Country Queen (2022) s01e02 Episode Script

1
[ethereal music playing]
[child in Kamba] Mwalimu has passed on.
Mwalimu has passed on.
Mwalimu has passed on.
Mwalimu has passed on.
[Anna in English] I thought
you had one year,
at least.
What did I miss?
[Anna in Swahili] God has his timing.
[in English] Esther, I'm so sorry.
I can only imagine the kind of pain
you and your family are currently in.
[in Swahili] The pain is mine
and Salome's.
[Anna] See you all in the evening.
[in English] It's a shame
he died just after you arrived.
- What is that supposed to mean?
- Just
it must be really painful.
Just say it.
Now is the time.
Get it off your chest.
[in Swahili] Even the child
you gave birth to can be a curse.
[in English] My husband
would still be alive if the
toxic waste did not come from the city.
Esther.
After we bury Papa,
you'll never have to worry about
seeing me in this house again.
[in Taita] We shall see.
[in Swahili] That's enough.
It's really enough.
[opening theme music playing]
[in Swahili] Stop
putting up
those stupid signs.
Kyalo, you are making a fool of yourself.
It's going to ruin my life.
It's affecting me.
Kyalo! You'll mess up our jobs!
Eco Rock could be the ones who actually
improve things around here.
What I have seen so far is enough.
Children are working like donkeys.
The environment is getting worse.
There's no progress
Are they the good guys?
[Jum] You see, you see. The mighty seer.
You have predicted
that your family is the one,
is the one with the bad people.
Whose side are you on?
You are so obsessed
with other people's shit
that you don't care for your own blood.
Blood and shit are both
by-products of the body.
[in Kamba] Watch your mouth!
[child] Mwalimu is dead. Mwalimu is dead.
Mwalimu is dead.
Mwalimu is dead.
Mwalimu is dead.
Mwalimu is dead.
Mwalimu is dead.
- Mwalimu is dead.
- [man in Swahili] What did she say?
- Mwalimu is dead.
- Who is Mwalimu?
Hey! Who is Mwalimu?
[child in Kamba] Mwalimu is dead.
[male voice] Who died?
You know that old man who is always
arguing over here.
- Uh-huh.
- Seems like he died.
The one who sings
about tradition and the land?
Yes.
[in English] Some problems have a way
to solve themselves.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
It's all there.
By the way,
you remember those two guys
who came by the other day?
One was fat, the other was skinny?
- Yeah.
- Where can I find them?
[in Swahili] Day like today, like now,
they'll be at the bar of that fine thing.
Okay.
Okay.
Get back to work!
[in Kamba] He's dead! He's dead!
- Who died?
- Please give me some water.
Water.
[in Swahili] Hurry up.
- [in Kamba] Who died?
- Mwalimu.
[in Swahili] I knew it,
when I saw Akisa and her car.
Akisa should go and be gone!
- Surely, Mom.
- No!
Mwalimu is dead.
[child in Kamba] He is dead, he is dead!
He is dead, he is dead!
Tell Titus and Musa that Mwalimu is dead.
He is dead!
He is dead!
- [male voice in Swahili] Score!
- [laughter]
Look!
Talk to me when you can send a free kick
halfway in the right direction.
- Or what do you think, my friends?
- [laughter]
Why are you looking at me
as if someone died?
Give me another cold one.
[softly] Mwalimu.
[in English] What?
[in Swahili] Sorry.
Titus! Tito!
Tito!
Wait.
This is when the old guy chooses to die?
Just when we are in deep talks
about the family property!
This is God's timing.
This is God's timing.
[in English] I need your land.
That piece of land.
Erick, we have just lost
our family patriarch.
My condolences.
Five million, that's a lot of money.
Look, you give me the title deed,
I pay you five million,
and I need it in a week.
Ten million.
Okay, ten million.
I've tried everywhere.
Your husband seems to have disappeared.
[softly] Fuck.
[cell phone ringing]
[Vivienne] How is my favorite Swiss today?
Roberto?
Roberto, the connection is bad.
I can hear you just fine, Vivienne.
Where's my gold?
Roberto, sweetheart,
it's still Kenyans and timing.
I need to get a whip
and chase the people around me.
I pray for you the delivery is on time.
Otherwise, it would be a shame
to reduce Eco Rock
to a heap of rubble.
Everything will be fine, Roberto.
Trust me. I'm so sorry
Madam.
Mr. Sibala was really hasty
to try the new suppliers.
Fuck!
[heavy breathing and groaning]
- [Ali] Watos, please. Please.
- [in Swahili] Shut up, shut up!
[Max] Ali, my heart breaks
seeing you like this.
But your guys left me no choice.
Tell me what I need to know,
and I will let you go.
Max, man, if I knew they'd play you,
I wouldn't have connected you to them.
- Max, you know me, brother.
- [Max] I know you.
[Ali] Goma, Goma.
I heard them talk about
a place called Goma.
Club Cherrie.
Ask for a guy called
Chamahame of Tshuapa.
Chamahame of Tshuapa.
Yes.
Thank you, Ali.
You've been a great help.
[Ali] Max, please!
Max, please bro, release me.
My mother is sick,
my sisters don't have a job.
It's just me. Please, please.
Throw him in the river. I'm going to Goma.
Okay.
[in English] We didn't leave
things off very well.
But I miss you so much.
Our breakfast appointment is still on.
- [villagers singing]
- [crickets chirping]
[villagers continue singing]
[in Swahili] Uh Esther,
tell them how you used to
prepare tea for us,
while the old man was seated there
on his chair.
- And how his laughter would
- [cell phone rings]
Esther, I was saying
how you prepared tea
and how Mwalimu would sit
on his chair there
and his laughter
it would scare the crows away.
[cell phone continues ringing]
Hello?
[Jay in English] I'm ready for Kamiti.
The knife is sharpened and ready.
[in Swahili] Just dare me, if that
landlord knocks on this door again!
Um, Jay.
[in English] Yes, I know I'm a church girl
and I love God. In fact, I love God deeply
but that guy thinks that God literally
pays our bills. Is this place Canaan?
Are you seated there as Miriam singing?
Is Moses somewhere there at the corner?
Am I the Red Sea?
We do a job for him without any deposit.
You'll just come here
and start mopping up dead bodies
Jay.
- Look, my dad died, okay?
- What?
Dead? Dead, like, dead dead dead?
Yeah, Jay, dead.
I'm so sorry.
Don't worry. I will manage everything.
Everything that is under your name,
I will manage. Okay?
Okay, with the pastors
no deposit is required.
Just give them the form
and insurance contract.
They wanted the 15% markup okay?
They're not going to try anything,
I've got collateral.
The landlord, Jay, you know what he wants.
Either give him the tenancy agreement or
go on a date with him, it's your choice.
Thank you.
[in Swahili] My blood pressure
had gone up.
It was up, I don't know where,
I was even calling 911.
Jay, just go home, okay?
Okay. So, when is the burial? Because
we need to start making arrangements.
Jay, it's okay. Thanks.
[Titus in Swahili] Akisa! Come here.
Hello, city girl.
- Don't worry, this is life.
- I'm okay, Uncle.
I can see you are still working.
[whispers] My child, listen,
sensitivity is key.
- [Musa] Totally.
- It is also our tradition.
Taking a phone call in front of elders
is like spitting
in the face of our ancestors.
Were it not for your father,
Musa would have embarrassed you
and caned you seriously.
[in English] Seriously!
[Titus in Swahili] You know why
this is called in Nairobi town?
Being independent.
- Freedom.
- The manners of the gutter.
[Musa] Someone who has been away
for more than ten years.
You wouldn't know how things are run.
They must be guided.
Akisa.
Whatever you do, you are our daughter.
For the first time, we will forgive you
and we will correct you. Right, Musa?
No problem.
Okay.
So, how are we putting my brother
in the ground?
[in English] Namunyaka Hotel
is dealing with the catering,
the cyber in town is printing
the funeral programs and the invites.
[laughs]
[in Swahili] Did I not tell you,
this one will completely confuse Tsilanga?
I told you.
So, the invites,
are you setting up a school,
to teach the villagers how to read?
[in English] The invites
are for Papa's old friends,
the APs, the chiefs, the villagers.
- We are the elders here.
- Yes.
We are the ones who are going to
tie the cow for you and your mother.
[in Swahili] The money, the small savings
your mother has, we are going to use.
Our brother's funeral
will never be forgotten.
I'll send you the picture I took
with your dad when I was running for MCA.
Ensure that it is put
on the front of the eulogy.
- [English] Your dad was a father to all.
- Not to me.
To be honest, I came here
to spit all of my pain in his face.
And all I found was a weak old man.
And now
[in Swahili] Maybe where he is,
he is listening to you.
It's like he betrayed me again.
That?
Ten years ago when you left this place
[in English] What happened?
[Anne] Kyalo!
Kyalo.
[in Swahili] I'm cold, let's go.
[indistinct chatter]
[automated voice] Sorry, the mobile
subscriber cannot be reached.
[Max in English] We didn't
leave things off too well,
but I miss you so much
Breakfast is still on.
Hey, Max.
Papa died today, afternoon.
I'm sorry, I am not going
to make it for tomorrow.
I miss you so much.
[choir singing uplifting song]
- [Max in Swahili] How's the family?
- [man in Lingala] Fantastic!
The kids were so happy about the football
and T-shirts you sent the other day.
Madam says we should go and eat
after we finish our business.
Today you will eat Congolese food.
[chuckles]
- [in Swahili] Great.
- [chuckles]
And you remove your hat.
Boss? You don't like my hat?
[Lingala vocal music playing]
[in Lingala] How are you?
- Looking good.
- Hmm. [chuckles]
Thanks! Let's go.
Not today. Is Patron there?
Yes. Who is this?
- This one?
- He looks good. Hey.
- [blows kisses]
- [in Swahili] I'm alright.
[in Lingala] Ah, a Kenyan?
When you are done with Patron,
come and I'll caress you.
See you later.
[chuckles]
[in Swahili] Let's go get your money.
[suspenseful music playing]
[soft relaxing music playing on radio]
[laughter and chatter]
[male voice in Lingala] Play Patron.
[male voice] They have really
looked for this money.
- Get me more cash!
- Yes, Patron, I'm coming.
[in Swahili] Suli, let's wait for them
to come back then we can take it.
[Suli] Here. Why fight?
Look at this. This is better than money.
Suli, leave the beer alone. Suli.
Take this, take this.
Forget the money. Let's run!
[gasps and sighs]
- Suli.
- Hey, hey?
[Suli in French] That's gold.
Gold. [chuckles]
- Suli.
- [Suli chuckles]
[groans] You've saved me. Let's go.
[gun shots]
[gun shots]
[gasping]
If he eats it!
Gold.
Suli.
[whispers] Suli. Suli.
Suli!
Shit, shit.
[water running]
[phone beeps]
[in English] I can only take him
good news today.
[water turns off]
So, where's my gold?
[chuckles] Woah.
Where is the rest of the case?
That's all I could get.
And I risked my life to get it.
- And
- Fucked it up once more.
It's way not enough to save my ass.
Make sure you at least get the money back.
I'm sure you have a solid plan for that.
While you're at it, I don't
want to see you in my house again.
Don't even breathe the air around me.
I'm sure event girl
has room in her bedsitter.
I'm not moving out, Vivienne.
No, you're not.
I'm kicking you out.
Remember, we are chained together.
Forever.
[unsettling music playing]
[birds chirping]
Pick one, it's for the program.
[chuckles]
Esther. You remember this one?
[in Swahili] You went all the way
to Thika studio.
[in English] Can we hurry this up?
We need to go to the printer in an hour.
Don't take your anger at him out on me.
It was his decision at the time. Not mine.
Did you stop him?
[Salome chuckles]
You should see this one, Akisa.
Oh, you used to devour chicken. [laughing]
Oh my! [laughs]
Anna informed me.
Um
[in Swahili] Can I see him?
What happened?
He was sickly.
Anna said it was not serious,
but clearly she underestimated.
And who found him?
[in English] Me.
I thought he was sleeping.
[in Swahili] You come back
after such a long time and then
[in English] He just dies.
It was just bad timing.
Come for the burial certificate tomorrow.
Neema, I need it today.
Okay.
[somber music playing]
[in Swahili] Thank you so much.
[in English] The engineers
have been waiting for you, Madam.
And Erick is already online.
[overlapping chatter]
And? What are we waiting for?
This ore is a result of
the Mwaitu mountain lava flow
which happened in
this part of Ukambani in about 1610 BC.
In fact, I'm personally impressed
that the ore has not been exposed to date.
In fact, the greater likelihood of things
that Tsilanga is actually lies on the,
what, about, uh, a greater vein of
about, uh, estimated to be about seven km.
Okay. Have we already leased the land?
- No, not yet. But
- We are buying the entire village.
Madam. You remember
what happened in Korosi?
A repeat of this
would jeopardize our careers, and
This one will kick off your careers,
gentlemen.
At least the mining license.
Shouldn't be a problem.
So, Eco Rock seems to be back in business?
[tense music playing]
Eco Rock is back in business.
Thank you.
Get people to sign whatever it is
they need to sign to sell us their land.
Yes. In fact, we're very lucky.
The owner of the biggest
parcel of land passed away
and his two stupid brothers
have taken over, but I assure you,
within a week's time, we'll be able
to set up headquarters there.
Well, get to it.
I want to hear those drills
all the way from Tsilonga.
Uh, it's it's Tsilanga, Mrs. Sibala.
Who cares? [scoffs]
[in Swahili] Hey, Silas,
these kids will get us into trouble.
I don't see kids here.
Here we only have paid workers.
Small ants and bigger ants,
all working for the same boss.
- Or am I lying? Are you getting paid?
- No! Yes!
Can't you see? Huh?
If the clinic reports Josiah's story,
this place will be closed.
Are you worried about Anna?
Wait
See [spits]
I know your brother is
too hot-blooded and animalistic.
He makes love like an acrobat.
Hey, look!
There's a way light-skins are handled.
You just take her, nice and slow, okay?
- Hold it!
- Leave me alone!
[Erick in English] Hey! I need work
on this to begin immediately.
Tony.
I need everybody that's around this area
to sign a letter of intent to sell. Okay?
[Silas in Swahili] That's all?
Today, we will be done.
Tony needs muscle by his side.
Not everyone will be enthusiastic.
[in English] I need your muscles,
for laborious work.
Tony.
Hey.
Need help?
I remember someone once boasting to me
that he could fix
the flat tire on my bicycle.
- And I still carried it home.
- [laughs]
Okay.
Now that you want to help,
is there space for me?
[in Swahili] Can you take me
to Neema's office?
Hey.
[gasps loudly] Some people
really have no shame.
Hmm.
I would have broken so many things.
Why are you so trusting?
[Anna] What are you talking about?
Come and see over there.
[scoffs]
[Anna] But Kyalo is always like this.
- He's friendly with everyone.
- Everyone?
When you look at her,
does that look like "everyone"?
That's his ex-girlfriend.
Hold on to my chest
so that you don't fall.
[engine revs]
[pensive music playing]
[chief] Mwalimu
[in English]he was always part
of my morning routine.
8:00 a.m. sharp. [chuckles]
[in Swahili] By the mango tree.
[in English] He always had a kind word.
A kind word and a soft smile.
I am going to miss him.
Me too.
Akisa.
[in Swahili] Why didn't you tell us
you were leaving?
People started saying you were pregnant.
[in English] Villagers and gossip.
[in Swahili] Especially here,
here in Tsilanga.
And now that your father has died
[in English]you can imagine
how much gossip that's going to provoke?
Do you have the burial permit?
[in Swahili] It's not ready.
[in English] Um it's a problem about
being a one-woman show, you know?
But don't you worry about it.
I am going to sort it out,
and I'll bring it over myself.
Great. Thanks.
[elevator dings]
[suspenseful music playing]
Hi, Mrs. Sibala.
Well, this is not the first time that
Eco Rock has been accused of
grabbing ancestral land
and compensating peanuts to nothing
in the name of development
and economic opportunities.
What do you have to say?
Please get that thing out of my face.
What about claims that
Eco Rock is nothing more than
a gold laundering company?
Reports indicate that
[car door opens]
[door closes]
[peaceful music playing]
[in Swahili] Boss, please, hurry up.
I need this tent up in an hour.
Please cover up that apex. Okay?
Mom, white covers, not black ones.
Hey, boss!
Hurry up, we don't have time today.
Wait, we'll replace
that one with this one.
I asked for A4 not A3. Go replace.
[machine whirring loudly]
[Esther shouts] Hey, you!
- What are you doing on top of that tree?
- [in English] What's wrong?
Because you couldn't revenge
your own father,
you want to revenge on his trees?
I'm doing your job.
This tent has to go up. That branch
has to be cut so that it can fit.
If you knew anything about your father,
you would know that he would never allow
any part of a tree to be cut
because of some tent.
I will not allow my husband
to be buried like a thug.
- A thug?
- The humblest man being buried
- like some corrupt politician.
- Papa was not humble.
He was selfish.
[in Swahili] I should have sent you back
the day you came.
[in English] Wow.
So your true face comes out, huh?
No, go on.
What?
[in Swahili] If you don't trip on
your own leg, a curse will take you out.
[cellphone rings]
[in English] Jay stop calling me. Okay?
Don't call me today.
Don't call me tomorrow.
Don't call me next week! Just stop!
[in Swahili] You are not
talking to me like that.
[knock on door]
[chuckles]
Kyalo, I hear it's all about you
and your high school ex-girlfriend
in the whole Tsilanga village.
Who told you? We were just
[mockingly]
"Kyalo, please don't make me fall."
"Kyalo, I am scared."
- Kyalo! [laughs]
- [chuckles]
[in normal voice] Zippy has not let me
breathe since that girl came to Tsilanga.
Akisa's car had a problem, so
- I was just helping her.
- As usual.
Anyway, I told them,
Kyalo does not have eyes
for anyone else but Anna.
You should have seen them.
[in Kamba] You are mine.
- [gentle music playing]
- [chirping]
[birds chirping and calling]
[in English] I'll make tea.
[in Swahili] That's why we get children,
so from time to time they can serve us.
Also, don't forget to put
- [Akisa] Cardamom. I know.
- [chuckles]
Check that small cupboard.
I brought some from home.
Not that nasty powdered stuff
Zipporah sells at her shop.
I knew something was missing in my life,
real cardamom tea.
Add three cups for Musa and I.
One might think our beloved brother
was the Governor of Tsilanga.
- [in English] Where did you get this?
- [in Swahili] I found them outside.
[in English] Why didn't you come
with the rest of it?
[in Swahili] I am not your maid.
Ah!
[scoffs] "I am not your maid."
[Titus] These are difficult times
for this family.
My brother Musa has barely slept.
And I have completely lost my appetite.
Grief always finds new doors
through which to return.
Hm. Out of us three,
Mwalimu looked
the most like our late father.
Hm?
[inhales deeply]
Even though you didn't involve us
with the plans of this funeral, Akisa
[in English]you've done a very good job.
[Musa in Swahili] A very good job.
[in English] I've read the eulogy.
And overall, it's very good.
[in Swahili] There are a few things
we would like, you know, to change,
but you did a very good job.
Whatever issues we may have had,
they are all in the past.
We have to think about what's to come.
[in English] What exactly
does that mean, Uncle?
Whatever you want.
[in Swahili] Anything you want.
[in English] You seem to be
doing very well for yourself.
Back in the city, my daughter.
Salome
[in Swahili]maybe it's finally time
to invite Esther
to visit you?
[in English] Isn't this a bit too early
to be talking about that?
[in Swahili] We haven't buried Mwalimu
yet and you are already kicking her out.
A new era has begun.
Now, with Eco Rock,
Tsilanga is no longer
a good home for Esther.
- Especially without Mwalimu.
- [Titus] Mm.
I am not going anywhere.
[door closes]
[foreboding music playing]
[Vivienne in English]
I need to speak to the governor.
That won't be possible.
You can talk to me.
Double scotch on the rocks, please.
You will talk to me
whether you like it or not.
[door closes]
We had a deal.
It seems some skeletons you didn't tell
me about appeared from your mines.
What are you on about?
I heard some really disturbing news
about Eco Rock.
Fake news.
You held an event recently?
And some of my friends
happened to be there.
And?
I can't go into business
with someone
who might jeopardize my re-election.
That old man is crazy.
Everybody could see that.
Injured people,
their children.
Almost led me into your snake pit.
You're lucky all I'm doing
is backing away from the deal.
I could have done much worse.
Consider our partnership terminated.
Get out.
[tense music playing]
[in Swahili] Please, give us a moment.
Okay.
I am sure our new chairman, Juma,
has a special reason
for calling this meeting, right?
That's right.
I just wanted to speak to each one of you,
to assure you that the task you have
given me, I will take it very seriously.
Eh, eh, Boss?
Can your first task be
quenching our thirst?
[laughter]
- Did I say something wrong?
- [Juma] Yes, yes, okay.
[Titus] I am very concerned
that something very strange is happening
here in the town of Tsilanga.
I mean, we've always been very calm
and simple people for many years now.
But these people from outside
can have bad motives.
[in Kamba] Those mine people?
[in Swahili] No. Those are good people,
bringing us development.
They are bringing us jobs,
money, and development.
Those are good people, fine people.
The way we see it, we can't bury
Mwalimu on our father's land.
I'm talking about older spirits that have
quietly taken root in our village.
Mwalimu has always been in good health,
and it is no secret
that he loved his daughter.
But the same day they are reunited
after a long time,
why suddenly
Ayee!
[Musa] Can't you see
something wrong here?
Elders, can we ask ourselves
how Mwalimu became so sick
suddenly, out of nowhere?
Hm?
His chickens dropping dead
as if they were cursed.
And now, now even him.
[sighs] It's true that Mwalimu and I
had our issues, small things,
but we resolved those issues.
But now the interference is coming
from his own kitchen.
Yes! Very true.
Didn't you see how hard-hearted Esther is?
She didn't even cry a tear.
- Imagine!
- Maybe it's the custom of her people.
Customs that are not ours.
Elders, look, open you eyes.
Do you see how they are planning
everything there?
Why the rush to bury our brother?
- What is it? Why?
- Why the hurry?
Me, I'm not saying anything.
Now, that will be
the first point on my agenda.
- [dog howls]
- [night chirping]
[foreboding music playing]
Yeah?
[in English] I want you to have this.
Isn't this the shawl
Dad got you when I was born?
It's yours now.
[Salome in Swahili] How long do we
have to wait for the burial permit?
- The people are starving.
- Neema's phone is off.
Let us be patient.
[choir singing]
[in English] When a bad person is buried,
it's a good day.
But when a good person is buried,
it is a bad day.
Professor, just have some
ugali and sukumawiki.
No!
It can and will cause gastroenteritis,
neo-natal meningitis,
Crohn's
disease.
[in Swahili] Can the family please come,
the family come forward for a bit?
Choir.
Please give us a song.
[choir starts singing]
His brothers are not here yet.
[car honking]
[Juma] Stop everything! Stop it now!
- Mwalimu is not being buried here!
- What?
This land will be sold.
It will be sold to Eco Rock.
- [in English] He wanted to sell this land?
- Never!
[Juma in Swahili] It does not involve you.
Now, it is up to these ones.
Don't worry, Esther. We will find
a good place for our brother to rest.
[in Kamba] He'll be buried here.
End of the discussion.
Pastor, let's continue.
[in Swahili] You.
Go back to whatever hole you ran off to,
or learn how to speak to your elders.
Please, let's be civil.
[in English] What is civil about
spitting on the memory of my father?
- At his own funeral? Honestly?
- What?
[in Swahili] Now that Mwalimu is dead,
you do anything you want?
It's about the future of this village!
That life that you are about to ruin.
- Careful.
- Which side are you on?
Tsilanga's side.
What's wrong with you?
You just have an empty beard?
Nothing else.
If we could harvest that beard,
then you would be proud.
What are you doing here? Mannerless.
You go!
Where do we go?
There's a service going on
- Get out of here.
- You need to leave.
What are you going to do?
- What is it?
- This family is mourning.
What's wrong with all of you?
Shouting at each other like children.
Listen, you are all adults.
Why don't we sit down
and sort this out together.
Yes, that's fine.
[mumbling]
[Akisa] No, Pastor, let's proceed.
- Let's go.
- The pastor is not yours.
Just wait. Please.
["Nita" by Njoki Karu playing]
As the sun rises 'pon the eastern sky ♪
As the sound of dawn breaking
Bursting light ♪
Nita ♪
Nita ♪
As the rain
Pours upon the aching earth ♪
As the ground cracks open
Like a breaking heart ♪
Nita ♪
Nita ♪
As the wind
It whispers pain through barren trees ♪
As the dust rises, rises
Covers me ♪
Nita ♪
As the road
The long-forgotten lonely road ♪
As the road
The once-forgotten guides me home ♪
Nita ♪
[song continues in Swahili]