
Ekhaya Backpackers reunites Abdul Khoza and Kwenzo Ngcobo
Known for creating hit television shows such as Mnakwethu, Makoti... Are You The One? and local film A Safe Bet, Milagro Concepts now extends its creativity to comedy with Ekhaya Backpackers.
Ekhaya Backpackers introduces the Mthembus, a dysfunctional and seemingly unqualified family who plan to turn their family home into a backpackers hostel to pay off their late mother’s debt.
The family comprises two very different brothers, a crazy baby mama, an inappropriate grandmother and an uncle who is too laidback for his own good.

Kwenzo Ngcobo (The Wife and Red Ink) stars as Jabu, the younger brother. After living in America for two years, the book-smart dreamer returns to South Africa with little to no money and a questionable American accent.
Watch the trailer for Ekhaya Backpackers
Thobani Mbhele (High Rollers, eKasi: Our Stories, Generations and Is'thunzi) co-stars as Papi, the elder brother. Papi is a street-smart hustler of note, who knows his way around the hood.
Although the two brothers clash at every moment, their determination to preserve their late mother's legacy helps iron out their differences.
Eve Rasimeni (Hhayi bo Mnakwethu, The Payback, Temptation Island SA and Savage Beauty) is Madibuseng, Papi's vivacious and outgoing partner, who is loyal to a fault.

Monnye Kunupi (The Throne) plays Jabu and Papi's grandmother, Gogo. She has zero social filter and lacks boundaries but amidst all the chaos she wants to make the family bond stronger.
Adding to the laughter is comedian and radio personality Felix Hlophe, who plays the role of Malume Mayor. Malume is too laidback for his own good but the need to launch Ekhaya Backpackers forces him to pull his bootstraps tighter.

SAFTA and DStv Mzansi Viewer Choice Awards winner Abdul Khoza reunites with his Zulu brother from The Wife, Kwenzo Ngcobo. Abdul plays the role of Clarens aka Undertaker - the main reason why the Mthembu family is desperately scrambling to get their backpackers up and running.
“We’re really excited to be bringing this hilarious and locally nuanced comedy to Showmax,” says Tebogo Matlawa, head of Scripted Content. “Ekhaya Backpackers gives us the chance to laugh at ourselves and for audiences to resonate with the scenarios the characters find themselves in.”
Ekhaya Backpackers premieres on Showmax from 22 February 2024.
Join the conversation: #EkhayaBackpackers
More like this

Annie Mthembu opens up about The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
Annie Mthembu talks about being on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, her return to reality TV and more. Catch the premiere on 28 November on Showmax, with new episodes every week.

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.

Youngins S3: Toka Mtabane on Khaya and Amo's relationship
Toka Mtabane opens up about Khaya’s journey through sex and intimacy in Youngins S3, now streaming on Showmax with new episodes every Friday.

Outlaws S2: Meet the new Sihle, Noluthando Ngema
Watch the trailer for Outlaws S2, featuring rising star Noluthando Ngema, streaming from 17 November and on Mzansi Magic from 22 November 2025.

Gallery: Showmax Fan Day with Youngins brings the heat
The Youngins cast brought the looks, laughs, and unforgettable vibes to Showmax Fan Day on 18 October.

MobLand S1
Tom Hardy and Pierce Brosnan propel this gripping, gritty crime drama series that follows two powerful families engaged in an intense power struggle.
Big mobs, small jobs: 10 crime series to stream on Showmax
Not everybody can be the Godfather. From MobLand to The Cleaning Lady to Gangs of London, we look at 11 small but essential jobs that take care of the organising behind organised crime.

Must-watch trailer: The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa brings together Housewives from across the continent, landing on Showmax on 28 November 2025.
Laugh Africa Comedy Festival S2 on Showmax
Youngins S3, now streaming on Showmax
More Showmax Originals you'll love

Annie Mthembu opens up about The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
Annie Mthembu talks about being on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, her return to reality TV and more. Catch the premiere on 28 November on Showmax, with new episodes every week.

Youngins S3: Toka Mtabane on Khaya and Amo's relationship
Toka Mtabane opens up about Khaya’s journey through sex and intimacy in Youngins S3, now streaming on Showmax with new episodes every Friday.

Outlaws S2: Meet the new Sihle, Noluthando Ngema
Watch the trailer for Outlaws S2, featuring rising star Noluthando Ngema, streaming from 17 November and on Mzansi Magic from 22 November 2025.

Gallery: Showmax Fan Day with Youngins brings the heat
The Youngins cast brought the looks, laughs, and unforgettable vibes to Showmax Fan Day on 18 October.
Latest Stories

Can LFC rediscover the form that saw them crowned champions?

Conor Bradley on Liverpool's difficult run and the path back

Creating The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim

Bafana Bafana composed for Durban showdown against Zimbabwe

Clementine Mosimane, Mondli Makhoba and Luyanda Zwane join Spinners S2

Arsenal and Liverpool early front-runners ahead of Premier League international break

Married at First Sight's Portia Baloyi on the reunion and her ex
Must-watch trailer: Slay Queens doccie coming to Showmax

The Premier League canvas: a Saturday masterpiece painted in blue and red

Relebogile Mabotja to host the two-hour Married at First Sight reunion special

South Africa in third place at International Emmys, with four MultiChoice nominations

What to watch on Showmax in October 2025

The clash of the new number 9s: Gyökeres vs Woltemade

Married at First Sight: Themba on his "stunning" wife Nelisa

June Squibb wins Best Actress award at age 95 for Thelma

Red vs Blue: Showmax Premier League serves up a blockbuster weekend

Blockbuster Premier League weekend: Red vs Blue

Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr chat about Den of Thieves 2: Pantera

Where to see the cast of Levels on Showmax

From doubt to dynamo: Micky van de Ven's rise at Tottenham

Mhlongo's bold prediction: Pirates to clinch MTN8 Title for a fourth year running

Glory awaits: From MTN8 Kings to Manchester's Crown, football's biggest stage is on Showmax

Art, money and power: a blueprint for The Brutalist

Uncover the soul of South African football with the boxset of Giants







