
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

Mariam Timmer talks authenticity and her evolution on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
Mariam Timmer opens up about sisterhood and her evolution on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, premiering 28 November 2025 on Showmax.

Evodia on Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa and her return to reality TV
Madam Evodia talks about The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, and her big return to reality TV. Landing 28 November on Showmax.

Afrikaans adaptation of The Office to premiere in January
Die Kantoor, the Afrikaans adaptation of The Office, lands on Showmax and kykNET in January 2026, written and directed by Bennie Fourie.
.png&w=3840&q=100)
Youngins' Kealeboga Masango on Buhle's pregnancy shock
In the latest episodes of Showmax's Youngins, disgraced former head girl Buhle discovers that she might be pregnant. Watch new episodes every Friday.

Elsbeth S2
Elsbeth Tascioni, an unconventional attorney, gives her singular point of view to make observations to catch criminals alongside the NYPD.

Where to see the cast of Outlaws S2 on Showmax
From Thembinkosi Mthembu as Bandile to Noluthando Ngema as Sihle, see the cast of Outlaws in some of their other acclaimed roles on Showmax.

Mamodibe as Buang: The woman behind the warrior in Outlaws
Mamodibe Ramodibe talks about portraying Buang in the new season of Outlaws. Catch S2 now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes weekly.

Outlaws S1-2
Outlaws is the story of two families at war: the Zulu, cattle-farming Biyela clan and the Basotho, cattle-raiding Ts’eoles.
Laugh Africa Comedy Festival S2 on Showmax
Youngins S3, now streaming on Showmax
More Showmax Originals you'll love

Mariam Timmer talks authenticity and her evolution on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
Mariam Timmer opens up about sisterhood and her evolution on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, premiering 28 November 2025 on Showmax.

Why Jackie Phamotse says Slay Queens is a must-watch
Jackie Phamotse opens up about her role on Slay Queens, her experiences and why the documentary should be required viewing. Stream now on Showmax.

Evodia on Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa and her return to reality TV
Madam Evodia talks about The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, and her big return to reality TV. Landing 28 November on Showmax.

Afrikaans adaptation of The Office to premiere in January
Die Kantoor, the Afrikaans adaptation of The Office, lands on Showmax and kykNET in January 2026, written and directed by Bennie Fourie.
Latest Stories

From Poverty to Purpose: The Redemption of Emmanuel Adebayor: Why Saving Lives Trumps Scoring Goals

Christall on The Ultimate Girls Trip, Evodia and more

“No one wins in war” - Nikki Comninos on Unspoken War

Manchester City vs Liverpool: The Rivalry Reignites

Lehlohonolo Mayeza on Leruo’s battles in Outlaws Season 2

Annie Mthembu opens up about The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa

What to watch on Showmax in November 2025

Can LFC rediscover the form that saw them crowned champions?

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

Youngins S3: Toka Mtabane on Khaya and Amo's relationship

Finding Optel to hit Showmax after BFI London Film Festival

Outlaws S2: Meet the new Sihle, Noluthando Ngema

Gallery: Showmax Fan Day with Youngins brings the heat

Must-watch trailer: The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa

IdeaCandy docuseries Unspoken War looks to start a national conversation

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







