The Wife: Behind the Veil episodes 5-6: An ode to the Zulu wives

The Wife: Behind the Veil episodes 5-6 give a fresh perspective on what it means to be a Zulu wife. Stars Mbalenhle Mavimbela and Khanyi Mbau walk us through their experiences playing Hlomu and Zandile respectively.

From being smothered with expensive gifts and moving in with their lovers within a matter of weeks to living in big mansions, being married to a master criminal has its own perks and challenges. In The Wife Seasons 1-2, we also see the lives of the eight Zulu brothers, through the eyes of the women they married.

Marrying a Zulu brother also means marrying into the entire family. “Being a Zulu wife consists of living for the family and all the Zulu children. You’re a mother, a wife, and a sister. You live for them. The Zulu family is united,” says Khanyi Mbau.

Although the wives may not see eye to eye, they have one thing in common – to seek what’s best for the family at all costs.

Episode 5 also goes back to some of the most explosive scenes we’ve ever watched. Remember when Mandisa burnt R80 million that was meant to get Zandile out of jail? 

“We don’t have enough time to talk about why people think Mandisa is angry. But just being a female is quite a lot. Imagine being a woman and having to carry so much. And then not being appreciated and loved for it,” says Zikhona Sodlaka, who plays Mandisa. “If I could break down the scene of Mandisa burning the money – I’d have to kill you because it’s magic,” she adds.

Watch the Trailer of The Wife: Behind the Veil

Being married to a Zulu brother is definitely not easy, but these women have weathered the storms in their respective journeys. The pairing of each wife to a Zulu brother was perfect as each wife shared great chemistry with their men. 

In episode 6, we are reminded of another aspect that makes this show amazing – the music. The soundtrack has evoked many emotions in viewers, thanks to the score by sought-after composer and sound designer Brendon Jury. The episode also has three music videos outlining some of the artists the show was privileged to work with, including Anzo who made the beat for the title sequence.

Ever wondered who sang the song Ubusuku Bonke in the closing scene of the first episode of Season 1? It’s none other than the multi-talented Abdul Khoza, who is an all-around artist. The song in question is the one that plays after the Zulu brothers completed their first heist. Abdul also made another song with Bonko Khoza titled oMageba, and it features in the show as well.

“There are books that exist with these characters. For us to be blessed to play these characters means that for the rest of my life, I’ll be known as someone who was part of Dudu Busani-Dube’s book series. We took pride in the team we’re playing for and making a song for it was only a blessing because we’re both musicians,” says Abdul, speaking on his collaboration with his co-star Bonko Khoza.

It’s not a lot of shows where you find an ensemble with multi-talented artists who not only act but also tie in the emotions with heartfelt music. 

Watch The Wife: Behind the Veil episodes 5-6, now streaming on Showmax. Two new episodes land every Friday until 26 August 2022. The Wife Season 3 landing on 10 November 2022.