With 16 years in the TV industry, James Draka Kombo has made his mark through projects like Sense 8, Sumu la Penzi, and Showmax’s Pepeta. A former AFC Leopards footballer, Kombo continues to push creative boundaries with his production company, CJ3 Entertainment.
His latest Showmax Original, 4Play, delves into the male experience in Nairobi—a perspective he believes is often overlooked.
Set against the backdrop of Nairobi’s fast-paced urban life, 4Play follows four friends, played by Daniel Weke (Mali), Elsaphan Njora (Kati Kati), Maina wa Ndungu (Kina), and Bilal Wanjau (Faithless), as they navigate love, friendship, and the pressures of modern life. From gambling and financial struggles to navigating relationships and societal expectations, 4Play sheds light on the realities many men face but rarely talk about.
Kombo revealed that the idea for 4Play has been brewing since 2018, with a pilot shot before Covid delayed production. “Pitching the show to Showmax in 2023 was nerve-wracking but rewarding,” he shares. For Kombo, the series serves as a mirror to Nairobi’s social dynamics, capturing the tension between appearances and reality.
“The male perspective is often underrepresented in media,” he explains. “With 4Play, I wanted to explore relatable issues like gambling, financial stress, and relationships, as well as the transactional side of intimacy that’s ingrained in Nairobi’s social culture. It’s raw, honest, and authentic.”
Kombo’s favorite character, Michael, represents the everyman—balancing family life with the pressures of daily existence. “Michael’s journey highlights the struggles of routine, intimacy, and unspoken resentments in marriage. Many will see themselves in his story,” Kombo says.
When not on set, Kombo enjoys family time with his three sons, playing football twice a week, and morning mass. Reflecting on his past football career with AFC Leopards, Kombo says it taught him discipline and teamwork, qualities that now shape his filmmaking journey.
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As for the future, Kombo has his sights set on producing a feature film by 2025. “This is just the beginning,” he teases.
