House of Zwide packs a punch
New soapie boasts big names like Baby Cele, Kunene
Vusi Kunene, Baby Cele and Lindani Nkosi are set to headline House of Zwide, the much-anticipated daily drama that will replace Rhythm City.
Sowetan has reliably learnt that Kunene, Cele and Nkosi are some of the cast members of the new soapie.
Commercial free-to-air channel e.tv together with production houses Bomb Productions and VideoVision Entertainment are keeping the cast top secret until an official announcement. The veteran actors will be joined by Uzalo actor Khaya Dladla and former Generations stars Zikhona Sodlaka and Paballo Mavundla. Kunene last month left Generations: The Legacy after years of playing villainous character Jack Mabaso. Cele is fresh off her acting stint on Uzalo, where she has portrayed Gabisile since 2018.
Nkosi is renowned for his role as Lincoln Sibeko before Isidingo concluded last year and recently played Clive Ngubane in TV drama Housekeepers, a role that earned him a nod at the 2021 SA Film and Television Awards (Saftas).
Communication specialist at e.tv, Thapelo Ramatsui, declined to comment and said they will reveal the cast in due time. But the channel has confirmed that the show will premiere on July 19 when Rhythm City concludes after 14 years on air.
“The show could not have come at a better time. e.tv brings you a show of hopes and dreams to uplift and inspire viewers to believe they can achieve anything they put their minds to in a world filled with uncertainty and despair,” said e.tv head of local productions, Helga Palmer.
“As Bomb Productions and VideoVision Entertainment are well-known for authentic storytelling, it will come as no surprise when the show takes South Africa by storm.”
The show will focus on the world of fashion under the theme “your dreams are valid, no matter your age”.
“We acknowledge and are humbled to be following in the footsteps of Rhythm City, which has blazed a trail in this time slot,” said Bomb Productions executive producer, Desiree Markgraaff.
“We are very excited to be creating a new show for e.tv and hope viewers will wel
come House Of Zwide. Covid19 has been hard on everyone and we wanted to tell a story that reminds us that no matter the obstacles, (we must) never give up on our dreams.”
Anant Singh, VideoVision Entertainment CEO added: “House of Zwide tells a thrilling rags-to-riches story set in the glamorous world of fashion.
“It is a timely aspirational tale with many twists and turns that we believe will keep viewers glued to their television screens. We are excited to be partnering with Bomb Productions on this production, which also marks our second series with e.tv.”