Keeping it Real (previously known as The Precious Show and Keeping it Real with Precious Kofi) is a South African half-hour talk show produced by Clockwork Zoo (formerly known as Octagon CSI) and hosted by Noluthando Meje which gives the South African youth the opportunity to tell their stories and experience the stories of other young adults.
Each week the show focuses on a pertinent topic relating to living in and experiencing life in South Africa while growing up to be adults of the future.
The series premiered on SABC2 on Saturday 30 September 2006, at 15h00. The first two seasons were hosted by Precious Kofi, whilst the third season was hosted by Prudence Moabelo and later Noluthando Meje.
See "Seasons" below for seasonal broadcast dates and times, as well as host details.
Season 5 premiered on SABC2 on Tuesday 14 September 2010, at 16h30. New episodes broadcast weekly. There are 26 episodes in the fifth season.
Synopsis
Faced with living in a fast-paced world, today’s teenagers have more challenges and opportunities than ever before. Keeping it Real, Mzansi’s first youth talk show, is back with a new look, a new edge and a new host.
Each week, Noluthando Meje tackles the hard-hitting as well as the lighter issues affecting the everyday lives of young people growing up in South Africa. The show aims to go beyond merely discussing problems, by giving the youth a platform to express and empower themselves.
Numerous topics get discussed, from the Spirit of Dance to Self-Defence, Creative Careers to Family Dynamics, Surviving Sexual Abuse, Teen Pregnancy, Gangsterism and Role Models.
The platform aims to fire up passion, fuel discussion, encourage debate, cultivate individuality, inspire creativity, explore diversity and encourage learning by listening to one another - hearing the real voices of the future.
The first episode of the new season delves into Homophobia, a phenomenon that is still rife in our schools and communities.
Homosexuality is a reality and on this episode we question the fact that it is still shrouded in negative stereotypes and judgments, and find out why young people still have to battle for the freedom to be accepted.
The interactive format of the show facilitates debate, as the audience interacts with the guests and share their diverse views.
Seasons
Season 1 (26 episodes)
Known As: The Precious Show
Host: Precious Kofi
Premiere: 30 September 2006 | Finale: 24 March 2007 | Saturdays, 15h00/14h30
Season 2 (39 episodes)
Known As: Keeping it Real with Precious Kofi
Host: Precious Kofi
Premiere: 9 June 2007 | Finale: 1 March 2008 | Saturdays, 15h00
Season 3 (39 episodes)
Known As: Keeping it Real
Host: Prudence Moabelo (first 13 episodes)
Host: Noluthando Meje (last 26 episodes)
Premiere: 4 March 2008 | Hiatus: 27 May 2008 | Tuesdays, 16h30
Returned: 2 December 2008 | Finale: 26 May 2009 | Tuesdays, 16h30
Season 4 (52 episodes)
Known As: Keeping it Real
Host: Noluthando Meje
Premiere: 2 June 2009 | Finale: 25 May 2010 | Tuesdays, 16h30
Season 5 (26 episodes)
Known As: Keeping it Real
Host: Noluthando Meje
Premiere: 14 September 2010 | Finale: 8 March 2011 | Tuesdays, 16h30