15 February 2024

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 as Jabu and Thobani Mbhele as Papi in Ekhaya Backpackers

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 and Felix Hlophe in Ekhaya Backpackers

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.

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