Local series looks into race relations
The filming of a new drama series that will grace our screens in April is under way and the final product promises to be nothing less than ground-breaking, writes
EXECUTIVE producer Leleti Khumalo, who also plays “Mazulu”, the female lead in Imbewu: The Seed, said the drama sees the creation of something new. “As producers, along with the channel (e.tv), we agreed that there is a need to create something new other than movies. So this drama is created in a style that has never been touched before. And we are positive that once viewers watch it, they will not want to miss an episode,” said Khumalo.
Although Khumalo said that it’s still early days with filming, she is happy with the casting.
“There is massive talent in KZN, and we felt it was very important for us to cast people who are familiar with KZN and its culture. The talent here is also hungry for a chance, and we wanted to give them that,” she said.
Set in Kwa Zulu-Natal with a storyline that stretches from the most affluent parts of Umlazi to the humblest street in eNquthu, and includes the suburb of Chatsworth, Imbewu: The Seed explores cultural and racial relationships.
“The story is not only about black people. It’s about the relationship between Indian and black people too. And we decided to film in KZN because that relationship can only be found there. People in KZN will resonate with the story and own it,” Khumalo said.
She added that the relationships in the series are a true reflection of those who live in KZN.
The plot revolves around two brothers, a meddling mother, a wife, and an oil business and its partners.
“There are diverse story lines, but the main one is about the two brothers who are being controlled by their mother. She then hatches a plan after she finds out that her younger son can’t have any children.
My character (the young brother’s wife), has to go ahead with the plan, but can’t reveal anything to my husband. It becomes her job to protect this family secret.”
Khumalo said, deep down, her character was a good person. However, she tended to do rash things to preserve her marriage and keep the family from falling apart.
“She’s not a bad person, but if you look at her on the surface, one would think she is. But, as women, we do things to secure our family and make them happy and that’s exactly what Mazulu does,” she said.
Imbewu: The Seed is Khumalo’s first production in an executive producer capacity and it’s a job she is thoroughly enjoying.
“I wear two caps every day and, although it is taxing, I am enjoying it so much. I always wanted to move behind the scenes because I wanted to grow in the industry. And this opportunity came at such a good time, so I took it with both hands and am just moving with it. I’m also blessed to be working with two industry giants, Anant Singh and Duma Ndlovu. I respect them very much,” she said.
The show also features a host of new local talent, alongside the iconic, Khumalo.
Other cast members include, Thembi Mtshali Jones, Mpumelelo Bhulose, Rafael Griffiths, Fundiswa Zwane, Nqobile Ndlovu, Vuyokazi Tshona, Nokubonga Khuzwayo, Xolani Mfeka, Sandile Dlamini and Nokwanda Khuzwayo.
● Imbewu: The Seed is produced by Grapevine Productions, which is a joint venture between Anant Singh’s Videovision Entertainment, Duma Ndlovu’s Word Of Mouth Pictures and Luyks Productions.