What to Watch in Southern Africa This Month
We spread our wings and find worthy film gems in Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, and an impossible-to-ignore marvel from Uganda that we just had to sneak in.
In this month’s guide, we have a science docu-series from Malawi, an animated series from the South African township of Tembisa, and a captivating film that takes place in Harare, Zimbabwe. Find out more below.
‘The Ultimatum’ — South Africa
Forthcoming on Netflix is the first season of The Ultimatum, a reality television show where six partners swap their love interests. Expect tears, anxiety-inducing cliff hangers, and all the drama imaginable as the participants have a go at one other over petty and heavy issues. There’s betrayal, there’s laughter, as well as a load of jaw-dropping moments. Hosted by Salamina and Howza Mosese, The Ultimatum premiers on May 10.
‘Oscillations’ — Zambia
“Look inside, the strength is in you. All you have to do is realize who you are,” says Victor Kuda Kasoma, a legendary figure in Zambia’s Zamrock scene. The short documentary takes a look into a group called Oscillations, whose album, I Can See It Coming, recorded in 1974 and released in 1977 by Teal Records, remains a cornerstone in the Zambian live music scene. Its original pressing is apparently an insanely valuable gem among record collectors. Whether that is ethical, seeing the conditions that Kasoma is living under – on a wheelchair, in a home that is barely livable – is a discussion for another day.
‘Nature with Dr Luhanga’ — Malawi
Lovers of nature are in for a treat in this docu-series about ecotourism and exploration in Malawi. In this first episode, host Dr. Luhanga visits ornithologist and lovebird specialist, Dr. Tiwonge Gawa. According to her, the species can be found on the mainland of the African continent, and in Madagascar. Dr. Gawa speaks about the Lillian Lovebird, which is located in the Zambezi region that stretches through Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and parts of Mozambique, and is the smallest of the nine species. Dr. Gawa talks about the ecosystem that sustains this species in an engaging manner that leaves the viewer both informed and thinking deeply about the intricate balance between the lived environment and natural habitats, and how we need to develop conservation practices for the betterment of our planet, so that species like the lovebird can continue to thrive.
‘Let’s Eat’ — Uganda
In this enthralling story about a love triangle, the main protagonist, Tesi, who is played by Azadi Ash, hosts a dinner with everyone involved in an attempt to resolve matters. Ketura (Candy Kembabazi) is in love with Tesi’s fiancé, Michael. The seemingly innocent meal turns into a horror show when Ketura discovers something in her food that raises concern. Let’s Eat is a murder mystery disguised as a romantic story. The acting, especially by Tesi, is stellar. Prepare to be shocked.
‘Taxi’ — Zimbabwe
Kuda is a reckless taxi driver who is always quarreling about one thing or the other with his mother. He is also struggling to survive, and finds himself in a dead-end that doesn’t help their relationship. Kuda’s story takes a sharp turn when he encounters a passenger that promises to transform his life. Whether this is something he’ll regret is another question. Filmed in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, Taxi is a captivating tale that will resonate with the struggles of young Africans across the continent. It is directed by Jonathan Samukange and stars the award-winning actor, Munya Chidzonga.
‘Empini’ — South Africa
Empini is an action-packed drama set against the backdrop of South Africa’s booming security industry. The 52-episode high-stakes series follows the life of Ndoni Themba (played by the award-winning Nambitha Ben-Mazwi), a troubled security guard who “never chose to live among the shadows,” according to the trailer. Ben-Mazwi (Black is King, The Queen) stars alongside the multi award-winning Siyabonga Thwala, who plays the character of Khaya Bhodoza — a prominent businessman and political stalwart. Empini’s world of secrets, lies, and the undercover comes to our screens on May 23 on Showmax.
‘Mkenke War’ — South Africa
The1DAY 1DAY SHOW is a sci-fi comedy series set in the South African township of Tembisa, located in Gauteng’s East Rand. Three aliens find themselves stuck in eKasi, and have to navigate their way through the challenging daily conditions familiar to the majority Black population of Mzansi. There’s battle rap a la 8 Mile, there’s a Karate Kid-style training sequence, there’s Star Wars, and a host of other familiar pieces of cinema packed in a series of bad luck moments that are ludicrous in their own ways. Watch and be amazed by the hilarity of it all.