Kenyan Musical Drama ‘Lost Note’ Set for Nairobi Premiere on November 13

NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya's film industry is preparing for the premiere of a new coming of age musical drama titled Lost Note, a locally produced film exploring grief, identity and the challenges young people face while navigating personal expectations and pursuing their ambitions.

The film is scheduled to premiere at Prestige Cinema in Nairobi on November 13, 2026.

Directed by Kenyan filmmaker Hanigun Kwenya, Lost Note follows the story of Leila, a young singer whose life changes following the sudden death of her father.

Already dealing with the pressures of university life, musical ambitions and expectations about the person she should become, Leila finds herself increasingly disconnected from the people and experiences that once gave her a sense of stability.

Her father's final voice note becomes a central part of the story, connecting her emotional journey to the questions, memories and words she never had an opportunity to hear.

The film combines music and drama to examine how young people process grief, discover their identities and find the confidence to make decisions about their futures.

A personal story behind the film

For Kwenya, the project has a personal connection.

The filmmaker has explained that the story draws partly from his own experience of losing his father and the regret of not being able to say goodbye.

He recalled receiving an attempted communication from his father when he was younger but being unable to meet him.

The unanswered question about what his father wanted to say became an important inspiration for the film.

Kwenya described Lost Note as a story about the words people never get to hear, the voices they lose and the voices they must rediscover within themselves.

That personal connection gives the film an emotional foundation beyond its fictional storyline.

The director has previously worked on Kenyan television productions, including Maisha Magic telenovelas Salem and Shanga.

Music plays a central role

One of the film's distinguishing features is its use of original music.

The production includes six original songs written and composed at Paza Studios and performed by members of the cast.

Music is not simply used as background entertainment. It forms part of the main character's emotional expression, allowing Leila to communicate feelings that she struggles to put into ordinary words.

The songs are intended to help move the story forward while reflecting the character's experiences of loss, friendship, faith and personal growth.

The combination of music and storytelling places Lost Note within the growing space of Kenyan productions exploring different ways of connecting film and original music.

Kenyan cast and creative team

The film features Georgina Gachanja, Ellah Maina, Owen Nyasato, Benson Ochungo Obiero, Sam Psenjen, Felistus Nzula and newcomer Worship Shekinah.

The cast brings together performers with experience in Kenyan television and film productions alongside emerging talent.

The screenplay was written by Tecla Joan, while Wanjiku Mutua serves as producer under Lislo Films.

The production team has brought together filmmakers, performers and music creators to develop a story centred on the experiences of young people.

Backing from Africa No Filter and CcHub

Lost Note is among the projects supported through the Entertainment and Media Hubs Programme, backed by Africa No Filter in partnership with CcHub's Creative Economy Practice.

The programme supports selected filmmakers and content creators in Kenya and Nigeria to develop stories that promote gender-equitable and faith-focused narratives.

Its broader objective includes supporting creative work that addresses issues affecting adolescent girls and young women, including health and livelihoods.

Kenyan filmmaker Daudi Anguka was also among the programme's 2026 cohort with his upcoming Mombasa-set feature Utata.

The support reflects growing interest in using African film and storytelling to address social issues while developing the creative economy.

A growing opportunity for Kenyan cinema

The premiere of Lost Note comes at a time when Kenyan filmmakers are exploring more diverse genres, production approaches and distribution opportunities.

Local film productions face challenges that include financing, marketing, distribution, access to cinema screens and competition from international content.

However, partnerships with creative organisations and increased audience interest in locally produced stories are creating opportunities for filmmakers to develop new projects.

Films that combine recognisable local experiences with strong storytelling can also help broaden the visibility of Kenyan creative talent.

Nairobi premiere

The film's premiere is scheduled for Friday, November 13, at Prestige Cinema in Nairobi.

Audiences will have an opportunity to experience a Kenyan musical drama built around themes of family, grief, identity and the search for purpose.

With its original soundtrack and personal storyline, Lost Note is expected to add another entry to Kenya's developing film landscape.