![Fall in love with the “ninjas” of Is’Thunzi](https://cdn.stories.shwmx.co/media/2017/09/Retina-Display-BB-Isthunzi-1240x698.png)
23 November 2018
Fall in love with the “ninjas” of Is’Thunzi
Is’thunzi took the country by storm when it first aired on Mzansi Magic. The drama series centred around the lives of four friends was quickly labelled as one of the best shows on television.
This is not only because of the talented cast members, but also because of the intriguing storyline that often leaves viewers going through all kinds of emotions. So, why has the show become such a great success? We can think of a few reasons to fall in love with Is’thunzi.
Meet the ninjas
If you have real friends in your life, you should count yourself very lucky. We’re not just talking about those people who are there for you in the good times, but the ones who stick around when life knocks you down.
If you still don’t know what that looks or feels like, just take a look at Winnie, Thishiwe, Londi and Noxolo. These friends, who refer to themselves as “ninjas”, are the ultimate friendship goals.
#isthunzi has given us the cool name "Ninjas" to celebrate womanhood. Thank you to everyone in the production, actors & fans @Mzansimagic
— Shorty's Kid❤🏹🎶 (@mkhozet) October 5, 2017
Ooh the ninjas though😍 relationship goal,friendship goal, sisterhood goals 😍 #Isthunzi
— Osiris (@QueenMandz) January 2, 2017
As young as they are, they’ve had some of the saddest and harshest life experiences we’ve seen on TV. Imagine losing your parents and having to fend for yourself or being falsely accused of witchcraft because of something your mother did – these are just some of the battles these young women face on the show.
And, for this reason, their bond becomes stronger each day. They’re proof that life is better when you have real people in your corner.
International recognition
Thuso Mbedu, who plays Winnie, was evidently the breakout star of the show. Don’t get us wrong, every single actor gave a stellar performance and they all deserve awards. However, for two years in a row, it was Thuso who grabbed international attention.
The 27-year-old actress, who hails from KwaZulu-Natal, was nominated in the Best Performance by an Actress category at the International Emmy Awards. Her first nomination was in 2017 and she received a nod again this year.
On Monday, 19 November, Thuso attended the awards in New York City and had tonnes of fans rooting for her. Although she didn’t win, we couldn’t be prouder. She noted that going to the awards was a beautiful way to end the year.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqYsWt1BELv/
Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster
You’d better get those tissues ready because you don’t know when you might need them. At the beginning of this article, we introduced you to the ninjas and briefly told you about their life stories.
As you can imagine, watching people go through hardships – even though it’s just a TV show – is not easy. It doesn’t help that everyone on Is’thunzi is a brilliant actor and makes you feel like what they’re portraying on TV is real life.
Will you cry? Yes, definitely. You might even have moments where you’ll want to press pause just to process all those emotions.
I shed a lil tear, so emotional 😥#Isthunzi
— C_Moh (@Cecilia_Mohlala) October 2, 2017
#Isthunzi is an emotional series 💔💔, talented cast, great story line, perfect setting 😍😍😍
— Sanele Mkhize (@Sanele_Nathi) August 7, 2017
This proves just how good the show is. It has managed to take real-life stories and turned them a hit drama series that’s also relatable.
You can follow the ninjas’ lives by streaming the first season of Is’thunzi on Showmax right now.
Original African stories by local talent
![Subterranea on Showmax](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F09%2FSubterranea-Rapture-Poster-L-No-Logo-798x449.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Subterranea
Subterranea follows eight participants of a psychological experiment, trapped in an underground bunker. Stream from 26 September, with new episodes every Thursday.
![Nai-Rich on Showmax](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F08%2FNaiRich_S01_2024_KV_1200x1200-798x412.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Nai-Rich
Nai-Rich follows five influential Kenyans, giving a glimpse into the glitz and glam of their daily lives in the entertainment industry. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.
![False Glory on Showmax](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F08%2FFalse-Glory_2024-795x449.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
False Glory
Fake Glory is a three-part documentary series that delves into those moments when sporting figures did the unthinkable for personal gain. New episodes land Mondays.
![Law, Love and Betrayal (LLB) is on Showmax](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F09%2FLaw_Love_and_Betrayal-798x445.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Law, Love and Betrayal
Law, Love and Betrayal follows a tough township lawyer who forces her way into a slick, family-owned firm in Sandton. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
![Shebeen Queens on Showmax](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F08%2FShebeen-Queens-S1-798x449.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Shebeen Queens
Shebeen Queens is a reality show about the indomitable women behind popular Soweto shebeens. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
![Die Ondernemers on Showmax](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F08%2FDie-Ondernemers_2024-798x449.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Die Ondernemers
Die Ondernemers follows three entrepreneurs in the funeral business. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday on Showmax.
![Dark Side of Glory on Showmax](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F07%2FDark_Side_Of_Glory_S1_2024-798x445.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Dark Side of Glory
Dark Side of Glory tells the stories behind shocking cases of murder and unexplained deaths in the world of sport. Stream now on Showmax.
![One Weeks S1 on Showmax](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F07%2FOne_Weeks_S1_2024-1-798x449.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
One Weeks
One Weeks follows Fana, a charming high-school dropout from Soweto, who can’t believe his luck when he finds himself dating successful lawyer Lihle. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday.
Love reality? Try The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice
Law, Love and Betrayal, now streaming
More Mzansi gold
![The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice on Showmax](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F09%2FThe-Mommy-Club-SS_S1_2024-798x449.png&w=3840&q=75)
The Mommy Club Sugar & Spice: Kim extends an olive branch to Christina after Lenore’s event drama
In episode 5 of The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice, Kim invites Christina to a picnic for two, but things go south. Catch new episodes every Thursday on Showmax.
![Dineo Rasedile stars as Gugu in Law, Love and Betrayal](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F09%2FLLB_S1_Dineo-Rasedile_Gugu-798x449.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Law, Love and Betrayal Season 1 episode 1 recap: Status quo
In episode 1 of Law, Love and Betrayal, ambitious attorney Gugu pursues a wealthy divorcee as a client by promising to get her more money from her stingy ex-husband. New episodes every Thursday on Showmax.
![Empini S1 on Showmax](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F09%2FEmpini-Season-1_Khaya-798x449.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Empini Season 1 episodes 31-32 recap: Everybody needs a bodyguard
In episodes 31-32 of Empini, Khaya invokes the next phase of his plan and Zenzele finally learns how far his enemies will go to destroy him. New episodes every Thursday on Showmax.
![Waldemar Schultz as Jasper and Elani Dekker as Katrien in Die Bloedhonde](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F09%2FDie-Bloedhonde-2024-747x449.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
The mystery and whimsy of colourful caper Die Bloedhonde
Elani Dekker stars in this murder mystery and coming-of-age comedy drama, Die Bloedhonde, now streaming on Showmax express from Silwerskermfees.