Season 1
Komkhulu is a South African, isiNdebele television drama series set in Mpumalanga which takes place against the backdrop of a great chiefdom facing a succession crisis.
The series takes us to Mpumalanga's countryside, home to the chiefdom of Komkhulu, ruled by Chief Masoso Mbonani (Johannes Mandla Mnguni), a young Ndebele king.
With the backdrop of a chiefdom that is one of the richest in the province, Chief Masoso's life is at stake if he cannot produce an heir to the throne.
The dynamic and charming king turns into a desperate man as he struggles to find a way to protect his chiefdom and secure the future of his dynasty, before he risks others taking control of the throne.
Chief Masoso's uncle and village headman Hlangabeza (Sipho Mbele) sees an opportunity to assume the role of king – and so a power struggle begins within the family, launching into a series of tragic events.
Komkhulu thus explores the complexities and destruction of power struggles.
As the series unfolds, the kingdom experiences a transitional period resulting in a new generation that will eventually rock the biggest and richest chiefdom in the province.
The series is steeped in mysticism, chronicling the rise and fall of one of the most famous and powerful chiefdoms, while reminiscent of the most beloved cultural folk tales.
Komkhulu is produced by Rhythm World Productions. The series producer is Sinini Mati-Nyathiand the executive producer is Duma Ndlovu.
The head writers are Kagiso Mogale and Siphosethu Tshapu, with a writing team including Busisiwe Matonsi, Ntando Mhlongo, Donald Ndlovu and Makhuvha Awelani.
The director is Tony Kgoroge.
The series is the first scripted isiNdebele show to air on Mzansi Magic.
Season 1 Cast
(scroll to bottom for available actor bios)
Starring
Bongi Mtsweni ... Sayina
Jabulani Nkabinde ... Maliyezwe
January Kabini ... Gabudhla
Sipho Mbele ... Hlangabeza
Recurring / Guests
Mandla Mnguni ... Chief Masoso (as Mandla "Ntshebedotcom" Mnguni)
Andiswa Khuzwayo ... Nomhlekabo
Nomcebo Gumede ... Nomzamo
Joseph Tsima ... Biza (as Joseph "Big Joe" Tsima)
Mbuzana Nyathi ... Doctor Nkabinde
Khomotso Mathebula ... Sangoma Nyoniyezwe
Frieda Makoba ... Nostokhana
Sophie Kabini ... Gogo
Nothembi Mkhwebani ... Aunt Nothembi (as Dr Nothembi Mkhwebani)
Philasande Ntsewula ... Baby Karisa
Melikhaya Thukwane ... Baby Jama
Ndabezinhle Thukwane ... Baby Jamile
Solomon Masemula ... Chief Mbonani
Sello Banda ... Mozambican Sangoma
Sandile Gumede ... Royal Sangoma
Bongani Mahlangu ... Jama
James Sithole ... Karisa
Mfundo Shabangu ... Jamile
Rebecca Mnguni ... Doctor Sibiya
Austin Mothapo ... Young Karisa
Elmon Mahlangu ... Mbonani Elder 1
Kleinbooi Kulube ... Mbonani Elder 2
Buhlebendabuko Ntuli ... Praise Poet
Tsholo Maseko ... Londiwe
Nunu Khumalo ... Ntfombi (as Nqobile Nunu Khumalo)
Patrick Radebe ... Council Member 1
Elias Masemola ... Mathananazana
Nkosinathi Masemula ... Ntokozo
Nothembi Mkhwebane ... Guest Appearance
Lilow NTK ... Guest Appearance
Gogo NoSinki ... Guest Appearance
Elmon Mahlangu ... Praise Poet
Kleinbooi Mahlangu ... Mbonani Elder
Piet Mahlangu ... Mbonani Elder