It's curtains down for Gomora this Friday and lights up for Mzansi Magic's new 130-episode telenovela My Brother's Keeper which premieres Monday 23 October at 19h30, with a band of five brothers.
It centres round Nqubeko Shabalala, who
isn't in love with his situation, and it focuses on the traditional custom of Ukungena.
Here's a blow-by-blow:
Mshengu Shabalala
Played by Lindani Nkosi
Nqubeko's dominant father who establishes his authority with a mix of savvy and confidence.
He's assertive, bullish, quietly violent and paternalistic, and his traditionalist values often clash with the changing world around him.
Nqubeko Shabalala
Played by Wiseman Mncube
Mshengu's ambitious love child, trapped in the shadows and yearning for his rightful place in the family.
Nqubeko's mother had an affair with Mshengu and isn't in the picture anymore so he doesn't have a relationship with her.
It isn't clear whether we'll see her in the series or not. She isn't mentioned by name. An enigmatic figure from the past.
The result of this situation is that he's driven by ambition and the need for validation, which he acts on when he sees an opportunity to become more powerful.
He's going to set his sights on his sister-in-law Fakazile, the key to the Shabalala legacy.
As he navigates this dangerous path he finds himself at odds with his half brothers, especially Donga, who's perceived as the rightful Shabalala heir.
Nqubeko's also insecure and abrasive. A man after his father’s heart. He is his brother’s keeper.
Nomusa Shabalala
Played by Vuyiseka Cawe
Nqubeko's wife. A home maker and supportive to her husband’s aspirations. She wishes he could follow in his brother Khwezi’s footsteps.
MaMchunu Shabalala
Played by Hlengiwe Lushaba
Mother to Khwezi and Thuthuka - you'll see them below.
Her sister was married to Mshengu and passed away so MaMchunu married him through Ukungena.
In case you aren't familiar with this, it's a traditional custom whereby a widowed man automatically enters a union with his sister-in-law.
If a husband dies, his widow automatically enters a union with her brother-in-law.
In this case, MaMchunu was Mshengu's sister-in-law and became his customary wife when her sister died.
The series explores this through other characters too. Read on to see if you can work out who's going to Ukungena with who...
Khwezi Shabalala
Played by Mnqobi Kunene
First born son to Mshengu and MaMchunu.
An astute businessman, Khwezi's unexpected absence sets the drama in motion.
He's a visionary entrepreneur. Resilient. Dignified. Savvy. He can turn a desert into an oasis.
Fakazile Shabalala
Played by Zola Nombona
An independent woman and Khwezi's widow. As the key to the Shabalala empire, she becomes the focal point of the power struggle.
She's strong and firm.
Donga Shabalala
Played by Sdumo Mtshali
Mshengu's first born with his first wife, representing the rightful heir to the Shabalala legacy.
Donga's mother was MaMchunu's sister and we don't know her name.
She's also a mystery because the circumstances around her death are questionable - it’s something that will come up in the show.
Donga and his father don't see to eye to eye.
He's married to Lerato and they have three children.
Donga's wife Lerato Shabalala
Played by Nelisa Mnchunu
Ndumiso Shabalala
Played by Nkanyiso Mchunu
Second born son to Mshengu's first wife. He's married to Puseletso and has children outside of his marriage.
He's prone to trouble and easily gives in to temptation. Often finds himself on the wrong side of the law and has a weak moral compass.
Ndumiso's wife Puseletso Shabalala
Played by Rosemary Zimu
Thuthuka Shabalala
Played by Sparky Xulu
The charming yet irresponsible youngest Shabalala brother.
He's MaMchunu's second son: full brother to Khwezi and half brother to Donga, Ndumiso and Nqubeko.
He's described as a serial womaniser and emotionally immature.
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Lookout for the first teasers, coming up soon.