DiepCity scores seven awards
POPULAR Mzansi Magic telenovela DiepCity scooped seven awards at the 5th Annual Royalty Soapie Awards this year.
Television heavyweights and telenovela royalty gathered this past weekend for the awards event, where major contributors to the South African daily television drama entertainment industry are recognised.
“We inspire growth through education and awareness, building an industry that impacts and shapes the hearts and minds of the nation, fostering a star culture!” according to the Royalty Soapie Awards website.
Fan-favourite Mzansi Magic telenovela DiepCity went into the awards, leading the pack with 32 nominations.
Nominees included cast members such as South African Film and Television Awards-winning actress Vele Manenje; renowned actor Mduduzi Mabaso; and, awardwinning film and stage actor, playwright, director and producer, Hamilton Dlamini.
They were accompanied by nominations for rising stars and newcomers Nompumelelo Vilakazi, Chrispen Nyati, Luyanda Shezi and Lebohang Mpyana.
There were also numerous technical and creative nominations for DiepCity, which was co-created and directed by Black Brain Pictures founder and creative director Mandla N.
“We are honoured and it’s testament to the diverse talent and long hours from our dedicated cast and crew, as well as the daily support from our fans, that we are being recognised as South Africa’s best telenovela after just five months on air,” said co-creator and executive producer Mpumelelo Nhlapo, after DiepCity walked away with seven awards at the prestigious awards ceremony.
In addition to individual accolades for Vilakazi, who walked away with the Outstanding Newcomer award for her role as Sne, the Viewer’s Choice Best Actress award was won by Mpyana, who plays Khelina.
Nyati walked away with the Viewer’s Choice Best Actor award, and Themba Sibanyoni, who portrays Danger, won for Outstanding Background Actor.
The award-winning stars took to social media to celebrate their wins with their fans.
Vilakazi posted a picture of the newly-engraved award on Sunday, and said in the caption that words failed her.
“God, thank you so to everyone who voted for me. God bless you … This award is not only for me, it’s for us, it’s for everyone who dares to dream big.
“To everyone who is bullied out there, I am saying your time to shine is coming and unkulunkulu uyobukisa mase ekubusisa,” the actress wrote.
Mpyana also shared an image of her shiny with to her fans and the viewers who voted for her.
“What’s yours will never miss you. Thank you so much for your love and support. I made it,” Mpyana wrote.
Nyathi shared a video yesterday of himself on Twitter accepting the award, where he said: “By the people I have been crowned. This is your choice, this is ‘Viewers Choice’. Am proud to announce that your votes weren’t in vain, these are the fruits. I am forever grateful.”
DiepCity also scooped awards for Outstanding Daily TV Drama, Outstanding Directing Team as well as Outstanding Casting for its much talked about pool of talent.
Saluting the entire cast and crew, the multi-talented Mandla N also acknowledged the fans for their role in the success of DiepCity.