There’s nothing like ending the weekend with homegrown entertainment. For Mzansi Magic, this past Sunday was particularly special as it marked the return of South Africa’s’ most popular singing competition: Idols Season 15. The channel also debuted its latest drama series, The Republic, which features a star-studded cast.
Idols SA S15
Idols SA is 15 seasons in and still going strong; inspiring and motivating South Africa’s hidden stars not to give up just yet. And what better way to do so than by bringing in award-winning gospel singer Sis’ Ribs aka the legendary Rebecca Malope as a guest judge for the first episode.
Of course, we’ve also missed the ever-so-charming host with most, Proverb, who continues to make every person auditioning feel comfortable – whether they can sing or not!
Idols SA’s three official judges – Randall Abrahams, Unathi Msengana and Somizi Mhlongo – also left a great void in our entertainment calendar. We’re particularly looking forward to Unathi’s tearful moments in the latest season.
And while we’re in the early stages, we’re especially excited for the Wooden Mic contenders whose friends weren’t helping when they said they could sing.
The Republic
Tshedza Pictures – which is also responsible for creating 1Magic’s award-winning telenovela The River – debuted its latest local production The Republic on Sunday night. The political drama is set in an alternate South African reality, one in which we have our first female leader, President Lufuno Zandile Mulaudzi (played by Florence Masebe), who’s determined to fight corruption and turn the country around.
The Republic features the cream of the crop when it comes to our pool of talented South African actors. The likes of Flo Maseba, Warren Masemola, Hlomla Dandala, Masasa Mbangeni, Siyabonga Thwala and Phakamisa Zwedala are expected to bring their A-game in this politically charged drama series set in present-day South Africa.
What is particularly interesting about The Republic is how relatable the storyline is, especially considering the impact that corruption has had on our country’s politics. According to Mzansi Magic, The Republic is set to be a thrilling political showdown and a story of political smarts and survival.
And judging from the viewer’s reactions of the first episode, The Republic is one show you need to make a date with every Sunday night.
Idols SA airs on Mzansi Magic every Sunday at 18:00 and The Republic at 20:00. Missed the latest episode? Both titles are available to stream on the DStv Now app.
