What to Watch in Southern Africa This October
This month, we have comedy, historical drama and a hip-hop documentary celebrating Cape Town giants Brasse Vannie Kaap.
This month, we’re bringing you some visually enticing content. There’s hip-hop, amapiano, and a bit of comedy. From Lesotho’s rich history in The Kingdom In The Sky: Moshoeshoe’s Strategy and Legacy to the hilarious spoof Zimbabwe’s Got Talent, and the documentary about South Africa’s hip-hop, Brasse Vannie Kaap, there’s plenty to enjoy this month from the Southern African region.
‘The Kingdom In The Sky: Moshoeshoe’s Strategy and Legacy’ (Lesotho)
This film explores how the French missionaries arrived in Lesotho and goes into the bilateral relations of the two nations. It gives context into the nature of King Moshoeshoe I’s political might in maintaining cordial relations with the French. The film was made using archival content from the Morija Museum, which is where the missionaries arrived in 1833. Watch this in order to understand the strategy of one of Africa’s finest leaders, as well as to stock up on your knowledge of the continent’s history.
Where to watch: YouTube
‘Zimbabwe’s Got Talent’ (Zimbabwe)
Zimbabwe’s Got Talent is an animated series that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s a spoof of the world-renowned America’s Got Talent, and features all kinds of hilarious characters presenting comical content in Shona. Come for the impressive animation style, and stay for thorough tomfoolery.
Where to watch: YouTube
‘Piano Love’ (South Africa)
South African hip-hop star Kwesta makes his screen debut on this Mandla N-directed flick about music, romance, and more. Starring alongside Kwesta is actress and TV host Bontle Modiselle-Moloi. There have been mixed reactions on social media, with some feeling that the production was rushed. But we’ll leave you to figure that out on your own.
Where to watch: Netflix
‘Brasse Vannie Kaap’ (South Africa)
When it comes to South Africa’s hip-hop roots, Prophets of the City are leaders of the wave. Yet, by the end of the nineties, their activities had stopped for the most part. But the likes of DJ Ready D, alongside breakdancers like Vouks, and the inimitable Mr. Fat, who unfortunately passed away in 2004, still had the passion to create. This documentary, which has been a lot of years in the making, goes behind the scenes to reveal layers of what it really means to be in a hip-hop collective. The film also features the likes of DJ Azuhl, Lance Stehr, Emile YX, YoungstaCPT and a host of other rap royalty. This is a hip-hop collector’s wildest dream. Dig in and learn some history.
Where to watch: Showmax
‘Youngins’ (South Africa)
Showmax has been on a great wave in recent times. From the multiple nominations at the SAFTAs, to the impressive visual output, and then some, they are really developing a notable footprint in the region. Youngins is a queer-positive series that has been nominated for the Feather Awards, which celebrate all things queer and beautiful. The series stars Lebohang Lephatsoana as Tumelo and Tabile Taus as Sefako. The series was produced by Tshedza Pictures, who are known for shows such as Outlaws and Adulting.
Where to watch: Showmax.
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