28 December 2018
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.
Original African stories by local talent
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
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
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
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
Shebeen Queens is a reality show about the indomitable women behind popular Soweto shebeens. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Die Ondernemers
Die Ondernemers follows three entrepreneurs in the funeral business. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday on Showmax.
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
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
Screen legend Tobie Cronjé on laughter and Die Bloedhonde
The South African screen legend Tobie Cronjé talks about his role in Stiaan Smith’s feature film directorial debut, now streaming on Showmax.
Devina brings The Mommy Club cast together for a good purpose
In The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice episode 6, Devina hosts a “career day” for the children of her cast mates. New episodes on Thursdays on Showmax!
Empini episodes 33-34 recap: The alpha protection team
In episodes 33-34 of Empini, Winnie’s greatest fears come alive and Thobani blames Ndoni for what happened to Zenzele. New episodes every Thursday on Showmax.
Law, Love and Betrayal episode 2: The mind of the possessor
In episode 2 of Law, Love and Betrayal, Ayanda is unimpressed when she’s instructed to assist Gugu on a land claim case. New episodes every Thursday on Showmax.