ENRICHED IN CULTURE

Like Grassroots, which centred a lot of its storyline around Xhosa culture – including the initiation and journey to manhood with characters Asanda Debeza and Monwabisi Nala (Oros Mampofu, formerly Jama from soapie Skeem Saam, see more on p26), Head High gives viewers a look into marginalised New Zealand culture. “I didn’t know if the culture was part of TV because I myself haven’t seen it portrayed on New Zealand television but in this production it was there and it was just a magical experience to be part of,” adds Te Ao, who like her onscreen brothers come from Pacific Island background. “It’s important for us to be here!”