What to Watch in Southern Africa This January
For January’s movie and TV guide, we have animated content from Zimbabwe, some exciting picks from the forthcoming Joburg Film Festival, and more.
Spitch Nzawumbi is the new host of the second season of Showmax’s wildly popular show, Unfollowed.
To kick off the year, we look into the bubbling animation scene in Zimbabwe via MaGen'a, a perfect depiction of young people's challenges and triumphs. We also have two films scheduled to screen at the Joburg Film Festival between February and March, along with a show that delves into the complexities of cancel culture. Dip in and enjoy what we have to offer.
'MaGen'a' - Zimbabwe
This animated web series follows the eventful life of Yabo, a twenty-something Zimbabwean guy whose daily struggles reflect those of many urban youth on the continent. In this episode, Yabo's phone is out of service due to a broken screen, which frustrates his girlfriend, Sara. She breaks up with him because of his lack of communication. To help him win her back, Yabo's friends, including the unhinged Kante, devise a plan to get her back. MaGen'a taps into the zeitgeist of modern Africa, exploring themes of love and desire while also touching on current music trends that resonate with audiences on the ground. It's a well-produced and hilarious show; its subtitles will also appeal to non-Shona-speaking viewers.
Watch: YouTube'Umjolo: My Beginning, My End!' - South Africa
The third film in the Umjolo franchise stars Nirvana Nokwe-Mseleku as Mayi, a woman who appears to have everything in order. She has everything sorted and knows precisely how the future will turn out. But this changes when a potential suitor, Zweli (played by Yonda Thomas), enters her life. Mayi finds herself stuck between Sizwe (played by Nkanyiso Makhanya), the man who will give her financial stability and the new entrant who will fit right into her carefree lifestyle while providing all the love and affection she needs. What will she decide? Umjolo: My Beginning, My End is directed by Zuko Nodada and also stars Nokuthula Mabika as Mayi's best friend, Nosipho, Baby Cele, who plays Sizwe's mother, Mrs. Jama, and Themba Ndaba as Zama Ngcobo, Mayi's father.
Watch: Netflix'Sebata: The Beast' - South Africa
This psychological thriller, directed by the renowned auteur Norman Maake, follows the life of detective Mzi and his young, skeptical partner-in-crime, Kgoro, as they investigate the brutal murder of children. While the murders seem linked to the sinister witch doctor Banda, rumors of a mythical beast called the Tokoloshi cast a dark shadow over the case. Kgoro, still haunted by his mother's death, finds himself at a crossroads between his disbelief in the supernatural and the unsettling reality unfolding before him. The film also stars Lilitha Mzizi, Mirriam "Mimi" Mamabolo and Mfanukhona Sithole.
Watch: Joburg Film Festival'Timmy the Kid' - South Africa
Timmy, played by the funnyman Kenneth Nkosi, is a middle-aged farmer and wannabe cowboy who fulfills his mother's dying wish by heading to Johannesburg to scatter her ashes. Here, he stumbles into chaotic situations, leading him to discover hidden aspects of himself. Timmy the Kid, produced by Nyikiwe Mathye and directed by Gray and Ziggy Hofmeyr, also stars Lillian Dube, Sandile Mahlangu, and Celeste Ntuli.
Watch: Joburg Film Festival'Unfollowed' - South Africa
The first season of this wildly successful show left many viewers on the edge of their seats. Host Thembekile Mrototo's forthright, unassuming and fearless journalistic instinct brought out the best and worst of his guests. The second season is led by the equally talented broadcaster Spitch Nzawumbi, who was previously on Umhlobo Wenene FM. This no-holds-barred show features gripping interviews with controversial figures such as Ngizwe Mchunu, who was charged with inciting public violence following the arrest of former South African President Jacob Zuma in 2021, and Pitch Black Afro, the rapper who only served three out of a ten-year sentence for culpable homicide following his wife's death.
Watch: Showmax'Adulting' - South Africa
Tshedza Pictures, the production company responsible for titles such as Youngins and Outlaws, brings viewers the third and final season of this acclaimed series about the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of adulthood. Bonga (played by Thembinkosi Mthembu) is newly married this season, while his friend Mpho (Thabiso Rammusi) is freshly divorced. The stakes are higher this time and nights are wilder. Adulting holds the record for the most-watched launch of any drama on Showmax.
Watch: Showmax
