SABC’s new series Room 9, which premieres tonight at 8:30pm, is being hailed as South Africa’s answer to the X Files.

Set in a parallel, post-apocalyptic world, the series tells the story of the only paranormal, occult detective unit on earth. Hannah Keal caught up with Zethu Dlomo, who plays the lead role of Detective Alice Kunene, to find out more.

Tell me a bit about what we can expect from Room 9? Why would you encourage people to watch it?

The South African film and television industry has improved throughout the years, but we very seldom set our stories in the future. Room 9 is set in the future. We see those kinds of shows in American and European television. It’s refreshing to have our own stories told our own way, and suspend our disbelief and allow the imagination to fly.

It sounds like the series is a very South African take on the genre?

Indeed it is! As a country and a continent we’ve got enough freaky, unexplainable, supernatural and superstitious stories and events to generate our own content and material. The Room 9 team encounters things from a tokolosh on a killing spree, to a mermaid terrorising a swimming team, to a Nigerian mythological mask which taps into your sub-conscious mind, to zombies! The last few episodes really tap into the good versus evil concept.

What is it like working so closely with these story lines of the supernatural? Does it freak you out at all?

Well not really, only when it taps into religious territory do I have a little shudder. The devil is real in New Azania, as real as he is in the here and now.

Have you heard any good South African ghost stories since being on set?

Once when we were wrapped and going home, Vuyo (lighting assistant) and Ben (3rd AD) were telling me about another shoot they were doing in Kempton Park at a hospital that has been closed down for many years. They told me you can hear a baby crying in the paediatric ward, and there are strange movements and sudden wind in the building! (I’m terrible at telling scary stories, it doesn’t sound as good! But believe me, I was freaked out!)

How did you land the role?

My agent (Moonyeenn Lee) called me and told me to go to the DV8 office in Rosebank and meet with producers about the role. I went there on a Friday, met most of the producers and directors, got briefed about the character and did two scenes for my audition. I left the office with the role, and that Monday we started shooting.

Tell us a bit about your character.  Do Alice and Zethu have much in common?

Alice is a dedicated detective in her late 20s, who works for a special unit under NAPD (New Azania Police Department) called Room 9. She has a strong and fearless spirit, and believes in science and the big bang theory. She is the logical thinker in the team; she seeks answers which make sense scientifically. She may be a tough cookie but she is a lady too, always looking good. One thing that Alice and Zethu have in common is we are both passionate about what we do.

You’ve starred in both series and features before (such as Fanie Fourie’s Lobola, The Conman and No.1 Ladies Detective Agency) but Room 9 sees you taking on the lead character. How are you finding this?

Wow, being the lead character is a blessing! It’s a lot of hard work and I’ve learned so much on this shoot. I’m working with amazing people and having a blast on set! I’m truly humbled by this opportunity.

What’s it like working with the rest of the cast members? I’ve read that you and Anthony Oseyemi have a lot of fun on set together?

Hahaha! Yeah we do! We are like the kids in this family. I’ve learnt a lot from him and David [Butler]; they’ve got so much knowledge and experience. I enjoy the guest appearances we have per episode, constantly working with different actors and also different directors. It’s interesting to see the outcome.

What next for Zethu Dlomo?

Well, there are some possible roles lined up, not everything is confirmed yet but watch this space!

Tune in to the world premiere of Room 9 tonight at 8:30pm on SABC1.