As we spilt in the
TVSA News Shorts, Zee Zonke launches on DStv Channel 169 today (28 August) with a line-up of Zee series dubbed into isiZulu.
Each show has English subtitles and the channel's available from Access to Premium.
Ultimately it's bringing more work for more South Africans as each series needs a cast of local voices for the dubbing, backed by production houses that can do the sound engineering.
The business of voiceovers has truly exploded over the past few years with the numerous channels that are dubbing foreign language shows into English, Afrikaans and now Zulu.
We have 12 official languages so the possibilities are endless when it comes to localising series.
Now all we need is attention to detail when it comes to the quality of the dubbing because some are very well done but others are a total cringe-fest.
Bring on a battle of the Best Dubbers in the Industry!
While we leave that up to the powers that dub, here's a snapshot of Zee Zonke's four primetime series at launch, with the starring voice cast of the ones we got our clutches on... as you'll notice, some are voicing on more than one show - see what you think of their interpretations when you hear them:
We Mamezala
Time: 18h00
Original title: Aggabai Sasubai (Oh Mine Mother-In-Law)
Original language: Marathi
Shubhra plays the role of cupid to her widowed mother-in-law Asavari, defying societal norms to unite two lovers when she matchmakes Asavari with a celebrity chef.
Imfihlo
Time: 19h00
Original title: Tula Pahate Re (I Look At You)
Original language: Marathi
Follow the story of Isha and Vikram Saranjame who push the past the barriers of age to find love.
Vikrant - Samkelo Gumede
Isha - Bongi Wilson-Memela
Arun - Roxy Mlaba
Pushpa - Lungile Mzoneli
Umakhwapheni
Time: 20h00
Original title: Majhya Navaryachi Bayko (My Husband's Wife)
Original language: Marathi
Radhika who is protective of her marriage becomes suspicious of her husband's colleague. This series exlores themes of possessiveness, trust and possessiveness.
Radikha - Busie Mhlongo
Gurunath - Khulekani Ngidi
Shanaya - Ngcwelekazi Mahlaba
Nana - Zamo Cele
Anand - Nhlanhla Shabalala
Onesipho
Time: 21h00
Original title: Nayan - Jo Vekhe Unvekha (Nayan - What She Sees)
Original language: Punjabi
Witness the journey of Nayan, a small-town girl blessed with the power of premonition. Due to an unexpected twist of fate, she marries Devansh and soon becomes his saviour.
Nayan - Portia Ndlovu
Devash - Samkelo Gumede
Rita - Lungile Mzoneli
Rajvir - Roxy Mlaba