Latest news with #MzansiMagic
The South African
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Mzansi Magic marks 15 years with pop-up channel on DSTV
Mzansi Magic, South Africa's storytelling powerhouse, is turning 15, and they're inviting fans to relive the magic with a special celebration. A brand-new Pop-Up Channel on DStv (channel 196) will spotlight legendary shows and unforgettable characters that defined Mzansi's TV history. A CHANNEL DEEPLY ROOTED IN LOCAL STORYTELLING This nostalgic trip down memory lane promises iconic throwbacks, epic drama, and heartfelt moments that have resonated with millions nationwide. For those who remember their first 'Yoh!', this is your chance to reconnect with the moments that shaped local pop culture. Mzansi Magic is honouring the past and reminding us how proudly South African stories are worth celebrating every day. From the start, Mzansi Magic focused on content that boldly authentically reflected our lives, language, and cultural complexities. 'Mzansi Magic has always been about stories that reflect who we are… real, raw and proudly South African,' says Shirley Adonisi, Channel Director for Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net. 'This pop-up channel is our way of saying 'Siyabonga Mzansi' for 15 unforgettable years. Our channel was raised by the audience, we are grateful for their commitment, and we want to celebrate with them. We're throwing it back, remembering the icons and moments that shaped us, yet still looking forward to the next chapter.' The channel will showcase themed days celebrating boss queens, iconic rivalries, heartfelt drama, and unforgettable moments of pure entertainment. This exciting tribute isn't just about nostalgia; it powerfully honours local television's remarkable journey. 'For 15 years, Mzansi Magic has stood at the heart of South African entertainment — a platform where authenticity meets ambition, and where themes of family, resilience, and identity are brought to life through bold storytelling and unforgettable characters,' says Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment. 'What sets Mzansi Magic apart is not just the stories we tell, but the scale and diversity with which we tell them. From intimate, niche productions that quietly become cult favourites, to large-scale, high-impact narratives that capture the national imagination — our storytelling continues to evolve and resonate.' The Mzansi Magic Pop-Up Channel launches Saturday, 12 July on DStv, celebrating 15 years of iconic, proudly South African television. Viewers can look forward to shows like iNkaba (2012), Isibaya (2013), Rockville (2013), Date My Family (2017), and Lockdown (2017). Themed viewing days will revisit the key moments and storylines that defined Mzansi Magic's unforgettable legacy. These special broadcasts will celebrate characters and shows that helped make Mzansi Magic a true powerhouse in local entertainment. WHICH SHOWS ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO WATCH FIRST? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
News24
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Isibaya, Lockdown and Rockville make a comeback on DStv for nostalgia
Mzansi Magic is launching a pop-up channel to celebrate its 15-year milestone. The pop-up channel will premiere on Saturday, 12 July and will feature themed viewing days. The celebration will feature shows such as Isibaya, Rockville, Inkaba and Date My Family. When Mzansi Magic launched back in July 2010, it debuted with three original shows to boost local productions. At the time, the channel was headed by film veteran Lebone Maema, who ensured that the spotlight was firmly placed on the SA entertainment industry. The first three shows to air were: My Top 10@10, hosted by Thabo Mokwele in association with Kaya 959; Headline, hosted by the late media personality Kuli Roberts; and Redi on Mzansi, hosted by journalist Redi Tlhabi. Since then, Mzansi Magic has grown to become a firm favourite among viewers, offering more local content with relatable stories and local languages. Popular among them are Gomora, Isibaya, The Queen, Uthando Nes'thembu, I Blew It and Umkhokha: The Curse. To celebrate the channel's growth and its 15-year milestone, MultiChoice is bringing back some of its iconic shows for nostalgia. This is set to be a heartfelt tribute to the shows, the personalities and the stories they told. Supplied DStv viewers can get ready to indulge in a trip down memory lane on a pop-up channel (channel 196), launching on Saturday, 12 July. The channel will feature Mzansi Magic's first drama, Inkaba, which premiered in 2012 and starred Dumisani Mbebe, Baby Cele, John Kani and Magic Hlatshwayo. Another fan favourite that viewers have long been begging for is Isibaya, which first aired in 2013. The beloved series will bring back the world of the Zungus and the Ndlovus, filled with taxi wars, witchcraft, wealth and power. Leading the cast were remarkable actors such as the late Menzi Ngubane, Siyabonga Thwala, Sdumo Mtshali, Abdul Khoza, Nomzamo Mbatha, Ayanda Borotho and Jessica Nkosi. Ferguson Films, owned by celebrated actress, producer and businessperson Connie Ferguson and her late husband Shona, aired its first drama series, Rockville, on Mzansi Magic in 2013. The couple also co-starred in the show, which launched and boosted the acting careers of talents such as Minnie Dlamini, Tango Ncetezo, Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa and Boity Thulo. Industry veterans Nandi Nyembe, Brenda Ngxoli, Sello Maake kaNcube and Hlomla Dandala were also part of the drama, which ran for five successful seasons. The show will also make a return on channel 196. Shows like Lockdown and Date My Family will also be making a brief return for viewers to relive the magic. Shirley Adonisi, the channel's director for local entertainment channels at M-Net, said Mzansi Magic was always about telling real and raw South African stories. 'This pop-up channel is our way of saying 'siyabonga Mzansi' for 15 unforgettable years. Our channel was raised by the audience and we are grateful for their commitment and we want to celebrate with them,' Adonisi said. We're throwing it back, remembering the icons and moments that shaped us, yet still looking forward to the next chapter. Shirley Adonisi CEO of general entertainment Nomsa Philiso said Mzansi Magic stories evolved and resonated with people, and the channel was a platform where authenticity met ambition. 'For 15 years, Mzansi Magic has stood at the heart of South African entertainment, where themes of family, resilience and identity are brought to life through bold storytelling and unforgettable characters. From intimate, niche productions that quietly become cult favourites to large-scale, high-impact narratives that capture the national imagination, our storytelling continues to evolve and resonate,' said Philiso.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Revving up the thrills: meet SA's ‘Queen of Smoke' in ‘Gush'lyf'
Nalo Jivhuho (Dankie Darlie aka Queen of Smoke), will feature on 'Gush'lyf'. Image: Instagram South Africa's vibrant car spinning culture is set to come to life in the new reality show "Gush'lyf". The local series, which will debut on August 7 on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161), promises to fuse the thrill of modern car spinning with a touch of classic style. It will delve deep into this kind of popular motorsport, which involves driving cars at speed in a circular motion, performing stunts, and even getting in and out of the vehicle while it is in motion. And while it has gained traction across the globe, spinning in Mzansi is considered a culture as well as a niche art form that demands control, a deep understanding of the vehicle, as well as finesse. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The series will unpack the technique and creativity that goes into this high-octane sport, which requires a unique combination of driving skills, precision and showmanship. Motorheads will also be in for a treat as "Gush'lyf" will also centre around the renowned BMW 325i, which is deemed as the perfect canvas for this art. Viewers will get a glimpse into why the vehicle's sleek design and powerful engine make it a favourite among car enthusiasts and spinners. Meanwhile, at the centre of this adrenaline-fuelled action will be four expert drivers whose lives, as well as involvement in motorsport, will be chronicled. Mzansi Magic's new show, 'Gush'lyf', offers viewers a thrilling glimpse into the high-octane world of car spinning. Image: Supplied They will be Gift Zulu (aka Ngozi), Nalo Jivhuho (Dankie Darlie aka Queen of Smoke), Mpho Dirolo (Poroza) and Collie Golden (Mzet aka Moruti). Viewers will get to witness how each of these cast members pushes the limits of speed and agility as they partake in spinning, while "Gush'lyf" will also showcase their personalities, their personal lives and what it takes to be a spinner. Jivhuho, who is renowned as South Africa's spinning queen, said that while she is thrilled about the series's debut, she is also 'extremely nervous about the show airing.' 'If there's such a thing as being scared to be excited - that's me right now,' she joked during an interview with 'Independent Media Lifestyle'. She explained that she decided to be part of "Gush'lyf" because she wanted to give people from all walks of life the opportunity to witness first-hand what spinners go through. 'I felt that it would be a great opportunity for people to see that we are human and we also experience a lot of challenges in our personal lives and the spinning environment.' And without giving too much away, Jivhuho promised that viewers are in for a wild ride on the show. 'On my side, it's how my life revolves around my son and how I'm trying to be a good parent for him all on my own.' When Mzansi's spinning monarch was asked what she thinks will surprise viewers the most about "Gush'lyf", she said: 'People will be shocked to know that we are all different, even though we are in the same spinning environment and industry.' Jivhuho added: 'Some of us get to tour other provinces and countries because of spinning, while some don't. She also believes that viewers will be intrigued by her family dynamics. 'I also think people will be shocked at the fact that I still have such a close relationship with my mother-in-law, even though it's been over ten years since her son (my husband Ntando) passed away.' Jivhuho also believes that viewers will be able to resonate with the many themes which are touched on during the series. 'The show unpacks us being parents, daughters, sons, friends and lovers.. The good, the bad and the ugly sides. People will relate to it because it's authentic and a raw, real life.' And with the success of other motorsport-related shows, such as 'Motorheads', which has been making waves since its release on Amazon Prime Video in May, Jivhuho believes that "Gush'lyf" will offer viewers unique content. The spinner said that much of this is because of those who are featured on the show. 'We are just ordinary people trying to live life,' she said. 'Other shows cover the rich, suburb-living, high rollers but we are just normal people trying to overcome each day as it comes.' Jivhuho explained that her love for motorsport came down to her love of the BMW E30. 'That car has a reputation that I cannot even explain. I'm not into the mechanical works of cars, but I have a team that takes care of that fully on my behalf.' On what she loves the most about the motorsport, she explained: 'Spinning relieves stress on levels that are unexplainable. I love that I'm a woman breaking barriers in this industry and I'm raising the flag for Soweto – the home of spinning.' On what she would ultimately like to achieve with "Gush'lyf", Jivhuho concluded: 'I would definitely hope to inspire more women to join in.'
TimesLIVE
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
From radio and TV to business: Zola Mhlongo's star continues to shine
South Africa's entertainment scene has no shortage of dynamic talent, but few embody versatility quite like Zola Mhlongo, a multidisciplinary media personality whose name is quickly becoming a staple across platforms. Hailing from KZN, Zola has seamlessly worn many hats — from actress to radio host, TV presenter to entrepreneur— all while staying rooted in authenticity and purpose. Her charismatic presence and magnetic performances have won over audiences nationwide. Her career kicked off on the airwaves at Gagasi FM, where her energy and voice first captured attention. That momentum catapulted her onto television screens as the host of the vibrant travel show ShayiRound on SABC 1, showcasing her adventurous spirit and on-screen charm. But Zola wasn't done: she recently stepped into the world of scripted drama, landing the role of Nkosazana in Mzansi Magic's hit telenovela My Brother's Keeper. The emotionally rich character has further cemented Zola as a serious acting talent capable of depth, nuance and authenticity. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, Zola said her journey in theatre began with productions such as the musical Big River. 'I fell in love with acting on stage, the ability to tell stories and step into other worlds — it's a beautiful kind of freedom.' This year Zola added yet another title to her growing list: co-host of Weekend Breakfast Sounds Good on Metro FM, alongside industry icon Somizi Mhlongo. The duo has been a hit with listeners, blending humour, insight and a fresh weekend vibe. Off the mic and away from the cameras, Zola is a passionate entrepreneur. She heads up Undefined Shapes, a brand rooted in body positivity and women's empowerment that challenges conventional beauty standards. Through this platform and her ongoing advocacy for mental health awareness, Zola continues to be a voice for transformation in media and South African society.
News24
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Fresh faces, familiar stakes: Married At First Sight Mzansi S2 embraces SA traditions
Married At First Sight Mzansi S2 incorporates distinct local customs, including lobola negotiations and family approval processes across 11 official languages. Eight new singles, including credit analyst Nelisa Ntabeni, actor Makoto Phumodi, and finance professional Themba Khosa, will marry strangers chosen by an expert panel. Following season one's low success rate, producers applied significant lessons with enhanced casting processes, including psychometric assessments. The countdown has officially begun for the debut of Married At First Sight Mzansi season 2, premiering Sunday, 6 July, on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) and Showmax. Season one featured couples Thami Nyandeni and Zithobile Sibaya, Thabang Mvuyane and Makhumo Ngobeni, Sebenzile Ngwenya and Boitshepo Mashetla, and Khutso Mokoena and Litsoanelo Seturumane. Unfortunately, only one couple remains together from the four—Thabang and Makhumo. A panel of experts matches the couples using analysis applications to determine compatibility. Returning from last season is gynaecologist and sexologist Dr Mpume Zenda, who will be joined by new faces: marriage and relationship coach Linda Yende, conflict resolution expert Khanyi Yende, and counsellor and author Thabang Mashego. Pastor Xolani Hlitana will serve as marriage officiator and counsellor. The Brides: • Nelisa Ntabeni (39) - Credit Analyst • Makoto Phumodi (32) - Full-Time Actress • Portia Baloyi (34) - Flight Attendant • Palesa Mphaki (33) - Credit Control Supervisor The Grooms: • Themba Khosa (38) - Finance and DJ • Tshepo Miya (37) - Senior IT Specialist • Nkululeko Mahlangu (32) - Logistics business owner • Bongani Luvalo (36) - Entrepreneur Connect Channel CEO Kopano Cowen previously revealed to News24 that the new season has been reimagined for local audiences by incorporating distinctly SA marriage customs and family dynamics. Beyond adapting an international format, the production team has woven in cultural elements like lobola negotiations and family approval, reflecting South Africa's diverse heritage across 11 official languages. Cowen emphasised that they had significant creative lessons from the first season, providing a much stronger foundation. 'Married at First Sight is a format which has been produced all over the world, and we wanted to make sure we stayed true to its core format pillars while also including elements that are uniquely South African. We know that South Africans don't marry people; we marry families, and the process always starts with the man sending a letter to the woman's family declaring his intention to pay lobola. If the woman's family does not respond favourably, the marriage might be dead in the water. This is the extent to which our successful nuptials depend on family buy-in and acceptance.' 'Casting for a show like Married at First Sight Mzansi requires a nuanced approach because one wants to ensure our participants are diverse, mature, and engaging. Our process included all the relevant background checks, psychometric assessments, health screenings and compatibility interviews because we seek to make sure each applicant doesn't have any red flags where criminal records, etc, are concerned.' 'In season 2, we knew that we wanted to bring some of these stakes into the show by creating more opportunities for families to express how they felt at the actual weddings and before. We wanted to remind the viewer of their own authentic experience with marriage, allowing lots of space for resonance.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Connect Channel (@connect_tv) 'Of course, the viewer can expect many twists and turns on the show; the stakes are high, and the participants are agreeing to be part of something totally unconventional. Romantic relationships are complicated enough without cameras in one's face every day, and this is what creates the tension and conflict that underscores most dating and relationship reality formats.'
