By Xabiso Ngqabe14 April 2022
Reasons to add Umkhokha S1 to your Showmax binge list
The star-studded drama series Umkhokha promises to have you sitting on the edge of your seat. It’s the perfect local drama series to binge-watch.
The faith-based drama series is hailed as one of the best shows to come out of Mzansi in a long time and is now streaming on Showmax. Umkhokha, written by Gomora head-writer Chris Q. Radebe tells the tale of two families at war following the killing of the leader of a mega-church and the subsequent fight to take over his position.
The exceptional cast includes S’thandiwe Kgoroge (Impilo, The Road) as MaNzimande, the dead man’s widow, alongside stars like Nay Maps (Diep City, Impilo) as Siphamandla, Deli Malinga (The Queen, Isibaya) as MaMzobe, Linda Sokhulu (Still Breathing, Housekeepers) as Zodwa, Sibonile Ngubane (Isibaya, The Station) as Difa, Hope Mbhele (Goodbye Gogo, No Love Lost) as MaBusi, Mondli Makhoba (The Wife, eHostela) and Kwezi Ndlovu (Isithembiso, Housekeepers) as Nobuntu.
Here are 5 reasons you should add Umkhokha to your binge list.
Deli Malinga’s portrayal of MaMzobe
MaMzobe has officially entered the list of Mzansi’s meanest TV moms. She’s now up there with the likes of Harriet Khoza (The Queen), Lindiwe (The River) and Angelique Price (Legacy) when it comes to being ruthless. She’s portrayed by veteran actress Deli Malinga, who’s widely known for her role as Sarah Ngcobo on popular soapie Generations and has been on hit series like The Queen and Isibaya.
In Umkhokha, she gives us the performance of her career in portraying the villainous role of MaMzobe. A character that’s loved simultaneously, due to her ruthless nature. A master manipulator who is willing to go to extreme lengths to secure wealth and power. When her sister, Zodwa finds out that she might be responsible for the numerous murders that have taken place in the community, she vows to kill her.
We’ve seen a few characters who represent evil but we are convinced that none come close to MaMzobe. Viewers developed a love-hate relationship from the moment the show premiered on screen.
An A-List cast for the win
Umkhokha did exceptionally well when it came to cast selections. Deli Malinga plays MaMzobe, who believes that the future of the church is in her hands and will do anything for what she thinks is best for her family. This is Deli’s first lead role and believe us when we say, she gives an award-worthy performance in the series.
Veteran actress S’thandiwe Kgoroge also does a stellar job bringing MaNzimande to life, a soft-spoken and generous matriarch whose approach has more tenacity than the malicious MaMzobe.
Celebrated actor Sibonile Ngubane plays the role of Difa with so much calmness and compassion. MaBusi and Nobuntu are played by Hope Mbhele and Kwezi Ndlovu, respectively. Nay Maps shines as Sphamandla, who went from making bad decisions that land him in prison to becoming a leader of the church, and soon faces challenges that make him more determined to succeed.
The soundtrack
The soundtrack complements all the moments throughout the series. The series boasted music that did a phenomenal job of heightening dramatic scenes and reflecting the characters’ feelings at the time.
The title track, composed by Zithulele Kwela for Rhythmworld Music, who also provides the library music for Umkhokha is so good that even after Season 1 came to an end, the viewers are still asking for the song.
Umkhoha is raw and real
Umkhokha delves into the prevalent battles South African churches face, but its sheer brilliance is how the storyline is centred on women vying for power. They become the driving force in steering the path for the church indirectly.
For instance, MamZobe is more fierce and always has a plan up her sleeves while her husband is soft and doesn’t seem to want to claim his rightful place in the church until MaMzobe forces him. MaNzimande on the other hand wants one of her sons to carry her husband’s legacy but both of them aren’t interested.
It also shows the pains of being raised by a cruel mother, who would make sure that she gets what she wants, whatever the cost, even if it means claiming a life.
It’s a well-written story
The show has an astounding storyline with plenty of drama, scandal and secrets. Though it has striking similarities to the Nazareth Baptist, known as Shembe, the show is not based on reality.
Written by Chris Q. Radebe who has also written shows like Isibaya and Gomora, this faith-based series is well written with numerous complex characters. It’s very authentic and doesn’t come short of the recipe for drama with plot twists and cliffhangers that make watching the next episode irresistible.
From the first episode right up until the finale, Umkhokha is a local gem not to be missed!
Binge-watch season 1 of Umkhokha now streaming on Showmax
Youngins S2, now streaming
Soft Life, coming to Showmax
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