Mzansi Magic has announced the debut of the channel's first Sotho drama called Ya Lla, scheduled for an October premiere.
The title reflects the South Sotho word for "a far cry", an echo or a distinctive musical sound made by an instrument and tells the story of Lenka Moshoeshoe, a young man who echoes with power when he goes from zero to hero.
The series is produced by Quizzical Pictures (Umlilo, Rhythm City, Swartwater) and is set in Welkom, on the mines. It explores what happens when Lenka takes control of what's left of the once legendary Marashea gang, which he tries to restore to it's former glory.
He rises from the bottom of the food chain to a position of power which becomes detrimental to who he is and everything he stands for.
Lenka is played Nkopane Mohola, who makes his TV debut in the role. Others in the cast include Zenzo Ngqobe (Rhythm City, Ga Re Dumele), Nozipho Nkelemba (Rhythm City, 90 Plein Street, When We Were Black), Charmaine Mtinta (Yizo Yizo, Matatiele, It's Complicated, Generations), Sam Phillips (Soul City, The Coconuts, Jacob's Cross) and Generations' Mam' Ruby Slindile Nodangala.
Here's a look at how things start, from the official synopsis:
The series opens with Lenka Moshoeshoe, arriving from Lesotho to take up employment at the Harhoff Mine after his father’s death. He expects to find his father’s job waiting for him, as promised by his ‘uncle’ Kobo, a veteran member of the Marashea.
Unfortunately for Lenka, the move is not what he expected it to be. In the past, membership in the Marashea gang ensured a man a place of honour in the mining community and access to the best jobs. Lenka however discovers that the status of the gang is now so low that no job can be secured for him at the mine. What will be his next move?
It premieres on Sunday, 11 October at 20h00.