The coveted Sunday night primetime slot has been dominated by Mzansi Magic for several years, and now the channel is taking things a step further with a new flagship drama, Umbuso, premiering on 3 April at 20h00.
Read More: Confirmed: Mzansi Magic Cancels The Queen After 7 Years
It features strong performances from a star-studded and acclaimed cast including Lillian Dube, Bheki Sibiya, Sandile Mahlangu, Mzwandile Ngubeni, Zinzi Zungu, Christopher Jafta, Makhaola Ndebele and Omuhle Gela.
Umbuso is a story about street-smart businessman, Ma E (Sibiya) and people’s politician, Tiny (Ndebele), two old comrades determined to secure a post-struggle legacy for themselves and their families.
However, after a brutal and bloody murder that shakes everyone to their core, a long-hidden and dark secret is finally revealed, cutting to the heart of both families. At the centre of it all is Qhawe (Kwanele Mthethwa), a daughter trying to keep her family – and its business – together.
“Sunday’s primetime slot is critical for us a channel, and our viewers are constantly looking forward to the enticing and excellent shows that we have in store for them. We’re always upping the ante, and Umbuso is our latest. While the drama is always high stakes, the characters and what drives them are relatable and authentic to our viewers,” says Shirley Adonisi, Director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net.
While it’s the story of the past haunting the present, politics and crime, at its heart Umbuso is about family and the lengths people go to in order to protect those they love and what they believe is rightfully theirs. More cast members in Umbuso include Sphamandla Dhludhlu, Bathabile Mashigo and Bahumi Mhlongo.
Mzansi Magic has been working hard lately to bring captivating stories to the viewers’ small screens. This is to “keep abreast with changing audience preferences and the evolving competitor landscape.”
Recently it announced that The Queen and 1Magic’s Lingashoni have been canned. The shows will last air in 2023. In a statement they thanked the productions for their sterling work.
“As the M-Net Local Entertainment channels, we would like to applaud the producers, cast and crew of The Queen and Lingashoni for their dedication to delivering riveting storylines and award-winning content in highly contested primetime slots. We look forward to the thrills of the next 12 months as both productions draw towards their respective finales,” says Shirley Adonisi, Director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net.
Image Cred: Provided
