Following the death of TV producer Shona Ferguson, Kings of Joburg returns for a second season. The Masire family returns to Netflix on 27 January 2023. According to a statement released by the streaming platform "When the Masire Family returns, they are haunted by a supernatural family curse and find themselves tangled in a web of betrayal that threatens to destroy the family in this riveting new season."
The statement continues to mention that "The eight-part, action-drama series picks up from a successful first season which saw fragmented family structures, treacherous brotherhoods and a deal with the devil. The maiden Netflix series from Ferguson Films and Samad Davis Production, starred the late filmmaker and actor Shona Ferguson onscreen and behind the camera. Ferguson portrayed the character of Simon “Vader” Masire and was also credited as an executive producer of the show. The sequel sees executive producer & showrunner Samad Davis and executive producer Connie Ferguson teaming up again in what they both described as a tribute to the late great Shona.,"
Reprising their roles are South Africa’s finest talent including Connie Ferguson, Zolisa Xaluva, Thembi Seethe, Cindy Mahlangu, Nnekwa Tsajwa, Buhle Samuels, Thapelo Mokoena, TK Sebothoma and Altovise Lawrence.
2 Shaka Ilembe
Shaka Ilembe is set to premiere on DStv’s Mzansi Magic in 2023. The series captures the authenticity and deepens the understanding of Shaka’s famed reign. It uncovers layers of rich Zulu heritage while striking an intriguing balance between originality and high production value.
In a statement, Nomzamo Mbatha who is one of the actors and producers of the show said she was privileged to be part of the project. “I am honoured to bring the giant that is Queen Nandi to life. History will remember those who informed its people of where we come from, to better understand who we are. I am fortunate to be part of a project that is much bigger than ourselves and to tell this story in our own language. Impi iyeza!” expressed Nomzamo Mbatha.
3 Gqeberha: The Empire
Another show to look out for in 2023 is Gqeberha: The Empire. The drama series is set to replace Mzansi Magic's now-canned soapie The Queen.
Gqeberha: The Empire’s star-studded cast includes Zikhona Sodlaka (The Wife, Blood Psalms); Zandile Msutwana (Grootboom & Sons, The Queen); Mbulelo Grootboom (Wounds, Suidooster); Kay Bikitsha (The Queen); Phila Madlingozi (Isikizi, The Queen); Anele Matoti (Recipes for Love and Murder, Wounds); and Akhenime Mfenyana.
“Mzansi Magic is excited to premiere a new telenovela, which is one of the genres our channel is known for and that our viewers enjoy greatly. With its premiere, we are excited to expand into Gqeberha and the Eastern Cape – a first for the telenovela world. With the incredible quality of storytelling from one of the top production houses on the continent, we are optimistic that the audiences will fall in love with the series,” says Shirley Adonisi, Director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net.
