‘Gqeberha: The Empire’ strikes back with new season
The Eastern Cape’s hit telenovela Gqeberha: The Empire is back for its second season with a whole new set of twists and turns.
This season promises to be full of suspense and drama, as new cast members join the show and bring their personalities and storylines to the mix.
The series has added three talented actors to its already impressive cast for season two.
Oros Mampofu takes on the role of Ntando, previously played by Phila Madlingozi, who was allegedly fired from the production last year.
Zinzi Nsele joins the show, bringing her experience from discontinued drama series Gomora to the role of Vuyokazi, a bold and determined woman.
And finally, Rorisang Mohapi joins the cast as Lulama, a cunning and charismatic character.
Vuyokazi and Lulama’s roles are new.
The series, which is shot in the Eastern Cape, started a year ago and stole the hearts of millions of viewers.
Born and bred in the Eastern Cape, Mampofu said he was excited to play Ntando and work with one of the biggest productions at home.
Ntando was Zimkitha’s son, a role played by Zandile Msutwana, who was married to the late Luzuko Mxenge on the series.
“I am very honoured and excited that I am part of a show of this scale for the first time.”
Mampofu said he was happy to be home.
“I am someone that really enjoys being at home.
“Most of the time we are in Johannesburg trying to hustle our way up, but the heart is always home.
“What makes me more excited is that I am at a show that speaks to my identity, humanity and our culture,” he said.
Mampofu said people could expect a different Ntando.
“People can expect a different take on expression of Ntando because the beauty of creativity and art is that you express it from your point of view.
“You can expect a lot of drama, violence, pain and love, and the opportunity to be entertained.”
He made his first appearance on the show last week.
“I saw a lot of people sending me messages, calls and on social media.
“I am not someone who shifts my focus too much on public opinion, whether people are excited about my character or not. I try to be as honest as I can and that has helped me over the years.
“I like to keep it pure and allow my expression of the craft to be as pure as possible.”
Mzansi Magic has announced that the new season will feature a significant change in the storyline, following the explosive conclusion of season one.
Now that Luzuko, the Mxenge family patriarch, is no longer part of the show, his brother Bongile Mantsai, who plays Hlumelo, is expected to step up and take over.
Hlumelo’s unconventional approach to running the family business will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, as new characters enter the picture and shake things up in ways the family has never seen before.
M-Net director of local entertainment channels, Shirley Adonisi, said the addition of new characters would grip viewers.
“We are beyond excited for Mzansi Magic viewers to experience the second season of Gqeberha: The Empire.
“The addition of Zinzi Nsele and Rorisang Mohapi brings a fresh dynamic to our well-loved series with their characters intricately woven into the fabric of the story, adding layers of complexity and suspense that will undoubtedly grip our audience.”
Vuyokazi is a police officer who takes her community policing role seriously.
She investigates the Mxenge family’s involvement in criminal activities and seeks to bring them down.
Meanwhile, Lulama, Vuyokazi’s daughter, is a manipulative character who becomes obsessed with Thulani Mxenge (Tembinkosi Ngcukana), leading to a series of dark and twisted events.