Local talent to watch in 2019

It’s so exciting to see new faces on TV, especially on local shows. Viewers’ calls for broadcasters and production houses to #OpenUpTheIndustry have clearly been heeded, and, over the past year, we’ve seen some incredible new talent debut on our screens.

Here are some stars you should definitely keep an eye on in 2019.

Larona Moagi

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp-UZzvBwAz/

Not only is she pursuing law at Wits University, but she’s also been fortunate enough to score a role on 1 Magic’s hit telenovela, The River. On the show, Larona plays Itumeleng Mokoena, a character we’ve all come to love. And Larona is just getting started. If the way she portrays Itumleng is anything to go by, there’s no doubt she’ll be shaking things up in the entertainment industry.

Thando Thabethe

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpzvmrUnKPw/

Thando has proven that you cannot put her in a box. While she’s been killing it on radio for the past few years and featured on a couple of TV shows, it was her recent storyline on Mzansi Magic’s Housekeepers that grabbed everyone’s attention. In the hit series, Thando plays Linda Ndlovu, a young woman seeking justice for her mother, who was murdered by her employers.

Since appearing on the series, Thando has received nothing but great reviews from viewers.

https://twitter.com/Zandile_V/status/1074732480857604096

https://twitter.com/NalediMbili/status/1077270580452356097

@Thando_Thabethe 's narrative skills are EXCEPTIONAL!!!! #HousekeepersMzansi

— Siphumelele Khumalo (@Siphumelele_K) December 24, 2018

Galaletsang Koffmann

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqk-CYZBomJ/

While some of us only got to know her as Beauty on The River, Galaletsang has been in the game for a while. The actress has appeared on other hit shows such as The Road and Isithembiso, but it was her portrayal of Beauty that quickly saw her rise to the top, becoming one of 2018’s breakout stars.

She has brought her A-game to this role and continues to win viewers over with her authenticity. She might be a new kid on the block, but it’s clear that this actress is still going far.

Motsoaledi Setumo

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp4EzVgg-0m/

Early 2018 saw Motsoaledi Setumo make her debut on The Queen, Mzansi Magic’s number one TV show. Before this role, we had seen the actress on other shows, but it’s her current role that’s quickly turning her into a household name.

“I’ve played dramatic and crazy characters before where I had to show my body a lot. But with Mmabatho it’s different. I’m showing my talent without having to undress; I am redeeming myself,” she told Drum magazine in an interview. Not many people can say they’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the best in the game, and Mmabatho has been lucky enough to star alongside both Connie and Shona Ferguson. Next stop: the top!

You can catch all of these stars by streaming The River, The Queen and Housekeepers right here on Showmax.