A sneak peek usually means one episode but knowing the South African inclination to chant “we want more,” Mzansi Magic said “hold my camera” and teased 2 episodes of its new telenovela KwaBaba. The highly anticipated series has been trending across social platforms for nearly a month before its official premiere. The producers did not lie about the show being jam-packed with drama and this is demonstrated by patience being tested and tempers rising higher than Anchor Yeast in the very first 10 minutes of episode 1.
Drama would not be drama without women’s life choices being questioned, the family home being central to conflict and leadership positions being challenged. KwaBaba also delivers on these themes which have always been attractive to the South African viewers’ palate. Guests who attended the exclusive media preview at the Langham Lifestyle Estate in Fourways last week were saying “yhoo” the whole night as the antagonist uncle Dumisani Mkhize (Lindani Nkosi) unapologetically revealed his resentment for his brother’s son, Zwelakhe (Vuyo Biyela). All Zwelakhe wants to do is lead his family’s business venture with integrity and marry the Soweto maiden who has captured his heart.
“Angikaze ngibubone ubuhle obunje,” [I have never witnessed such beauty], Zwelakhe proclaims on his very first encounter with Bahumi Motaung (Rorisang Mohapi-Grootboom). Robust as the local TV industry is, it surely is not impossible for love interests to meet in more creative ways because Bahumi and Zwelakhe’s first encounter is…Scenic Storyteller would rather reserve its comment here and allow viewers to formulate an informed observation after viewing the premiere episode at 19:30 tonight on Mzansi Magic.
What Scenic Storyteller can say however, is that Bahumi’s boyfriend is the furthest thing from husband material. Who abandons the love of his life to hang out with the gents at a stokvel. Sidenote: if the Sanza who is hosting the event that nearly ruined Bahumi’s birthday cannot make love to the pots the way the Sanza of Yeoville Dinner Club does, there was no need to host in the first place. Terrible boyfriends always end up feeling regretful and begging for a million second chances, as Bahumi’s soon-to-be ex will learn.
Scenic Storyteller won’t share too many details but between babomkhulu’s fixation with his brother’s son and Zwelakhe’s excessive gifts, it’s clear that obsession runs in the family. If a man you’ve known for all of 3 seconds rocks up at the restaurant nearest to your home, bombards you with a thousand bouquets and pushes for lobola negotiations, take Scar’s advice. Run, Simba. Run away and never return. But will Bahumi choose to embrace this as love-bombing and whatever decision she makes, will she end up wishing she had done things differently?
From Malume Dumisani’s own son choosing his cousin Zwelakhe over his father and his son’s job loss teaching Dumisani a thing or two about humility, to Musa’s endless list of baby mamas; is KwaBaba going to keep viewers glued to the small screen?