When Ellah Maina burst onto the scene with her Kalasha‑winning performance in Nick Mutuma’s Sincerely Daisy during the pandemic, she instantly became one of Kenya’s rising stars.
Since then, she has worked with renowned filmmakers like Adam Neutzsky‑Wulff in Crime and Justice and Second Family, while also taking risks in indie films such as Why U Hate, The Priest is Dead, Ubuntu, The Cursed Gown, and Into the Sadlands.
Now, she steps into her boldest role yet, Eve, formerly Adam (played by Blessing Lungaho), in Showmax’s sharp, funny, and thought‑provoking gender‑swap dramedy Adam to Eve. The series follows Adam, a smooth‑talking ladies’ man whose world flips upside down when a mysterious curse forces him to live life as a woman.
Who Is Ellah Maina?
“I am an actor, voiceover artist, and all‑rounded filmmaker,” she says. “My government name is Stella. But as a kid, I was obsessed with Disney’s Cinderella. People around me started calling me Ellah, and it stuck.”
Ellah describes herself as spiritual, empathetic, and deeply connected to nature. “Being a first‑born daughter in an African household is a full‑time job,” she laughs. “I don’t ever catch breaks from that.”
From Basketball Captain to Film Star
Contrary to assumptions, Ellah wasn’t a drama kid. “Basketball was my whole life in high school. I was even team captain,” she recalls. But Lupita Nyong’o’s Oscar win changed everything.
“When Lupita said, ‘No matter who you are or where you’re from, your dreams are valid,’ I swear she was talking directly to me.”
That moment pushed her into Kenyatta University’s Film and Theatre Arts program. By her first year, she landed the lead role in NTV’s The Trap House. “If you remember Kashamba girl… yep, that was me, green as grass but giving it my all.”
Career Evolution: From Sincerely Daisy to Showmax Originals
Ellah credits Sincerely Daisy as the turning point. “Working with Nick Mutuma and Adam Neutzsky‑Wulff gave me a front‑row seat to Kenya’s fast‑rising film industry. It opened doors to international filmmakers. That kind of access laid the foundation for my career, and I’m eternally grateful.”
Why Adam to Eve Resonates
At first, Ellah was drawn to the project for its fun, Freaky Friday‑style premise. But once she booked the role, she realized its depth.
“It told my story and that of most, if not every other woman on the planet,” she says.
Nick Mutuma once told her, “It takes a strong female lead to shape the minds of a generation.” That’s exactly what Ellah hopes to achieve with Adam to Eve.
Method Acting: Studying Masculinity
Ellah went method to prepare. “I studied everything—how men walk, talk, sit, chew, even how they shower. I hung out in bars, from local joints to fancy spots, just watching how men behaved once the drinks kicked in. That’s when the masks drop. It became my perfect case study—raw, unfiltered masculinity in motion.”
Breaking Gender Expectations
One episode where Eve gets her period hit differently.
“PERIOD SHAMING IS SO NOT COOL! It’s wild to think that in 2025, we’re still dealing with stigma and misinformation around female reproductive health. We need to do better—educate ourselves and have empathy.”
Humor as Resistance
Ellah found balance through director Alex’s playful energy. “He’s silly and brilliant. That made everything smoother. Plus, I consume a lot of comedy. Dad jokes mostly—but hilarious regardless.”
What Women Can Take Away
Ellah hopes women watching Eve’s journey feel validated.
“We thrive anyway. That’s how powerful we are. When we fully tap into our feminine energy, we become unstoppable. Stand up Queen!”
Chemistry with Blessing Lungaho
Working opposite Blessing Lungaho was seamless. “He’s a good actor. It was easy to build that brotherly bond Eve and Makori needed.”
Inspirations and Aspirations
Ellah dreams of starring alongside Lupita Nyong’o and Thuso Mbedu. “One day, I’ll share the screen with them. That will be a day for Africa and girls like me all over the globe.”
She also admires Wanuri Kahiu’s boldness. “When Rafiki came out, it caused so much controversy. I love something that gets people talking. It shows we have a long way to go as an industry and as a country. We need to be more open‑minded and forward‑thinking.”
Quickfire: Snacks, Guilty Pleasures, and Surprises
- Comfort snack: Avocado sandwich with runny eggs and chili oil
- Guilty pleasure: The Boys, Gen V, Invincible
- Surprising fact: She had a wild tomboy phase
- Current playlist: Hiphopera and The Mkurugenzi Podcast
Final Word
Ellah Maina isn’t just starring in a dramedy; she’s sparking dialogue. Adam to Eve uses humor to tackle gender expectations, stigma, and resilience. For Ellah, it’s more than a role; it’s a chance to represent women authentically and challenge audiences to rethink identity and empathy.
“The next strong female lead doesn’t just entertain—she shapes minds. That’s what I want to do.”
