So What is a South African reality television series produced by Waterfront Studios which documents the behind-the-scenes experiences of controversial club tycoon and ex-convict-turned-businessman Kenny Kunene, who turned his life around to be one of South Africa's most successful multimillionaire businessmen.
The series originally aired on e.tv from 24 September, 2011 to 11 June, 2012. It later aired on OpenView HD's eKasi+ channel as well. There are 26 half-hour episodes in two seasons.
About the Series
Flamboyant club tycoon and ex-convict turned businessman Kenny Kunene is set to be South Africa's next reality TV star in e.tv's reality show So What.
Kunene, more commonly known as Mr Sushi, has been making headlines for his lavish and outlandish lifestyle and So What documents the behind-the-scenes experiences of the man who turned his life around to be one of South Africa's most successful multimillionaire businessmen.
Says Kenny: "Most people know me for throwing spectacular parties, and for my lavish lifestyle, but there is much more going on. People will enjoy So What because they will get to know me, my team, and what it takes to maintain the success of my business."
So What shows the controversial figure and his friends and entourage on their travels to local and international locations, red carpet events, parties and boardrooms, as well as frequent trips to party and social hangouts in townships, and supporting numerous charitable causes.
The show gives insight into how Kenny and his partner, Gayton McKenzie, provide more than just lip service to their convictions.
They own a company that gives work and second chances to ex-offenders, they have put dozens of worthwhile graduates through university, they have sponsored sports tournaments in many contexts, from schools to prisons, and they also work with feeding schemes, AIDS orphans and the elderly.
Whether the audience applauds Kenny's success or is shocked by his occasional extravagance, whether they see him as inspirational or scandalous, So What makes for compelling and entertaining viewing.
Can money buy you love, friends or fame? That is the question.
The Team
So What features several major characters and their own stories develop as they try to live in Kenny's world and live up to his expectations.
Kenny Kunene aka "The Playboy"
Hard-partyer, ex-confidence trickster and millionaire superstar, Kenny Kunene is a larger-than-life character. He's impulsive, smart, charismatic, and immensely quotable.
Kenny is the focal point of the show, and the ringmaster of his crazy empire. His life constantly swings between hard work and hard partying. He's subtler than Gayton, relying on charm more than intimidation to get the job done.
Kenny lives for the good things in life: fine clothing and drinks, fast cars and women. His past experiences give him a rare appreciation for his success, and he enjoys it to the fullest.
He's also a committed Christian and keen to help other people wherever possible, through charity or through giving talented youngsters the opportunities they need.
Gayton McKenzie aka "The Bulldog"
Gayton McKenzie is Kenny's hard-working, no-nonsense business partner. As a former bank robber and a general of the 26 gang in prison, Gayton is a ruthless businessman, and has no time for incompetence in the people working for him.
Gayton is a straight-shooter, and isn't overly interested in social niceties. Kenny and Gayton are firm friends. Kenny saved Gayton's life in prison, and Gayton is fiercely loyal in return.
He's one of the only people on Earth who can tell Kenny what to do, and acts as the voice of pragmatism in their impulsive, fast-paced world. In return, Kenny acts as a calming influence on Gayton.
Gayton can't stand sycophancy or false humility, and expects everyone around him to be as direct as he is. He's not as big a fan of the wild party life as Kenny, seeing it more pragmatically as part of their business plans, but under his ruthless exterior he's fiercely loyal to his friends, and will go out of his way for them.
He's an excellent listener and a fascinating and gifted storyteller, qualities which have made him a multiple-award winning and highly sought-after motivational speaker.
Moloko McKenzie aka "Glamour Girl"
Moloko McKenzie is a former Miss Teen South Africa. She's attractive, smart and practical, and also has a hidden bitchy streak. She's a take-charge organiser, willing to leap in wherever necessary to make things work.
She has nothing to prove to anyone, and is happy to tell other people what she thinks of them. She's not so seduced by the glamour around her to think that she doesn't have to work just because of her looks - she's always amused by the string of new girlfriends that Kenny brings into the office.
Moloko genuinely enjoys her job, and is hard-nosed enough to run with Kenny and Gayton on a daily basis. While she is a role model for kick-ass, no-nonsense South African young women, she does have a softer, more vulnerable side, and she will always listen carefully to the advice of Kenny and Gayton – sometimes to the detriment of her other relationships on the show.
As she's still young, she can quickly change her opinions to be more in line with Gayton or Kenny's, something that makes someone like Kieran view her as two-faced, resulting in a tension that will arise time and again during the show as some come to see her as a wannabe "little Kenny" or "little Gayton".
Kieran Lindeque aka "The Fashionista"
Kieran is young, gay and image conscious, but in the fast-paced world around Kenny and Gayton, looks aren't always enough.
Kieran is constantly running around trying to meet emergency deadlines set by his bosses. He's a self-confessed drama queen; sensitive, self-conscious and easily shaken by Kenny and Gayton's ruthless management style.
But he's also dedicated to fashion, and he's a good improviser who can fix dresses with staples and tape.
Kieran is in charge of the practicalities of many of the parties at both the clubs and other events organised through ZAR, Kenny's nightclub, lifestyle and party brand. He works closely with the rest of the team, which include Fistaz Mixwell, Adriaan Jonker and several others.
Kieran does his best to maintain a strong façade, but the whirlwind of frantic activity required to create the image of elegance takes an emotional toll, and he's constantly finding himself in Kenny and Gayton's firing line.
Riaan Jonker aka "The Afrikaner"
A pivotal character in the life of Kenny and Gayton, Riaan was one of the first people to support them on their release from prison and to see their potential as honest businessmen.
As a staunch Afrikaner, Riaan is a member of an often stereotyped minority, but he shatters expectations. He's a perfect fit in the rainbow nation, and is often the voice of reason in the series.
He has a gutsy persona, with no fear to confront wrong-doing directly.
Simon Clarke
Also known as Captain Awesome or Sizar if needs be...
As the newest member of the ZAR Empire, Simon has proven himself over and over again. He is a streetwise, quick thinking, risk taker. When there is a problem that needs a solution, Simon is called in. He uses his know-how and unique brand of magic to compliment this all-star team.
Some say it's his exact character from which they created Brad Pitt in Oceans 11-13 and that he put sexy back in sexy... All we know for sure is he is amazing...
Hydro
The odds were stacked against him, an ex-convict...
Hydro made his debut appearance in Season 1. Fresh out of jail, Hydro wanted to change his life around and not resort back to his old ways. Kenny and Gayton soon spotted his natural talent and scooped up this brilliant Hip Hop artist.
From living off the streets to now living life in style, Hydro is introduced to a world previously unknown to him. His beats are easily identifiable and you have young and old jamming to the positive messages of reform that his music delivers.