Mzansi Magic executives have teased that its next telenovela, Kwa Baba, will deliver a fresh viewing experience for local audiences—while also acknowledging the nerves that come with rolling out a new homegrown production.
During an exclusive preview held at Langhams Lifestyle Estate in Johannesburg on Monday, 1 June, MultiChoice channel chiefs Shirley Adonisi and Tebogo Matlawa welcomed guests and introduced viewers to the cast behind the highly anticipated drama.
Cast reveal and first impressions at the screening
- MultiChoice executives Shirley Adonisi and Tebogo Matlawa shared their excitement for Kwa Baba, describing it as something fresh and energising for South African television.
- Adonisi, who oversees local entertainment channels, greeted attendees at the event and officially introduced the ensemble for the telenovela, which premiered on Monday, 1 June.
- Showmax Adulting breakout talent Nhlanhla Kunene was unveiled as part of the cast, generating buzz among those in attendance.
- Kunene will portray Mxolisi in Kwa Baba.
- Matlawa reflected on the pressure that comes with launching new local shows, admitting that the screening stage can feel like an anxious waiting game for the creative team.
Speaking to the room, Matlawa admitted that these moments often turn into more of a watchful, people-observing experience than a straightforward episode review—explaining that the team has already watched the content repeatedly while preparing for the premiere.
“We get nervous when we do these screenings and we almost people-watch more than we watch the episodes because we would have watched the episodes over and over again while getting them ready for this,” he said.
He also used the occasion to thank the writers, performers and production crew for helping shape what he believes will become a standout addition to Mzansi Magic’s lineup.
“These are the people I go to war with every day as we try to craft new and exciting narratives that will entertain the country,” he said.
“It’s a hard thing to do when you’ve done a lot of things, but I think we can all agree, I think we’ve got something special.”
What to expect from Kwa Baba
From the start, Kwa Baba is said to move at a brisk pace, drawing viewers into a story that blends romance with family pressure and cultural responsibilities—hinting at emotionally intense twists right from the beginning.
Kunene leads the upcoming telenovela alongside Vuyo Biyela, who appears as Zwelakhe Mkhize, a young entrepreneur whose future becomes uncertain after he’s forced to face a traditional obligation linked to his late father’s unpaid debt. The fallout puts his plans to marry the woman he loves—Bahumi Motaung, played by Rorisang Mohapi—at risk.
The series also features Hlengiwe Lushaba-Madlala, Lindani Nkosi, Nkanyiso Mzimela, Kwanele Mthethwa, Sparky Xulu, Phumzile Mlangeni, Mpho J Molepo and Helen Lebepe.
