Fashioning Modern Africanism

Bongekile “Babes Wodumo” Simelane and her husband, Mandla Maphumulo, popularly known as Mampintsha, have just dropped the trailer for Season 2 of their hit reality series  Uthando Lodumo . From 1 September 2022, the Showmax Original reality show will see the Gqom superstars take their fans behind the scenes of their rollercoaster lives.                              Watch the trailer:  In Season 1, which set a then record for first day views on Showmax, we saw the controversial couple concluding their lobola negotiations, celebrating their star-studded wedding and anticipating the birth of their first child, now affectionately known as "Sponge". Now the family of three returns to Showmax for another dramatic season that zooms into their lives. The new season will show what life has been like for the couple, drawing the curtain back to reveal the story behind the most contentious headlines of the past year while also showing how the couple’s careers are evolving.   In the exclu

On the back of a two year hiatus due to COVID-19,   DStv and Mzansi Magic hosted the DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards (DStvMVCA) at the Sun Arena in Pretoria on 25 June. The popular awards show was broadcast live for DStv subscribers. Local celebrities and delegates shined on the much loved blue carpet, dressed to the nines and ready to support their peers as they walked away with the coveted statuettes. The host, Lawrence Maleka, had a handle on the proceedings and everyone who stepped up to the mic to present an award –   the likes of Boity, Mpho Wabadimo, PH, Khutso Theledi and Presely Chweneyagae  – brought good humour and a positive attitude. Sponsored by Telkom and Kia, alongside associate sponsor - Diageo South Africa’s Tanqueray gin, the show produced musical performances by  Kamo Mphela, Tuks Senganga, Nomfundo Moh and Zakes Bantwini  who kept the audience dancing, bringing everyone into the spirit of celebrating the success of the South African entertainment industry favour

Fans of the hugely popular and award-winning NBCUniversal Format franchise The Real Housewives can look forward to the opulence, drama and new faces when the hotly awaited latest addition to the local series, The Real Housewives of Cape Town (RHOCT) premieres on Mzansi Magic on 10 July 2022. The Real Housewives of Cape Town marks the 17th international version of the franchise, and the 4th to be adapted in Africa. The franchise is distributed internationally by NBCUniversal Formats, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group. “We look forward to premiering this exciting new addition on Mzansi Magic, which will no doubt keep our audience hooked and will undoubtedly be of the premium quality our viewers have grown accustomed to,” says Shirley Adonisi, Director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net. She continues: “This may be a global franchise, but our spin on it is very much South African. The storylines explored on the show and the cast’s

Already serving an impressive lineup of reality shows, Mzansi Magic will be premiering their latest addition to the fan favorite genre in April.  Twice as Bold  is a 13-part show following Olwethu and Owami Siko – twin sisters who are so inseparable they share one soul and one baby Daddy. While twins are known to enjoy an even closer bond than the average siblings, Olwethu and Owami have taken things to the extreme, at least according to their loved ones, who want them to start living their lives as individuals rather than as a unit. Born in Vosloorus, the 31-year-old sisters’ tough childhood brought them even closer than expected- so close that they were married the same man for nine years. Now divorced and with daughters born two months apart fathered by the ex-husband, the twins are on a journey to accept their spiritual calling as prophets – and to find a new husband. “Shows centered around family trial and tribulations never get old and are always fascinating to observe – more so

After two successful and acclaimed seasons, Mzansi Magic’s undercover thriller drama  Housekeepers  is back with what promises to be another nail-biting season, premiering on 4 April. Starring Thando Thabethe, who reprises her role as Linda, and Paballo Koza as her brother Mtho, the series follows an agent solving criminal cases – while undercover as the house help. And while Linda has massive crime to uncover in season 3, her biggest fight is her desperate attempt to save Mtho’s life. In varsity and adjusting to his and his sister’s new financially secure reality, Mtho is accused of a shocking crime. Can Linda prove his innocence while keeping her true identity hidden from her dangerous new employers? The  Housekeepers  season 3 cast includes Gabriel Simphiwe Mini ( Zabalaza ), Ernest Ndlovu ( Gomora ,  Isibaya ), Andile Mxakaza ( Isibaya ), Noxolo Dlamini ( Isibaya ), Fezile Makhanya ( Rockville ,  Unmarried ,  The Queen ), and TV presenting legend Zandi Nhlapho. “We’re happy to keep

The coveted Sunday night primetime slot has been dominated by Mzansi Magic for several years, and now the channel is taking things a step further with a new flagship drama,   Umbuso , premiering on 3 April at 20h00.     It features strong performances from a star-studded and acclaimed cast including Lillian Dube, Bheki Sibiya, Sandile Mahlangu, Mzwandile Ngubeni, Zinzi Zungu, Christopher Jafta, Makhaola Ndebele and Omuhle Gela.     Umbuso   is a story about street-smart businessman, Ma E (Sibiya) and people’s politician, Tiny (Ndebele), two old comrades determined to secure a post-struggle legacy for themselves and their families.   However, after a brutal and bloody murder that shakes everyone to their core,   a long-hidden and dark secret is finally revealed, cutting to the heart of both families. At the centre of it all is Qhawe (Kwanele Mthethwa), a daughter trying to keep her family – and its business – together.      “Sunday’s primetime slot is critical for us a channel, and our

It’s official:   Idols SA   will be back for an impressive 18 th   season this year. Returning to the judges’ chair is fan favourite Somizi Mhlongo, and he will be joined by two new judges: the triple threat pop culture icon Thembi Seete and rapper-producer extraordinaire JR Bogopa. The award-winning, co-executive producer Tebogo 'ProVerb' Thekisho will return to host the music competition reality show for his 13 th  season.   Making a comeback to his seat as the most famous competition judge in the country, Somizi Mhlongo is a multitalented choreographer, reality TV star and actor whose  Idols SA  catchphrase ‘Whooo shem!’ is loved by many.   Known for his vibey energy, dramatic dress sense and honest critique as a judge, Mhlongo will dazzle our screens yet again as he ushers in a new era for the show and guides a new crop of talent.   An acclaimed actor, dancer and musician who has been part of South Africa’s pop culture fabric since the 1990s, Thembi Seete is known for her c

Known for his charisma and impressive acting chops, the versatile and multitalented Lawrence Maleka will be adding another prestigious gig to his profile – as the presenter of the new season of  Big Brother Mzansi season 3 .   Big Brother Mzansi  will premiere on Sunday 23 January 2022 live on DStv Channel 161 Mzansi Magic. Beloved by many for his portrayal of Zolani on the hit 1Magic telenovela  The River ,  the SAFTA winner is also a celebrated TV presenter and host, having previously hosted Africa Magic Entertainment’s  StarGist , Mzansi Magic’s  Clash of the Choirs  and co-hosted the 2021 South African Music Awards, among others. “I’m excited to be part of this installment of  Big Brother Mzansi . The franchise has become a massive phenomenon in African as well as South African pop culture, and I’m happy to join in the fun as a presenter. The fan base is huge and massively loyal – it’s an honour to be part of such a fantastic production,” says Maleka. Shirley Adonisi, recently appo

S outh African National Parks (SANParks) today announced that it will be launching a 13 week Reality Television Series on 7 October 2021 at 21:30 on Mzansi Magic DSTV channel 161. Hosted by popular actress Rami Chuene and renowned life coach Romeo Mabasa, the series titled Away for Repair will showcase the heartfelt stories of ordinary people taking much-needed time away to mend broken bonds. SANParks Managing Executive: Tourism Development and Marketing, Hapiloe Sello, said, “Away for Repair, will treat viewers to an emotional roller-coaster as four teams of two undergo a relationship boot camp against the spectacular backdrops of seven of South Africa’s prime National Parks”.   Through this series we will be showcasing the diversity of our parks to the Mzansi Magic audience as well as the range of fun and educational activities available in these destinations. We also felt it important to emphasise the value of spending time in nature on emotional wellbeing – how the National Parks a

Is there a family member with a more polarising reputation than the mother-in-law? The mere mention of her makes one shudder, and the person who often bears the brunt of her anger is the makoti, or the daughter-in-law. But is mmatswale, or mother-in-law, always the problem? Is the man in the middle his mother’s son or his wife’s husband first? And can this historically challenging relationship ever be fixed? These are questions that the new 13-part 1Magic reality show  Abasemzini  answers when it premieres on 03 September. It will see mother- and daughter-in-law pairs move into a house to undergo a bootcamp, where psychological professionals will not only help them air their grievances but, put them through a series of exercises and challenges that will get them to a healthy and productive place. “The aim of  Abasemzini  is to  restore happy families and equip both parties with conflict management skills they can use in their everyday lives. It will be an emotional journey for both par

Zwai Legendary Kwaito artist, producer and musical director Zwai Bala and renowned singer, producer and Member of Parliament Ringo Madlingozi are among the guest judges as the popular talent search show   Idols SA   returns for its 17 th   season this Sunday. Ringo The much anticipated return of the IdolsSA, which attracted a record 15 000 online entrants, will heat up viewers’ living room this winter as  Idols SA  hopefuls belt it out to impress the guest judges as well as the show’s resident judges. Reality TV star, musician and choreographer Somizi Mhlongo, musician, radio and TV personalities Unathi Nkayi and Randall Abrahams, Rapper, radio and TV personality and the show’s co-executive producer Proverb also returns as the show’s host. Idols SA  will start with the airing of all online auditions on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) this Sunday, 11 July 2021 at 17:30. Somizi “We are excited that South Africa’s most-loved talent search show ,  Idols SA ,  returns this Sunday to enterta

Season 2 of Mzansi Magic’s show Mnakwethu continues to explore the concept of polygamy, as already married men introduce their desire to take on a second wife. What will their reactions be as the current wife is introduced to the new woman who has been identified as a future wife? Although polygamy still raises eyebrows and is often viewed as primitive and sexist, it is an age-old practice that continues to thrive on the African continent and across the globe. “We are happy to once again share stories that are underpinned by African cultures and customs. The show will leave our viewers engaged in a societal debate that will leave them holding diverse points of view highlighted by this reality series,” says Nomsa Philiso, the Director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net.                                                                            Hosted by Musa Mseleku, Mnakwethu season 2   will offer key insights of what it actually takes to be a man married to multiple women. As a

The new 13-part Mzansi Magic drama series  Nqobile  depicts a woman’s quest to rise above marital abuse and begin to live fearlessly. This action-packed thrilling melodrama begins on Monday 5 July 2021 at 20h00. Nqobile Khumalo (as Nqobile) Nqobile  is the ill-treated makoti of the Nkosi family dynasty who  manages to outsmart  her entitled, abusive husband and take over his empire. She transforms it into a women-led e-hailing service, and with newfound grit, indirectly declares war against her spouse. Nomsa Nene (as Sarah) As she is thrust into a male-dominated industry and a new position of power, the show reveals everything she must do to negotiate her freedom, maintain respect and thrive. Magic Hlatshwayo (as George) Created and produced by Ayanda Borotho, Adze Ugah and Nobuntu Webster,  Nqobile  is captured against the luxurious aesthetic of Leondale streets and is juxtaposed with less opulent environments where hustling is a way of life. Kagiso Medupi (as Simo) Nqobile Khumalo st

Johannesburg, Durban, South Africa: Yaya Mavundla, 32, is known for her activism work through Transgender visibility and Mzansi Queer Festival organiser will invite viewers into her home to zoom into her transitioning journey. This prolific award-winning activist who is no stranger to television will be seen followed by cameras to a number of emotional activities that are part of her transitioning journey which includes: the search for her mother who she never got the opportunity to meet, and she will open up about the dynamics of dating as a Transgender woman. This 13-part reality show will, without judgment, delve deeper into the psyche of being a transgender person, as well as the barriers they need to overcome in order to live as their true selves. "When I first received a phone call from Mam Basetsana Khumalo to be part of this show I was in disbelief,” Yaya says. “I was so scared and excited at the same time. I sat and thought deeply, and I realised the impact of my contribu

Zandile Msutwana, who plays Vuyiswa Maake sustained an injury while on set. Unfortunately, Msutwana cannot carry out her duties and has been booked off to recover well at home. A Statement was issued by Mzansi magic to confirm the sudden change on your favorite Mzansi Magic Telenovela. With the endless inconveniences that came with the pandemic, regrettably, production has to wrap up season five and that means someone had to be found to play the role of Vuyiswa Maake in the absence of Msutwana. From the 19thApril 2021, Thembisa Mdoda-Nxumalo will be gracing our screens as the new Vuyiswa Maake. We have no doubt that with Thembisa’s immense talent and skills, along with the support and guidance she has received from Msutwana, the character of Vuyiswa Maake will continue to steal the hearts of the viewers. "We are very excited for Mdoda-Nxumalo and thankful to her for taking this gigantic challenge with so much grace. We wish Msutwana a speedy recovery and look forward to her return