A classic Xhosa tale of magic, myth and melodrama makes its television debut this weekend.
The drama series Igazi is set against the backdrop of Johannesburg and the valley hills beyond Coffee Bay. It tells the story of a Xhosa royal family in conflict over its throne.
As the family is at war with itself and magical forces of darkness, a man is forced into the battle for his father’s kingdom and has to overcome his own demons and accept his destiny.
The series boasts a star-studded cast including veteran actress Nomhle Nkonyeni, who was recently honoured at the South African Film and Television Awards.
Other members include Jet Novuka, Allen Booi, Peter Sephuma, Zandile Msutwana, Thami Mngqolo, Anga Makubalo, Charmaine Mtinta, Zikhona Sodlaka, Zenande Mfenyane, Vatiswa Ndara, Mnatha Vika and Talitha Ndima.
Sodlaka told the Daily Dispatch yesterday that being a part of the production had been an exciting journey.
She plays the role of a witch.
“S’chotho is the cousin of the queen, played by Vathiswa Ndara. She is a witch who is very loyal to her family. She will do anything for her family. People will get to see the dynamic relationship she has with her cousin,” Sodlaka said.
The Mthatha-born actress said she had to do some research for her role on the way witches behaved in society. “Witches are always portrayed as animals who live in the bushes but the reality is that they live with people. I tried to make S’chotho look as human as possible because she is a person after all,” she said.
The actress, who is also host of BET’s Top Actor Africa, said she hoped that through the show people would see life was the same for everyone. “This is a story about royalty but one will see they have issues like anyone else.”
M-Net head of drama for local entertainment Reneilwe Sema said the new drama series demonstrated the channel’s commitment to representing the country’s diversity.
“Igazi comes hot on the heels of the success of Mzansi Magic’s Sesotho drama series Ya Lla.
“We have created a modern fable which is rooted in deep history, drawing from the symbols and beliefs about dark magic.
“We are pushing the boundaries with Igazi and we hope that the audiences will be enchanted.”
Produced by Ferguson Films, Sema said Igazi was sure to have viewers on the edge of their seats.
Igazi makes its debut this Sunday on Mzansi Magic (161) at 8pm.
Debut for magical Xhosa tale
The drama series Igazi is set against the backdrop of Johannesburg and the valley hills beyond Coffee Bay. It tells the story of a Xhosa royal family in conflict over its throne.
As the family is at war with itself and magical forces of darkness, a man is forced into the battle for his father’s kingdom and has to overcome his own demons and accept his destiny.
The series boasts a star-studded cast including veteran actress Nomhle Nkonyeni, who was recently honoured at the South African Film and Television Awards.
Other members include Jet Novuka, Allen Booi, Peter Sephuma, Zandile Msutwana, Thami Mngqolo, Anga Makubalo, Charmaine Mtinta, Zikhona Sodlaka, Zenande Mfenyane, Vatiswa Ndara, Mnatha Vika and Talitha Ndima.
Sodlaka told the Daily Dispatch yesterday that being a part of the production had been an exciting journey.
She plays the role of a witch.
“S’chotho is the cousin of the queen, played by Vathiswa Ndara. She is a witch who is very loyal to her family. She will do anything for her family. People will get to see the dynamic relationship she has with her cousin,” Sodlaka said.
The Mthatha-born actress said she had to do some research for her role on the way witches behaved in society. “Witches are always portrayed as animals who live in the bushes but the reality is that they live with people. I tried to make S’chotho look as human as possible because she is a person after all,” she said.
The actress, who is also host of BET’s Top Actor Africa, said she hoped that through the show people would see life was the same for everyone. “This is a story about royalty but one will see they have issues like anyone else.”
M-Net head of drama for local entertainment Reneilwe Sema said the new drama series demonstrated the channel’s commitment to representing the country’s diversity.
“Igazi comes hot on the heels of the success of Mzansi Magic’s Sesotho drama series Ya Lla.
“We have created a modern fable which is rooted in deep history, drawing from the symbols and beliefs about dark magic.
“We are pushing the boundaries with Igazi and we hope that the audiences will be enchanted.”
Produced by Ferguson Films, Sema said Igazi was sure to have viewers on the edge of their seats.
Igazi makes its debut this Sunday on Mzansi Magic (161) at 8pm.
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