Season 1
Isono is a South African telenovela set in Vosloorus which tells the story of a heroic son - born into a dysfunctional family - who searches within himself for the strength to stand up against a powerful and evil matriarch who will stop at nothing to serve her own needs.
BET's first original telenovela revolves around the character of Mary Ndlovu (Nthati Moshesh), affectionately known in her community as "Mother Mary".
Mary hides in plain sight, pretending to be a philanthropic socialite who takes in unwanted delinquent children and cares for them in House of Grace, a centre for "at risk" youth in Vosloorus on the East Rand of Johannesburg.
But behind the façade lurks a cold-hearted criminal; a woman who is not above fraud, murder, or trafficking children in an illegal adoption ring.
She is untouchable. Or so she thinks.
Mary Ndlovu is running away from her traumatic past. A past that she believes is safely buried.
She is a narcissist to the core and a staunch believer in Christ. Yet she launders her illegal money through the church, among many other illicit dealings.
Mary has one biological child, a daughter - the musically talented and idolised Esther (Didintle Khunou) - and two adopted children: Simon (TK Sebothoma), who is devoted, talented and troubled; and her favourite son and right-hand general, Gabriel (Bohang Moeko), who is resourceful, damaged and brooding.
As the series begins, Gabriel is facing a crisis of conscience.
Secretly he wants to walk away and become a force for good, but a tragic set of events force him to question the life of crime in which he was raised.
However, Mary's powerful grip keeps pulling him back towards the dark side.
He has started feeling like he needs to separate from the toxicity of the home he was raised in. But leaving is not going to be so easy.
Into this world arrives Abednego (Senzo Radebe), a violent, amoral man and a former House of Grace child who ran away after a physical romance with the young Gabriel.
The series starts with his return into the world of Mary and her children after a 10-year absence.
With the return of Abednego comes the opportunity for Mary to infiltrate the network of a rival criminal, using Gabriel and Abednego as foot-soldiers.
She is not above distracting her prey with seduction.
Her daughter, Esther, is struggling with a once-promising performing career in music that is now nose-diving due to an escalating drug problem.
Mary, on the other hand, is about to be honoured as a role model of the nation for her work in rescuing vulnerable children.
Isono is a BET Original Drama Series, created by Mahlogonolo Manchester Mahapa and produced by Clive Morris Productions. The executive producers are Clive Morris, Dom Gumede and Lala Tuku; and for BET, Khetiwe Ngcobo.
The head writer is Neil McCarthy, with a team of storyliners including Nas Hoosen, Abena Ayivor and Nonzi Bogatsu. The director is Zuko Nodada. Mahlogonolo Manchester Mahapa is the creative director and showrunner.
The composer and music director is Mpho "37mph" Pholo and the title sequence theme is by Ambitiouz Entertainment.
Season 1 Cast
(scroll to bottom for available actor bios)
Starring
Nthati Moshesh ... Mary Ndlovu
Bohang Moeko ... Gabriel Ndlovu
Senzo Radebe ... Abednego Gumede
Didintle Khunou ... Esther Ndlovu
TK Sebothoma ... Simon Ndlovu
Anga Makubalo ... Makwande Mabongo
Rami Chuene ... Jumima Ndlovu
Recurring / Guests
Kgosi Mongake ... Zakwe
Mpule Matlhola ... Lesedi Ntshabele
Charmaine Mtinta ... Lillian "Mam Lili" Madikana
Fezile Makhanya ... Mncedisi Bhengu
Khulu Skenjana ... Gazati
Bongani Gumede ... Pastor Titus Duma
Moshe Ndiki ... Khaya
Lalla Hirayama ... Destiny
Luthuli Dlamini ... Gombwa
Eric Jali ... Penuel
Silindokuhle Shabangu ... Young Mary
Mawande Mathe ... Young Jumima (14 Years)
Aya Msani ... Refilwe
Mary-Anne Jordaan ... Katerina
Ntandose Mosibi ... Presenter
Loyiso ... Himself
Dimpho More ... Phindile
Omphemetse Tolo ... Fentse
Tshepo Ledwaba ... Sizwe "Umpas" Skhosana
DBN Gogo ... Herself
Louis Palmer ... Deputy Mayor
Tyson Mathonsi ... Thabo
Thuba Ncube ... Security Guard
Mpho Sibeko ... Yanga Ramotswe
Dumisani Mbebe ... Siviwe Mabongo
Natasha Thahane ... Millicent Zondo
Ndivhuwo Nemugumoni ... Ndivhu
Lutendo Fhedzisani ... Rhofiwa
Siphiwe Ngubane ... Felix
Nkosinathi Sishayo ... Rabobi
Juanita Khumalo ... Trainer
Jo-anne Reyneke ... Angelina Duma
Tabile Tau ... Young Abednego
Leboto Moshoeshoe ... Young Gabriel
Vangile Mpumlwana ... Newscaster
Sendra Masiteng ... Magistrate Adonis
Bandile Luvalo ... Street Kid
Linda Dhlamini ... Creepy Guy in Club
Tyson Mathonsi ... Thabo
Andile Gwebu ... Random Flirt
Nelisiwe Hadebe ... Teen Mother
Lucky Gxubane ... Shady Friend
Masimbonge Bhokoloshe ... Creepy Man
Phathiswa Tonono ... Woman 1 / Selina / Church Lady 1
Eunice Molobi ... Woman 2 / Church Lady 2
Karabo Matlala ... Lindiwe
Conrad Kemp ... Mr Nillson
Hamilton Dlamini ... Msizi Zondo
Tessa Jubber ... Mrs Nillson
Mahlohonolo Mametse ... Kid 1
Mdu Sibiya ... Radio DJ Voice Over (voice)
Olwethu Mdala ... Neighbour Ma'Tumo
Lihleli Tini ... Brian
Diva Cadach ... Skoki
Simphiwe Nxumalo ... Mavuvuka
Terry-Leigh Oliphant ... Receptionist
Khumo Molefi ... Abel
Simphiwe Pholo ... Thandeka
Emmanuel Mokgadi ... Husband
Carl-Lee Magnus ... Housekeeping
Buti Molelle ... Mr Radebe
Daniel Janks ... Coach
Amanda du-Pont ... Mamba
Joe Kazadi ... Bhekumbuso
Ayanda Mzantsi ... Delivery Guy
Lesego Kekae ... Akhona
Zinhle Mbokane ... Bathini
Ayanda Nhlapo ... Noluthando Phakathi
Madamo Makhanya ... Romeo
Isolde Beukes ... Manager
Thami Mngqolo ... Maradona
Abbey Malashe ... Aloysius
Vusi Mnguni ... Taxi Driver
Ivan Mhlongo ... Guard 1 / Corporate Guy 1
Simphiwe Gagela ... Police Officer 1
Carmen Shabangu ... Fangirl
Zenzelisphesihle Xulu ... Detective Tuswa (as Sparky Xulu)
Yangile Mpumlwana ... News Reporter Voice Over (voice)
Thandeka Dlamini ... Police Officer
Mbali Mfene ... Casanova Waitress
Mbali Miya ... Club Woman 1
Kesedi Madiba ... Club Woman 2
Vangile Maphalala ... Dr Kuse
Puleng Molise ... Nurse
Chioma Umeala ... Ayo
Mondli Thusi ... Loudmouth Dealer
Christine Osifuye ... Titi
Anthony Oseyemi ... Pastor Abiola
Ryno Hattingh ... Veldskoen
Mzwandile Ngwenya ... Vuyani
Oratile Dithakgiso ... Young Mary (10 Years)
Retshepile Mosoatsi ... Young Jumima (8 Years)
Emmanuel Castis ... Mannie
George Lebese ... Blind Man
Ondela Mama ... Blind Man's Wife
37MPH ... Music Producer
Nhlakanipho Manqele ... Phineas
Vusi Makwela ... Worker
Roderick Jaftha ... Officer Diedericks
Kate Liquorish ... Athena
Lindiwe Ndlovu ... Francina
Felex Badza ... Godfrey (as Felex Babza)
Nomalanga Shozi ... Ivy
Thulani Mtsweni ... Guard 1
Paballo Koza ... Dombolo
Mbali Zakwe ... Tryphosa
Weza Matomane ... DJ Breeze
Mpho Letsholonyane ... Dribble Dana
Chunky Phiri ... Creditor 1
Darren Ru van Rensburg ... Radio DJ
Nolwazi Hadebe ... Alice
Boitshwaro Sepato ... News Reporter Voice Over (voice)
Tulani Madlala ... Newscaster Voice Over (voice)
Thono Modipa ... Police Officer 1
Jacques da Silva ... Josey
Reason ... Makwande's Manager
Jack Devnarain ... Hashmi
Craig Palm ... Numbers
Sanele Sithole ... Mannie's Informer
Brett Berry ... Mannie's Goon
Cyprian Ndlovu ... Makwande's Soccer Mate
Nompumelelo Mkhombe ... Winning Action Lady
K Naomi ... Herself
Ndumiso Nyovane ... Mpho
Phillip Molepo ... Luzuko
Lesego Chabedi ... Lindiwe
Amo Lethebe ... Prince
Frieda Makoba ... Lindiwe's Mother
Stephen Mofokeng ... Lindiwe's Father
Bongani Nomcweya ... Wardrobe Person
Katlego Selekane ... George / Photographer
Yonela Duze ... Lerato's Voice (voice)
Naledi Mfoloe ... Fangirl
Sello Ramolahloane ... Prison Guard
Mayuri Naidu ... Dr Rasdien
Bafana Molai ... Young Man
Sobantu Nqayi ... Nceba
Sam Medupe ... Minister Garane (as Sam Modupe)
Segopotso Thothela ... Dancer 1
Bongani Nhlapo ... Journalist
Sifiso Simamane ... Warden Bokwe
Kayise Ngqula ... Nelisiwe
Emmanuel Nkosi ... Mbatha
Nthabiseng Thomas ... Portia
CIA Skosana ... Thapelo
Matthew Dalton ... Casey
Gift Mbatha ... Olufemi
Queen Yona ... Bar Girl (as Queen Tsephiso Yona)
Ferdinand Cloete ... Hashmi's Cellmate
Ellston Pillay ... Hashmi Guy 1
Lebohang Khuzwayo ... Hashmi Guy 2
Sonni Chidiebere ... Private Investigator (as Sonnie Chidibera)
Kgomotso Ditshwene ... Sophie
Luyolo Mngonyama ... Journalist
Qhawe Mpurwana ... Nkanyezi
Thulani Nkabi ... Junkie
Brandon van der Berg ... Nikolai Lebedev
Artur Jahja ... Evgeny Lebedev
Carla Classen ... Arina Lebedev
Siphiwe Mtshali ... Bones
Sedilaka Mahapa ... Alice's Baby
Precious Ndlovu ... Alice's Neighbour 1
Zakithi Malinga ... Alice's Neighbour 2
Phillip Modiba ... Trader
Moshidi Motshegwa ... Sarah
Andrian Mazive ... Smooth
Sicelo Mlangeni ... Lenny
Ernest Ndlovu ... Bra Moses
Nomava Kibare ... Magistrate Thotela
Vinolia Mabele ... Rethabile
Bartho van Tonder ... Prosecutor
Aphile-Aphile Sololo ... PA Announcer
Tareq Vazi ... Thuso
Amanda Patuleni ... Bianca
Sipho Nyama ... Client 1
Richard Ncekwa ... Client 2
Kabelo Matolo ... Big Guy
Vely Dladla ... Big Fighter
Marc Leaf ... Koppie
Arthur Ratsoene ... Bookie (as Authur Ratsoene)
Mmamodise Mphuthi ... Bank Promoter
Zola Nombona ... Zoleka
Thato Lesibe ... Little Boy
Rick Alan ... Barry
John Herbert ... Archer
Moses Rasekele ... Mdu
Mambulani Ncube ... Detective
Clare Marshall ... Babushka
Malibongwe Mdwaba ... Sanele
Cholyn Kameel ... Cafe Waitress
Fabian Adeoye Lojede ... Damola
Mambulani Ncube ... Silent Detective
Tebogo Sikosana ... Fancy (Dealer)
Brenda Ntanza ... Johanna (as Brenda Siphelele Ntanza)
Neil McCarthy ... Neil
Francina Morake ... Mma Ramotswe
Refentse Tamane ... Sello (Security Guard)
Nandi Nyembe ... Prudence
Tshepo Maloi ... Lie Detector Operator
Sechaba Morojele ... Rubin
Dudu Tshehlane ... Paramedic
Samukelo Ndlovu ... Mystery Man
Swankie Mafoko ... Mercy
Zintle Ncipa ... Sonto
Tholo Motaung ... Mr Mashilo (Banker)
Sphelele Luthuli ... Stripes
Palesa Mosetlhi ... Horns
Mosadi Marekwa ... Queen
Nkosinathi Keswa ... Thomas
Kgomotso Mathebe ... Basani
Shireen Hollier ... Diane (vo)
Kevin Smith ... Elliot (Kgosi)
Paballo Mavundla ... Siphiwe
Khabonina Mabilane ... Khanyisile
Sithembiso Malinga ... Siphiwe's Friend
Khanyiso Dukuza ... Police Officer
Collin Sepamatla ... Pallbearer
Sheldon Lawrence ... Kuier
Simon Bruinders ... Mr Pillay
Rafeeqah Lachporia ... Shamila
Nomsa Makgamathe ... Neo
Thebe Mazibuko ... Fan
Macc Gee ... Himself
Moonchild Sanelly ... Herself
Madidimalo Monama ... Woman 1
Bongani Lungwane ... Man 1
Funeka Kraai ... Mrs Molopo
Tim Lance ... Armistice
Zenande Zamliza ... Bonolo
Phathiswa Tonono ... Church Lady 1
Vikash Mathura ... Farhan
Petronella Tshuma ... Monique
Nhlanhla Mtshali ... Brigadier Nkosi
Siyabonga Majola ... Complaining Customer (as Siyabong Majola)
Kingsley Tloubatla ... Lefika
Keabetswe Mogedi ... Guy 1
Babe Rakhoane ... Caller 1 (Winnie) (voice)
Xolisile Dlamini ... Harassed Nurse
Ayanda Sishuba ... Mbuso (as Ayanda Hlubi Sishuba)
T.J. Mokhuane ... Mzwakhe (as Thato TJ Mokhuane)
Katlego Selekane ... Photographer George
Ontshiametse Molekoa ... Fenya
Bahle Hadebe ... Fumane
Sisa Hewana ... Loyiso
Kim Cloete ... Ms September
Amos Ketlele ... Pastor
Mduduzi Sibiya ... Best Man
Nonhlanhla Ngwenya ... Gogo Jiya