The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic Michael premiered in East Africa yesterday with an exclusive screening at Century Cinemax, Sarit Centre.
Hosted by NCBA Group in partnership with Century Cinemax, the event marked a significant moment for the region’s entertainment industry, offering the first look at the cinematic retelling of the King of Pop’s life and career.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film stars Jaafar Jackson, the late icon’s nephew, who has been praised for his portrayal of his uncle.
The biopic follows Jackson’s rise from child prodigy with the Jackson 5 to global superstar, charting his evolution into one of the most influential figures in music history.
The screening was highly exclusive, limited to a single cinema and partner brands across East Africa.
The launch makes Kenya the third African country to host a premiere of the film, after Nigeria and South Africa.
Jotham Micah said Michael is a celebration of one of the world’s greatest entertainers, adding that it offers a closer look at Jackson’s artistry, humanity and lasting influence.
He also noted the importance of bringing the premiere to Kenya to give local audiences a first-hand experience of the story.
NCBA Group Director of Marketing, Communications and Citizenship Nelly Wainaina said film, music and visual arts remain key economic drivers, adding that the bank’s involvement reflects its confidence in the sector’s role in Kenya’s growth.
The film is distributed locally by Century Cinemax and is now screening in multiple formats, including 2D IMAX at Garden City and standard 2D at Sarit, Junction and Two Rivers malls.
The production of the film is as monumental as its subject, boasting a reported budget of Sh25.8 billion ($200 million), which makes it the most expensive musical biopic ever produced.
Screenwriter John Logan crafted a narrative that utilizes a three-act structure to explore Jackson’s roots, his artistic growth, and his ultimate pursuit of creative freedom.
This expansive scale is mirrored in the star-studded supporting cast, which includes Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, alongside Miles Teller playing the singer’s influential attorney, John Branca.
Beyond the acting, the film serves as a high-fidelity journey through music history with a soundtrack that spans from early Jackson 5 hits like I’ll Be There to the record-breaking solo anthems of the Thriller and Bad eras.
While the film faced a complex journey to the screen involving significant reshoots and script revisions to navigate legal sensitivities, it has already begun shattering box office records globally.
The film made a massive Sh5.16 billion ($40 million) on its opening day in the United States, proving that the King of Pop’s global appeal remains as potent as ever