On The Come Up (2022)
The music drama On The Come Up centres on Bri, a gifted 16-year-old rapper who sets out to take the battle rap scene by storm in a bid to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father, a local hip hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence. But when her first hit song goes viral for all the wrong reasons, she finds herself torn between the authenticity that got her this far and the false persona that the industry wants to impose upon her.
Based on the New York Times’ #1 best-selling novel by award-winning novelist and former teen rapper Angie Thomas, who also wrote The Hate U Give, the screenplay was written by Emmy-nominated Nigerian writer and producer Kay Oyegun (This Is Us), who earned a nomination for the 2023 Black Reel Award for Outstanding First Screenplay for the film.
On the Come Up has drawn critical praise for its star, newcomer Jamila Gray, as well as its director, Emmy nominee and Black Reel Award winning actress Sanaa Lathan (Succession, The Affair), with Variety saying: “As frank and tough-minded and as it is warm and sweet, On the Come Up is a hugely promising debut from the actor-turned-director.”
“Jamila Gray lends credibility to Brianna Jackson, who happens to be searching for just that. She plays the damn role,” says Slant Magazine, and indieWire calls her character “nothing less than a mythic heroine”, while TheWrap says: “Even when Gray doesn’t always sell us on her prowess as a potential star rapper, she never fails to embody a young girl on the brink of womanhood struggling with her emotions and looking for a way to use her voice and to have her say.”
Lathan plays Bri’s mother, Jay, with Black Reel Award winner Da'Vine Joy Randolph (Only Murders in the Building, Dolemite Is My Name) as Pooh, Black Reel Award nominee Mike Epps (Dolemite Is My Name, Troop Zero, Survivor's Remorse, The Upshaws, Meet the Blacks, The Hangover, You People) as Hype, Grammy-nominated rapper Lil Yachty as Infamous Millz, and Grammy-winning Wu-Tang Clan rapper Method Man (Power Book II: Ghost, The Deuce, The Wire), who was nominated for a 2023 Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor as Supreme.
More like this
South Africa’s stories and storytellers recognised as SAFTA nominees announced
Mzansi’s boldest stories take centre stage as the 2026 SAFTA nominees are unveiled, with a wave of nominations across DStv and Showmax.
Heart Eyes (2025)
In this whodunit horror slasher, Valentine's Day is turned into a battle for survival as a masked serial killer goes after couples.
Bride Hard (2025)
When a mercenary team hijacks a wedding, a secret agent bridesmaid fights to save the day in this chaotic action comedy.
Friendship (2024)
Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd lead this dark comedy about an awkward man trying to be friends with his charismatic neighbour.
“You don't create something so powerful purely through military tactics” - Shaka iLembe co-creator
Shaka iLembe co-creator Desireé Markgraaff reflects on the vision, research, and importance of telling our stories. Stream Seasons 1–2 on Showmax.
Where to see the cast of Shaka iLembe S1-2 on Showmax
From Nomzamo Mbatha as Queen Nandi to Lemogang Tsipa as King Shaka Zulu and Thembinkosi Mthembu as King Dingiswayo, see the cast of Shaka iLembe in some of their other acclaimed roles on Showmax. Binge now on Showmax.
Sweethearts (2024)
Two college freshmen make a pact to break up with their high school sweethearts during the "Drunksgiving" holiday break, but their plan goes awry.
Shaka iLembe S1-2
Set in the 1700s, Shaka iLembe tells the story of the making of the iconic African king. All episodes are now available to binge.
Blindspotting S1: The wheels keep turning
Power Book III Raising Kanan S1: These streets don't play
More enthralling movies to stream
Jojo on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa reunion, social media backlash and more
Jojo opens up about the highly anticipated reunion for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, coming to Showmax on 20 and 27 February.
South Africa’s stories and storytellers recognised as SAFTA nominees announced
Mzansi’s boldest stories take centre stage as the 2026 SAFTA nominees are unveiled, with a wave of nominations across DStv and Showmax.
Billy Joel: And So It Goes (2025)
An honest, insightful, and deeply moving look at the life and career of acclaimed musician Billy Joel, covering both his struggles and triumphs.
Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay S1
Former RHOSLC cast member Heather Gay investigates hidden truths within the Mormon church, exposing cracks in its perfect facade.
Latest Stories
Schalk Bezuidenhout trades stand-up for 9-5 in Die Kantoor
A heartbreaking loss: Nolwandle Biyela’s final stand in Outlaws Season 2
Fall in love with romantic drama Touch, now on Showmax
Antonie Marx on Volspoed and why it's a must-watch
Sandra Stein makes her debut on Law, Love and Betrayal S2
Albert Pretorius on Die Kantoor, SA’s re-imagining of The Office
20+ addictive South African reality shows to stream
Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online
How to Train Your Dragon: Bringing Hiccup and Astrid to life
What to watch on Showmax in January 2026
7 things to know about indie award-winning movie Dìdi
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’s South African stunts
Die Kwiksilwers (2024)
Where to see the cast of Mpondoland on Showmax
Angel on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, Jojo and more
Thandolwethu Zondi on his new role in Outlaws S2
Must-watch trailer for Showmax's turbo-charged reality series Volspoed
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip cast on first impressions, beefs and more
Fana Mokoena on playing a sangoma in Masinga
Princess Jecoco on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa
Tlali returns: Outlaws’ most loved and hated villain is back
Novocaine: the US box office hit shot in Cape Town
Why Jackie Phamotse says Slay Queens is a must-watch
Evodia on Ultimate Girls Trip Africa and her return to reality TV
