6 strong female leads in Showmax Originals in 2024

If there’s one thing Showmax delivers consistently, it’s unforgettable, badass women taking the lead in Original shows.

These women are unstoppable forces you wouldn’t dare cross - like Ndoni in Empini. They let nothing stand in their way, as Gugu proves in Law, Love and Betrayal. Whether it’s young women standing up to abuse in a ruthless high school, like Amo in Youngins, or dominating behind the wheel, like Chelsea Thomas in Spinners, they embody fearless resilience. For a heroine straight out of a bestselling novel, look no further than Lucy in Red Ink. Like Owami in Soft Life, women go to extraordinary lengths to take care of their loved ones.

Whether you’re into drama, action, or intrigue, Showmax Originals is where these incredible stories come to life. This year, Showmax Originals has delivered a lineup of some of the most fearless and compelling women on screen – unapologetically bold, fiercely brilliant, and impossible to ignore.

Here is a round-up of must-see Showmax Originals that highlight strong women who continue to develop, change, and shake up preconceived notions of a woman’s place in society.

1. Nambitha Ben-Mazwi as Ndoni in Empini

In her first Showmax Original, Nambitha Ben-Mazwi stars as Ndoni Themba, a deeply troubled private security bodyguard in search of answers, a fierce daughter driven by the need to right the wrongs done to her family. 

Fifteen years ago, a young Ndoni witnessed the brutal murder of her father, Bonga. The murder scene was staged to look like a suicide, painting Bonga as a traitor and an alleged apartheid spy. Fast forward to the present, and Ndoni, now a tough-as-nails bodyguard at Mkhonto Protection Services (MPS), has a clear mission: to avenge her father’s betrayal. Ndoni can kick ass, can handle a gun, and is a great bodyguard who thinks on her feet and is able to ensure people’s safety. She’s on a relentless quest to uncover the truth to clear her father’s name.

Fresh from hosting the Essence Film Festival in New Orleans and renowned for her standout role in Black is King (personally selected by Beyoncé), Nambitha Ben-Mazwi is a recognised name in the industry. She recently added to her accolades by winning Best Actress at the 2024 National Film and Television Awards for her performances in Savage Beauty and Empini. 

Watch Nambitha Ben-Mazwi as Ndoni now on Empini, available to binge-watch on Showmax.

2. Dineo Rasedile in Law, Love and Betrayal

Dineo Rasedile takes a bold step into new territory as Gugu Mabaso, a fiercely determined young lawyer from Tembisa who elbows her way into a prestigious family-owned law firm in Sandton. 

Beneath the firm's glossy exterior lurks a maze of secrets - and Gugu harbours some of her own. Armed with resilience and sharp intellect, she fights for justice, confronts the mysteries of her identity, and navigates the rocky intersections of personal and professional life. 

This series is a thrilling collection of firsts - it’s Dineo Rasedile’s first Showmax Original, her debut in an adult role after a decade of captivating audiences with teenage characters, and Showmax's very first legal drama.

Watch Dineo Rasedile as Gugu now on Law, Love and Betrayal, available to binge-watch on Showmax.

3. Ayakha Ntunja as Amo in Youngins

Ayakha Ntunja stars as Amo Mosweu, the smartest student at Olifantsfontein. Without her, there would have never been an expose of the pedophile principal in Youngins Season 1. The sweet yet fiercely determined boarder from rural KwaZulu-Natal flees from a family tragedy to a boarding school in Jozi, she finds herself entangled in a scandal of epic proportions.

This is her first leading role. Season 2 racked up the most-first day views of any title on Showmax since the African streamer’s relaunch in February. This after #YounginsShowmaxS2 trended at #1 on X on its launch day. Youngins was also recently named Best South African Streaming Series at The Behind the Scenes Awards, while its Season 2 trailer topped a million views in under 24 hours online. 

Watch Ayakha Ntunja as Amo on the new season of Youngins, now streaming on Showmax.

4. Nqobile Nunu Khumalo as Lucy in Red Ink

Nqobile Nunu Khumalo shines as a powerhouse in Red Ink, as journalist turned publicist Lucy Khambule, who is approached by imprisoned serial killer Napoleon Dingiswayo to tell his story.

Lucy jumps at the opportunity to reclaim her dream of being an acclaimed author, but the more she descends into the mind of a killer, the more she uncovers a criminal conspiracy that puts her life at risk. The award-winning actress shines as a strong female lead in this compelling drama and her portrayal of Lucy captures the character’s fearless spirit and determination, solidifying her as a standout presence.

Watch Nqobile Nunu Khumalo as Lucy now on Red Ink, available to binge-watch on Showmax.

5. Chelsea Thomas as Amber in Spinners

Chelsea Thomas makes a powerful impression in Spinners, the first African series selected in competition at Canneseries. You have probably seen a young woman flexing her muscles while standing on the open door of her car while it spins. That’s Amber, the best female spinner in the country. She’s Ethan’s rival but she could potentially become his love interest.

Growing up around spinning in Kraaifontein, Chelsea only ever saw men spinning. She was thrilled to discover that women, like her spinning double Kayla Olifant, are now leading the sport.

Watch Chelsea Thomas as Amber now on Spinners, available to binge-watch on Showmax.

6. Zizipho Buti as Owami in Soft Life

Zizipho Buti delivers a brilliant performance as Owami, an ordinary township girl who is thrust into a secretive world of high-society companionship to settle her mother's medical bills.

Her dual life is a gripping exploration of the lengths people go to protect their loved ones, even at great personal cost. Owami’s journey is not just one of survival but also of courage, highlighting the emotional and societal challenges women often endure in silence. 

Watch Zizipho Buti as Owami on the new Showmax Original Soft Life, now streaming on Showmax.

This holiday season, immerse yourself in these thrilling Showmax Originals to keep you captivated, one unforgettable character at a time!