Swazi Observer

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ESWATINI TV LAUNCHES GROUNDBREAKING DRAMA SERIES: EKHAYA!

By Nokwanda Sibandze | 2019-11-08

Eswatini Television’s rigorous drive to increase local content on its screens seems to be yielding positive results, as new drama series ‘Ekhaya’ hits screens next month.

The drama series, set against the backdrop of a rural community beset with challenges that set a hotshot lawyer on a journey to restore order, is Eswatini Television’s first commissioned drama series and premieres next month.

Speaking to this publication, Eswatini TV’s Communications and Brand Officer Nomcebo Malinga confirmed that the channel commissioned Bumba Media, a local TV and film production house with the view of bringing its audiences something new on the local filmmaking scene to not only honour Eswatini TV’s mandate as a broadcaster but to further amplify local talent in the sector.

“This is a production that we are proud to say is 100 per cent Swati. It is produced by an 18 member strong production crew and a cast of over 70 performers. This not only speaks to the vast creative elements that went into this production but also the ability for the sector to create jobs for artists and other support industries such as the food and transport sector.

“We are happy that as a channel, we are able to go beyond just content creation but have also sustained/created employment in the kingdom,” commented Malinga.

Notable

‘Ekhaya’ features notable local actors with celebrated seasoned actor Thembinkosi Mthethwa in the leading role as lawyer Mandla Manyatsi.

The nation would also witness other veteran actors such as Nqaba Tsela of ‘Mad Buddies’, Fikile Ngobese from ‘Bloodline’, Mathokoza Sibiya and Gina Khumalo of ‘Insika’ in action.

“The series promises to keep our loyal viewers entertained while also getting to understand the nuances of our culture,” she said.

This week the nation woke up to a social media buzz when the series’ Facebook page went live with an unapologetic, regal image of ‘Mandla Manyatsi’ sitting on the Throne.

Explaining the vision behind the poster, the series’ Director Samkeliso Nxumalo said it spoke to Manyatsi Manyatsi duality. “He is trapped between two worlds: the modern and the traditional and he is constantly trying to harmonise these two. This is an iconic character that is easy to identify with for all Emaswati as we exist in multifaceted worlds and we are continuously trying to find a middle ground,” he explained.

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