With TV viewing trends evolving from the traditional satellite format to now more mobile and online viewing ones, it’s encouraging to observe how the traditional form of TV viewing, well in my case, has been re-energized. The year 2021 has come and gone and we’re already into the second month of the year (the so-called month of love) but looking back, it was a year worth reflecting. From a local TV content perspective, not a great deal of high hopes have been inspired lately due to the lack of quality content on offer but I must say that local TV content in 2021 reinvented itself and served us with a treat – five treats to be specific.
My TV viewing has been dwindling and then midway through the year, a sudden uptake due to five unique productions that I have closely followed – Nqobile, Umkhokha, Away for repair, Abasemzini and Wounds.
I unpack all five masterpiece productions, worth binge-watching by the way, in this piece.
In no particular order.
1. Nqobile.
Nqobile (conqueror) is a 13 part South African-brewed drama produced for Mnet’s Mzansi Magic channel by Avad Media productions with the likes of Ayanda Borotho and Udze Ugah in the background. Nqobile (the main lead in this riveting series) is played by Nqobile Nunu Khumalo, a young, ambitious, black, career-driven woman who is introduced from the debut episode as someone broken and trying to piece her life together after experiencing an unfortunate loss. She has recently lost her child and the fact that her husband Simo (played by Kagiso Modupi) is blaming her for their child’s death, is not making matters any easier for her or their overall situation at home. It’s also as if, love is lost and that the marriage is crumbling with Simo already mapping his way out. This psychologically makes Nqobile believe that the death was indeed her fault. The story revolves around her striving to get back to her normal form and in the mix of this, she’s tasked with an important task of being the new CEO of a family company that is struggling to stay afloat. This further causes a division in her marriage and family, with Simo and his mom (played by veteran actress Nomsa Nene), initially eyeing the position following the passing of his father (who is played by the legendary Magic Hlatswayo – the CEO of the company). This show puts the issue of women as leaders in society (Nqobile getting resistance from her new CEO role and her choice to rebrand the company to an all-female e-hailing services staff) and gender-based violence (GBC) – Nqobile endures domestic attack and violence from her husband and there is a character to look out for, The Black Widow, played by legendary actress Mam Lillian Dube, who makes it her mission to put an end to GBV perpetrators. It’s a winning formula because it cleverly puts currently societal ills into the spotlight, while further growing the need for a strong, black female lead character on our screens -certainly one to look out for in season 2.
2. Umkhokha.
Now here is a Sunday night TV production that has made history by cementing itself as one show worth remembering in terms of following, intrigue and performance. It’s been able to successfully rise to be in the top 3 productions under the DSTV Multichoice platform for the December 2021 figures period. Latest figures, according to Zalebs have revealed that Umkhokha (bad luck/spell) has officially dethroned one of the longest-running nighttime telenovelas in the channel to now be the the second-most watched program with an overall viewership of close to a million. It is produced by Rhythmworld productions with the likes of Chris Q. Radebe as the Head Writer and concept by Mandela KaNozulu and follows the tale of two prominent families who are battling to take control of the Ithempeli Le Nkosi (The Lord’s temple) church. Umkhokha follows Mamzobe (played by Deli Malinga) with a heart of greed, wiling to get rid of anything and anyone that comes in her way. This is as a result of always playing second-best to the MaNzimande’s (played by S’thandiwe Kgoroge) family, who has historically led the church. When MaNzimande’s husband (the lead pastor of the church) mysteriously dies, this opens us the platform for the second-in-command (Mamzobe’s husband, Difa Phakathwayo) to ascend to the highest seat in the church. Difa’s wife, MaMzobe has a mission to see this through because of the prestige implications for her and her family. The show has also been been criticized for its negative portrayal of the Shembe Church that the fictitious drama appears to impersonate through the church and it’s look and feel. News24 and The Witness report that this drama is an insult to the church, according to the members (more on this on the article reference). I am not so sure where the progress is with regards to that objection from the Shembe church viewers. Be that as it may, what made it a winner for me is the excellent performance of Deli Malinga, in this, her first TV Lead role and the fact that it was created by a newcomer in the industry, proving the advantage of fresh ideas and talent. This opens up the industry and with the cliffhanger season finale and the unclosed loops, it is clear that the show is set to return for season 2 soon. I hope that they raise the bar and maintain the high standards that they have set.
3. Away for repair.
Reality shows are the talk of the town and one always wonders how ‘real’ an element is to them. Many of these so called reality shows are staged if not scripted, it’s unbelievable how local reality shows have evolved to be nothing but real until Away for repair. Presented by actress Rami Chuene with a resident life coach Romeo Mabasa as a co-host, this show brought a new dimension and element to healing and exploring. Backed up by SANParks, it saw four teams from different backgrounds with a unique story of past misfortunes needing healing. A mother and daughter, a married couple, best friends and sisters with strained relations, the show took them to scenic parts of the country with tailor-made challenges to help them address aspects such as effective communication skills, patience, understanding and team work. The show is shot on location and spectacular views welcome the couples from Mapungubwe Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, Golden Gate National Park, Tsitsikama to Cape Agulhas. It shows the majestic beauty that is our country through the variety of activities one can do at each spot. The couples are also tested on their bravery and courage when they need to bungee jump off the famous Bloukrans Bridge –what a thrilling episode that was! We got to meet new people and connect with them throughout their journeys to healing. The show balanced the complex human aspects and relationships involved with the cleaver use of a life coach who also has an input during the challenges and has dedicated sessions with each couple on a regular basis. Romeo plays a fundamental role in helping to track the progress and diffuse the tension each time it surfaces. Rami Chuene also makes her observations and chirps in from time to time, which is a welcome addition to further expand her role in the show. There is a lekgotla (traditional meeting place) session with each episode that served as a common meeting place for all couples with the life coach and the host where matters arising are ironed out before the next escapade. And must I add that, I found it challenging to try and predict a likely winner for this show as there were a number of layers to consider and address but at the end, the life coach and production team chose a deserving couple as the winners. I won’t spoil it by saying which team wins.
4. Abasemzini
Produced by Valentino Media House, with Pearl Munonde as the executive producer and initially aired on 1 Magic DSTV channel 103, Abasemzini (The in-laws) is a reality show with a twist. Brides get an opportunity to bond and connect over a getaway, boot camp experience with their mothers-in-law. With the highly reported instances of a consistent breakdown in relationship between abomakoti (brides in Zulu) and their Mamezala’s (mothers-in-law), I found this show a welcomed relief as it put into the fore, this matter for the public to pond over. Various issues, particularly surrounding behaviour, belief systems, the generational gap, the man who brings them together (the husband or the son) and how to navigate through the constant challenges surrounding that space are unpacked. The show is hosted by actor Lehasha Moloi and the guests are hosted by gospel musician Puleng March at a beautiful secret location, in a guest house is seen in a secluded, unknown and scenic venue close to a river or dam in South Africa. I think it may be filmed close to the Vaal Dam but I stand corrected. The show is a winner because it successfully brings women from two generations and often backgrounds, cultures and personalities together, united for a common goal and aim which is to mend their broken and strained relationship and to map out strategies where they can find common ground and a way forward for a healthy relation in the marriage. This is achieved through the use of clinical psychologist and TV host Nozibusiso Nyawose and psychologist Vuyo Themba who help guide and drive healthy conversations towards the desired outcome. A must-watch for couples who are new to the institution of marriage or are interested in taking that important step and what to possibly expect.
5. Wounds.
Now, when you talk about leaving the best for last, wounds is it. Wounds is an M-Net Original Production, created by Day and Night Films and based on a concept by Theltom Masimila, produced for 1Magic by Paw Paw Films with the likes of Roberta Durrant in the background, among many other industry greats. It follows the lives of medical staff from Healing Hands hospital, trying to navigate their complicated lives that entail, amongst many others, saving people’s lives. Shot in the beautiful city of Cape Town, it follows the life of Neo/Busisiwe Masondo (played by Samke Makhoba) and yes, there is an interesting double identity story between these two character names, which I will leave for you to discover on your own and not spoil. Busi/Neo is newly appointed as an intern at the hospital and here, gets exposed to much more than medical cases. For one, a serial rapist that no one can call or bring to order and the other, a medical case that brings humanity, law, morality and reality together. Inspired by the court case action submitted to the Pretoria high court by The Voice of The Unborn Baby movement, which has been dragging since 2017, it addresses the issue of women losing their unborn babies at the pregnancy period of less than 26 weeks. The fetuses were considered medical waste and as such, medically discarded and the grieving parents are never given the opportunity for proper closure and a burial. Nurse Refilwe (played by Tumie Ngumla) from the hospital, after having suffered the same loss for quite some time, decides to take matters of addressing this closure to her own hands. This is a fascinating and emotionally-charged storyline, just prepare a box of tissues to navigate through it. The show also boasts a stellar cast with the likes of Buyile Mdladla, Ayanda Borotho, Mbulelo Grootboom, Chumani Pan and Talitha Ndima to mention only a few. It’s a winner, not only because of the soulful soundtrack of the show titled, ‘Phola‘ which is composed by Prince Bulo with lyrics by Sinovuyo Jwacu, Mandilakhe Yengo and Ernie Vosloo, performed by Q Twins (TVSA), but because it addresses current societal issues and makes you thing about your own morality index and opinion on those. It also addresses gender based violence, another current scourge in our country. For an emotionally-charged rollercoaster experience, that will take you to the ground-breaking high court ruling of the 29th March 2021 which ruled that certain provisions of the Births and Deaths Registrations Act of 1992 and the regulations relating to the management of human remains 2013 as unconstitutional – give Wounds a watch. Be prepared to challenge medicine principles, the law with morality and what you believe to be the right thing to do when faced with a predicament as you indulge. I for one, can’t wait for season 2.
Here’s to more magical TV moments that bring back that joy and significance of families bonding and connecting while sitting back and enjoying TV from their living rooms. To more original concepts that take a stab at our reality and offer feasible solutions. To enabling a space for new producers, concept creators, production houses and faces to dominate and take up their rightful place. To more original local content that inspires hope in our talent and brings back that spark of what our TV content offering has been traditionally known for.
References
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