2 October 2023

Riona

Rebellion looms as King Otokun does all he can to stop a dark prophecy from being fulfilled: that a child born under the rising of the dark moon will take his life. But destiny is against him as Tsema and Aghan, two children both born under the dark moon, wind a complicated path on their way to fulfil the prophecy foretold.

Riona is set in pre-colonial times in the Itsekiri Kingdom, between the 11th and 12th centuries. Itsekiris lived in the westernmost part of the Niger Delta, bordered by the Bight of Benin on the west. Their settlements can be found in the mangrove swamps of the Niger Delta and a few are above sea level.

Itsekiris were originally known as Iwerre. They were primarily fishermen and craftsmen. Crafts were also made by Itsekiri women. Trading was bilateral and goods were priced in terms of principal commodities.

90% of Itsekiri words are identical to Yoruba words, especially those originating in the Southern and Eastern tribes. Houses were quadrangles and city walls were fortified for the safety of the people. Riona is a thrilling insight into their world.

Watch it now

More like this

Drama Drama series Series

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip - Africa on Showmax

Christall on The Ultimate Girls Trip, Evodia and more

Christall Kay shares what to expect on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, landing 28 November on Showmax and 6 December on Mzansi Magic.

Original South Africa

Alert: Missing Persons Unit S3

Showrunner John Eisendrath and Jamie Foxx are behind this police procedural. After her son goes missing, Nikki Batista joins the Philadelphia Missing Persons Unit, helping find people's loved ones as she searches for her own.

Lehlohonolo Mayeza on Leruo’s battles in Outlaws Season 2

New love, old foes: Lehlohonolo Mayeza unpacks Leruo's journey in Outlaws S2, on Showmax from 17 November and Mzansi Magic from 22 November.

Original South Africa

New seasons of your favourite series, now streaming

The latest seasons of Youngins, Outlaws, Hacks, The Equalizer, Tokyo Vice, and more are all streaming on Showmax.

Last Breath (2025)

Woody Harrelson and Simu are in a race against time in this thrilling true story that follows seasoned deep-sea divers as they battle the raging elements to rescue their crew.

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa.jpg

20+ addictive South African reality shows to stream

Stream The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip - Africa, Vaal Riviera, The Real Housewives of Durban, The Mommy Club, and more of South Africa's best reality shows on Showmax.

Made in South Africa