Mpho Sebeng Shines in Final Lead Role, ‘016FM’

Showmax has released the teaser trailer for its upcoming South African original, 016FM. The drama series stars Mpho Sebeng, the beloved actor who passed away earlier this year in a car crash. Sebeng plays DJ Whiskey, his final role before his untimely passing at age 30.

In 016FM, DJ Whiskey is on the opposite side of DJ Tsietsi (Joseph Sedibo), as they prepare to compete in a radical on-air battle, locally known as a kwaal. Beyond a competition for supremacy, the battle between both DJs is a gambit to save the titular, community radio station in the Vaal, as they look to capture the hearts of listeners and the favor of advertisers.

The show also involves a dangerous syndicate that DJ Whiskey, DJ Tsietsi and several supporting cast must eliminate for the good of the radio station.

“In addition to my character, DJ Whiskey, and most importantly the storyline, what piqued my interest about 016FM is that it’s a story that is about the Vaal,” Sebeng said in an interview before his passing. “I feel like there haven’t been many stories that have shed a light on this particular part of the country.”

For his role, Sebeng immersed himself in the Italian high fashion influence deeply entrenched in Vaal culture, hanging around locals, and purposefully studying skits and online videos of people living their everyday lives in the area. “The research gave me a deep appreciation and respect for the area. This place has so much history and so much to offer. I feel like a show like 016FM shows the great potential that is within the people of the Vaal.”

Joining Sebeng and Sedibo on 016FM is a star-studded cast, including Nthati Moshesh (Saints & Sinners, Isono), Sophie Ndaba (Lockdown), Sello Motloung (The Wife), Katlego Mabote (Outlaws), Mapula Mafole (Rhythm City), Noni Mafani (1802: Love Defies Time), Mapaseka Koetle (Lenyalo Ha Se Papadi) and Mbasa Msongelo (Saints & Sinners, Rhythm City). 016FM premieres on June 26 on Showmax, with new episodes releasing every Wednesday.

Watch the trailer below.