The much anticipated e.tv rural drama series, Matatiele premieres today at 9pm. It is the first drama to be set and shot in Matatiele.
Director of the drama series Rolie Nikiwe said as part of e.tv’s strategy to feature more content for Xhosas and Sothos, Matatiele was the best production bringing the two cultures together.
“This is a part of the Eastern Cape that has both cultures and it made sense for us to use it. It has the community that we are targeting,” he said.
Nikiwe and his team have been working in Matatiele since February 16 and will finish work this coming weekend.
The drama series is a present day love story set against the backdrop of a long-standing family feud between the Sangqus, a Xhosa family and the BaSotho’s Monaheng family. “It starts off as a Romeo and Juliet and as we get to know the characters one gets to hear the history between the two tribes,” Nikiwe said.
Since arriving in Matatiele, Nikiwe said they have tried to involve the community in the project. “Initially we wanted about eight interns to help us but we ended with 11. They are now skilled in filming and can run a production,” he said.
Nikiwe said when they first arrived in Matatiele the villagers kept on asking why they had chosen their small town. “They could not believe that a production company was going to work in their area. They started believing that this is real when they saw the promo on e.tv.
“There is a buzz now; the people are excited about this,” he said.
Matatiele is the first major production produced by the award-winning director’s company, Branded Soul. Nikiwe owns the company together with Khobi Ledwaba.
The drama series features well known actors such as Motshabi Tyelele, Sello Motloung, Charmaine Mtinta, Mike Mvelase and Amanda Quwe. Some of the lead roles have been taken by young actors like Zimkitha Kumbaca, Thobani Mseleni and Solomon Sebothoma.
“The characters are colourful. There were specific actors that we had to pull into the show and at the same time we had to unearth fresh talent,” he said adding that the cast they used was the best. “It’s a great team. I feel like we have the best actors.”
One of the lead actors, Fort Beaufort-born actor Thobani Mseleni said working on the production has helped him become a better performer.
Mseleni has appeared on tv shows such as Intersexions, Single Guys and Inkaba.
“This has been the best experience ever. I’ve enjoyed working with all these actors; everyone is helpful. If I need help with my lines I can just go to any of the other actors. This has been amazing and educational at the same time.”
Nikiwe said he hoped the production would capture the imagination and hearts of South Africans.
“We’ve done our part and now we wait to see if the drama series is going to attract viewers,” he said. Catch Matatiele today on e.tv at 9pm. —poliswap@dispatch.co.za
High hopes for show set in East Cape
Director of the drama series Rolie Nikiwe said as part of e.tv’s strategy to feature more content for Xhosas and Sothos, Matatiele was the best production bringing the two cultures together.
“This is a part of the Eastern Cape that has both cultures and it made sense for us to use it. It has the community that we are targeting,” he said.
Nikiwe and his team have been working in Matatiele since February 16 and will finish work this coming weekend.
The drama series is a present day love story set against the backdrop of a long-standing family feud between the Sangqus, a Xhosa family and the BaSotho’s Monaheng family. “It starts off as a Romeo and Juliet and as we get to know the characters one gets to hear the history between the two tribes,” Nikiwe said.
Since arriving in Matatiele, Nikiwe said they have tried to involve the community in the project. “Initially we wanted about eight interns to help us but we ended with 11. They are now skilled in filming and can run a production,” he said.
Nikiwe said when they first arrived in Matatiele the villagers kept on asking why they had chosen their small town. “They could not believe that a production company was going to work in their area. They started believing that this is real when they saw the promo on e.tv.
“There is a buzz now; the people are excited about this,” he said.
Matatiele is the first major production produced by the award-winning director’s company, Branded Soul. Nikiwe owns the company together with Khobi Ledwaba.
The drama series features well known actors such as Motshabi Tyelele, Sello Motloung, Charmaine Mtinta, Mike Mvelase and Amanda Quwe. Some of the lead roles have been taken by young actors like Zimkitha Kumbaca, Thobani Mseleni and Solomon Sebothoma.
“The characters are colourful. There were specific actors that we had to pull into the show and at the same time we had to unearth fresh talent,” he said adding that the cast they used was the best. “It’s a great team. I feel like we have the best actors.”
One of the lead actors, Fort Beaufort-born actor Thobani Mseleni said working on the production has helped him become a better performer.
Mseleni has appeared on tv shows such as Intersexions, Single Guys and Inkaba.
“This has been the best experience ever. I’ve enjoyed working with all these actors; everyone is helpful. If I need help with my lines I can just go to any of the other actors. This has been amazing and educational at the same time.”
Nikiwe said he hoped the production would capture the imagination and hearts of South Africans.
“We’ve done our part and now we wait to see if the drama series is going to attract viewers,” he said. Catch Matatiele today on e.tv at 9pm. —poliswap@dispatch.co.za
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