When a woman’s beloved husband and father-in-law are murdered, she is culturally obligated to marry her brother-in-law – but what happens if he also wants her dead? That’s the premise of Isibopho, the exciting and intriguing new drama from Mzansi Wethu, premiering on Sunday 10 July. The show explores the cultural practice of ‘ungeno’ – when a widow marries her late husband’s close relative in order to stay in the family.
In addition to a riveting storyline, the show is led by award-winning actress Zethu Dlomo, known for portraying a feisty character in the US historical adventure series Black Sails, alongside a strong cast: the celebrated Slindile Nodangala (Lockdown), Sicelo Dlamini (Isithembiso), the award-winning icon Jerry Mofokeng (The Girl from St Agnes, Tsotsi), actor and musician Lerato Makhetha, and actress and producer Dineo Lusenga.
“Mzansi Wethu has been increasing their offering of brand new, high quality and original content this year. While our new shows have primarily been reality TV-focused, we’re excited to expand our new offering into a different genre. Our audience is versatile and discerning, and we are confident that Isibopho will become a firm viewer favourite,” says Shirley Adonisi, Director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net.
Driven by distorted family dynamics caused by greed and obsession with money, Isibopho tells the story of Thandi Ndlovu (Dlomo), a young widow left with the Ndlovu family inheritance – however her life is in danger due to her new husband and former brother-in-law Sgoloza (Dlamini) and his mother, Onica (Nodangala), the classic matriarch who will do anything and sacrifice anyone for what she believes belongs to her family.
While the concept of the family at war is at the heart of Isibopho, the show also takes us into the murky and dangerous worlds of fafi/ mochina (a form of gambling based on dream interpretation) and rhino horn smuggling.
Produced by Eclipse TV, the 13-part drama series is an exploration of the lengths people go to for money and power, and how far they are willing to take things in order to protect themselves. Will Thandi find out the truth in time about who killed her husband and father-in-law, or will her own life be taken?
Tune in to Isibopho, premiering on Mzansi Wethu (DStv Channel 163) every week from Sunday 10 July at 21:00!