In the build-up to Africa Day on 25 May, DStv is bringing its customers the shows that demonstrate the fierce independence, unmitigated talent, entrepreneurial skills and musical genius that make Africans so incredibly proud.
DStv has always believed in being a platform for authentic African stories – the ones that touch lives and resonate with the people of this continent. That’s why there are so many series and shows created by Africans for Africans. One such story is the movie Indandatho Yokukhanya, which will be screened on Saturday 23 May on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) at 20:30. Directed by Thembalethu Mfebe and starring Idols SA season 8 winner Kwanele Mthethwa and Unathi Guma (Housekeepers), it’s about a timid and overly cautious girl who finds out that her parent’s spirits were taken by a dark entity, and makes it her mission to save them.
Another example is compelling movie Inxeba: The Wound, which has won numerous international awards but was also once banned from mainstream cinemas in South Africa, which makes its debut on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) on Friday 22 May at 22:00. Beautifully shot and acted, it is a gem worth watching.
While most of the well-loved soapies have gone back to filming, their new episodes remain on hold at the moment, but there’s no better time to catch-up with all the very best of Mzansi Originals on DStv Now. You’ll find Isibaya, Ubizo, Lockdown, Gomora, The Queen, Widowed and so much more. Afrikaans customers will also find their African heritage celebrated in shows such as Binnelanders and Arendsvlei.
DStv is always committed to bringing the real lives of the people of Mzansi into your homes, with a number of exciting and provocative reality shows. On Saturday 23 May, tune into Ubizo on Mzansi Wethu (DStv Channel 163) at 19:30 to follow Lloyd, a medium who provides healing and balance to his clients. Ubizo’s fascinating core themes include exploring ancestry, resolving maternal and paternal identity issues, marriage and how it affects individuals, miscarriage and abortion, African spirituality versus religion as well as the passing of souls.
When it comes to music, no-one can compete with the vibrancy and rhythm of the African soul. On Africa Day itself, 25 May at 18:00, MTV Base (DStv channel 322) and the MTV Base Africa YouTube channel will be screening a two-hour live Africa Day Benefit Concert at Home. Hosted by Idris Elba, the show will feature some of Africa’s hottest stars, including Burna Boy, Sho Madjozi, Tiwa Savage, AKA, Diamond Platnumz, Nasty C, Sauti Sol, Yemi Alade, Fally Ipupa, StoneBwoy, Teni, Angelique Kidjo, and many more.
Later on at 21:00, MTV Base will feature more African talent with a panel of Africa’s brightest and freshest young talent, to have a fierce, fun and fiery debate as they countdown the Top 10 moments that make up Africa’s Biggest Brags.
Trace Africa (DStv channel 326) will also be celebrating everything that makes Africa unique with a day full of the best music from across the continent. Listen out for music from iconic musicians like Mali’s Salif Keita, Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz, Nigeria’s Tiwa Savage and South African divas Yvonne Chaka-Chaka and PJ Powers.
African women have for centuries shown their resilience and determination. In Mama Rwanda on Sunday 24 May on CuriosityStream (DStv channel 185) at 20:00, follow the lives of Drocella, a village wife, and Christine, a widow living in the city, who team up to form a new generation of female business owners who are also mothers and rebuilding the economy of Rwanda.
They are just some of the women in post-genocide Rwanda defying social norms and becoming entrepreneurs to fight poverty.
Lupita Nyong’o is another African woman who has proven that sheer talent and perseverance can pay off in the end. Catch the award-winning Kenyan actress in the scary movie Us, on M-Net Movies Premiere (DStv channel 104) at 20:00. It’s written and directed by Oscar-winner Jordan Peele.
We’re also a continent that knows how to laugh and have fun, and the comedic talent that has emerged from Africa is astounding – just take our own Trevor Noah, host of Comedy Central’s The Daily Show as an example. He’s hosting his show from home during the lockdown, and you can catch him at his funniest on Comedy Central (DStv channel 122) daily at 21:30. On Saturday 23 May, you can catch another set of incredible local comedians in Goliath & Goliath: Aweh Mzansi on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) at 21:30. It’s a brotherly affair on this stand-up comedy show that’s bound to get Mzansi laughing in these interesting times we live in.
As Africans unite in these difficult times, let’s take some time to celebrate and salute the real spirit of Africa. It’s what keeps us together.
