What to Watch in Southern Africa This Month

‘The Request’ - South Africa

This interview series uncovers the lesser-known stories about the dangers of operating ride-hailing services in Durban, South Africa. The interview subject shares stories about getting hijacked, clients who don’t want to pay, and navigating a transportation industry in which taxi drivers disregard the law. The series offers a new perspective regarding the challenges of the business.

‘25th Anniversary of Halloween’ - South Africa

A few months ago, the remaining members of the group TKZee hosted an event commemorating the release of their album Halloween, which is widely regarded as the greatest kwaito album made. The event has been packaged and is available to stream. Zwai Bala and Kabelo Mabalane speak to Lesley Mofokeng about their early beginnings, recording the album, and dealing with superstardom. It’s a worthwhile watch for true music lovers.

Where to watch: YouTube.

‘AKA Levels Tribute’ - South Africa

AKA’s passing two years ago left a huge void in South African hip-hop. To this day, fans of the deceased rapper find it hard to believe that the Supa Mega is no more. This film travels ten years back, and offers revealing details about the making of Levels, an album that broke boundaries for him. Some of the people featured include Back To The City festival organizer Osmic, music journalist Sabelo Mkhabela, producer Tweezy and Vth Season’s Raphael Benza.

Where to watch: YouTube.

‘Lobola Man’ - South Africa

The film stars the award-winning actor, Vincent Maleka, as the “silver-tongued chief lobola negotiator,” Ace Ngubeni. Ngubeni is a “smooth-talking, self-centered, love-cynic, and self-proclaimed lobola (bride price) negotiator” who spends his time offering services to grooms and their families, according to a press release. The film also stars Primo Baloyi, Sthandile Nkosi, Obed Baloyi, Themba Ndaba, Letuka Dlamini, Nimrod Nkosi, Sello Ramolahloane and Thembsie Matu. It is produced by Burnt Onion Productions, who are also responsible for the How To Ruin franchise.

Where to watch: Netflix, from July 12.

‘016FM’ - South Africa

Two DJs decide to compete in a battle event with the aim of saving their embattled community radio station. 016FM stars the late Mpho Sebeng, who shared how he researched his character for this series. “There is a big pop-cultural movement in the Vaal that is highly influenced by Italian high fashion. DJ Whiskey is an Italiana as well, so I immersed myself in understanding this movement in order to have a better understanding of the character,” he had said. The film also stars Nthati Moshesh (Saints & Sinners, Isono), SAFTA winner Sophie Ndaba (Lockdown), Sello Motloung (The Wife), Katlego Mabote (Outlaws), Mapula Molefe (Rhythm City), Noni Mafani (1802: Love Defies Time), Mapaseka Koetle (Lenyalo Ha Se Papadi) and YFM DJ Caddy Tsotetsi.

Where to watch: Showmax