Now we know why Matatiele wasn't renewed for a second season at the end of last year when so many other e.tv shows got the nod on new seasons.
Turns out the channel has been working on a different rural drama for 2016, set in KwaZulu-Natal. It's called The Kingdom - uKhakhayi and it premieres on Tuesday, 5 April, in Matatiele's timeslot at 21h05.
It's produced by Ingomso Film Skills and Youth Development production company and centres round a royal AmaBhaca tribe, who live in
the uMzimkhulu
area in KwaZulu-Natal.
The story picks up after the death of the chief, Chief Zwelakhe, and explores the inheritance battle that erupts in the family afterwards.
The kingdom is currently under the leadership of Jezebomvu, a ruthless and cunning paramount chief on a quest for power. This power struggle leaves the family divided into two camps, one camp is led by the matriarch of the house and the other by Jezembovu.
If you're familiar with Mzansi Magic's new telenovela
Greed & Desire, you'll be thinking that you've heard the plot before because the two shows sound very similar. Greed & Desire also follows the power and inheritance struggles within a family after the death of the head of a household so... who will do it best?
Greed & Desire is set in the world of the hotel industry in Bloemfontein and The Kingdom - uKhakhayi promises to give insights into the workings of a royal African family so the addiction factor of each show will depend on how well each of them pull these off.
Success will also depend on the cast of course and uKhakhayi features a mix of well knowns with some newcomers. Here's a who's who of the starring cast:
Jezembovu played by Mncedisi Shabangu
Cunning chameleon, Jezembovu is an ambitious man that knows how to play the political game. A charming salesman, master manipulator and a cut-throat competitor. He’s a man that has his finger constantly on the pulse of the community to ensure that he is always popular and has their respect.
Nopasika played by Noxolo Maqashalala
As in the case of her husband Jezembovu, status and position is important to Nopasika. She is a haughty woman that looks down on those beneath her. She knows her husband’s history and supports him in his quest to reclaim the kingdom.
Zamampondo played by Tumie Ngumla
Zamapondo is the daughter of the Mpondo King (played by Putco Mafani). The Mpondo nation are situated next to the Bhaca’s and are in the same territory albeit under different kingdoms. She pursued her medical studies at UCT and has since returned to be of service to her people. She’s a doctor at the local clinic.
She is an epic hero, a passionate young woman and a doomed romantic lover. She fears not living a purposeful life and being mediocre. She fights for a cause and doesn’t give up.
Nomabhaca played by Tembela Mgandela
Noma’Bhaca, even as a child, has always been smarter than the adults around her. She finds that she cares more for others than she cares about herself. She’s a girl that has little regard for material possessions. She does have a sense that she’s being called to something far greater than herself. She stands up for what she believes in no matter the cost.
Mayenzeke played by Chumani Pan
Mayenzeke is a playboy, a risk taker, an adventurer and an escape artist. To him, life is one big adventure without limitations or restrictions. He’s the kind of guy that at all times keeps his options open, never wanting to be trapped, cornered or tied down. He’s a guy that always has an escape plan.
Madoda played by Sthembiso Khoza
In anything he does he has to be in charge. Madoda is naturally a boss and an enforcer. He can never be dominated by anyone - he has to be in control. He doesn’t trust easily and can be a ruthless man. He’s a hard man and you either stand with him or against him.
Ma’Zulu played by Nomsa Xaba
Matriarch of the family, Ma’zulu is a hard woman who is a harsh wielder of justice. She’s loved and feared by her people, but there is never any doubt amongst them that she always acts in their interest.
Sabelo played by Melusi Yeni
He is the mediator of the family, doesn’t like confrontation and always strives to keep the peace. He likes to listen to all points of view and consider all sides.
Mfanufikile played by Wiseman Mncube
Mfanufikile is Sabelo’s younger brother and Madoda’s half-brother. He’s an idealist that believes he has something to offer the world. He doesn’t like to compromise or settle and yearns for an opportunity to prove what he is made of.
Noxolo played by Marietjie Bothma
Noxolo is Ma ‘Zulu’s surrogate daughter and helps her in all aspects of her life. She’s bubbly and doesn’t take things lying down. In her true nature, she is an investigator and always wants to know what is going on in her surroundings.
Jordaan played by Rod Alexander
Jordaan is a local priest and Ma‘Zulu’s most trusted ally. He is a noble defender of justice and believes one should always do well to society. He lives to be a good example and challenges everyone to do the same.