new opportunities for local creatives and offering audiences a fresh, relatable form of entertainment.
