Tag: Netflix

The global streaming service has teamed up with the local youth choir to cover a song from the holiday film, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Adventure

Netflix has partnered up with the award-winning Ndlovu Youth Choir to perform a cover of the song called, Square Root of Possible, from the holiday film, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Adventure. 

The music video, shot in Johannesburg, is a beautiful display of Mzansi’s diverse talent.

The song is sung in 6 of the 12 official languages – English, seTswana, seSotho, isiZulu, isiNdebele and sePedi. “The challenge of recording a cover of this catchy tune was staying true to the song, especially when translating it to our 6 official languages. Because it is such a beautiful song, we really wanted to do it justice and so we practiced for hours on end to ensure that we brought it life in a way that stayed true to the song while also encapsulating our African flare.’’ – Nonhlanhla Somo, lead singer of the Ndlovu Youth Choir. The song was transformed from an American style theatrical piece, to a song that is intrinsically African, that will surely inspire all those who listen to it.

The Ndlovu Youth Choir has become one of the world’s most treasured groups, known for their unique vocal arrangements, infectious energy and have inspired countless individuals around the world. “ Our music helps people become the best version of themselves” – Ralf Shmidt, Choir Director.

The song is now live on the Netflix SA social pages. Linked out are our  Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.  

ABOUT JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY

A musical adventure and a visual spectacle for the ages, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a wholly fresh and spirited family holiday event. Set in the gloriously vibrant town of Cobbleton, the film follows legendary toymaker Jeronicus Jangle (Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker) whose fanciful inventions burst with whimsy and wonder. But when his trusted apprentice (Emmy winner Keegan-Michael Key) steals his most prized creation, it’s up to his equally bright and inventive granddaughter (newcomer Madalen Mills) — and a long-forgotten invention — to heal old wounds and reawaken the magic within. From the imagination of writer-director David E. Talbert and featuring original songs by John Legend, Philip Lawrence, Davy Nathan, and “This Day” performed by Usher and Kiana Ledé, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey reminds us of the strength of family and the power of possibility.

Written and Directed by David E. Talbert
Produced by Lyn Sisson-Talbert, p.g.a., David E. Talbert, p.g.a., Kristin Burr, p.g.a., John Legend, Mike Jackson, David McIlvain
Cast: Forest Whitaker, Madalen Mills, Keegan-Michael Key, Sharon Rose, Phylicia Rashad, Anika Noni Rose, Ricky Martin, Kieron Dyer, Justin Cornwell, Lisa Davina Phillip, Hugh Bonneville

About Netflix:

Netflix is the world’s leading streaming entertainment service. Present in over 190 countries, its 195 million paying subscribers enjoy series, documentaries and feature films in a wide variety of genres and languages. Netflix subscribers can watch the series and films they want, when they want, where they want, and on any screen connected to the Internet. They can also play, pause or continue to enjoy, and all without ads or commitments to stay.

The suspense is over, the much talked about ‘Kings of Joburg’ series will premiere on Netflix on the 4 December 2020. The most recent African series to land on the service, is an exciting first for the brand as it partners with South Africa’s adored ‘first family’ of TV production, Connie and Shona Ferguson alongside Samad Davis of U.S based Visionary Media Inc.

In this thrilling test of loyalties under the gritty, concentrated populous of the crime-ridden streets of the city of Johannesburg, unravels another first for local audiences, a palpable action-drama series with a layer of dark fantasy and a sinister aspect of the African occult.

Shona Ferguson stars as Simon “Vader” Masire, a member of the KOJ brotherhood and the eldest of the Masire siblings. As the smoother and charming brother, prolific businessman Simon leads the family business. However, under the lavish suits and ties is a man hiding a deep dark secret. Zolisa Xaluva portrays the role of Mogomotsi “Mo” Masire, Simon’s young brother and an ex-convict who finds himself having to choose between the life that got him in jail, and honouring his responsibilities to the legacy of a crime family and older brother he loves.

Joining the ensemble cast is TK Sebothoma as the spoilt and privileged Tlotlo Masire, Buhle Samuels as the gorgeous and supportive wife to Simon, Angela Masire, and Tsholofelo Matshaba as the straight-talking detective who’s obsessed with bringing down the Kings of Joburg. Adding to the impressive cast is SK Khoza as Cyrus, Abdul Khoza as Lester, Nnekwa Tsajwa as Sting and Cindy Mahlangu as Phumzi.

Executive producer, Shona Ferguson, speaks on this first-time partnership with Netflix. “When I created KINGS OF JOBURG I wanted to root the show in elements of love, family, conflict and power. The premise of the series is centred around the question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” and this narrative is explored in all 6 episodes. The mystical and thriller side of the story is inspired by the folk tales that I grew up learning about from my late father, Peter Harry Ferguson. These stories kept me up at night and gave me nightmares but I had to bring them to life in a tale of human conflict. Audiences will be surprised to learn that despite the darkness of this story, Kings of Joburg, paints a beautiful picture of the city of Johannesburg. I am also grateful to have worked with such an amazing cast and crew who gave it their all and helped bring my vision to life. ‘’

Connie Ferguson adds, “We’re living in exciting times where the world is becoming smaller and smaller. What used to be out of reach is now a stone throw away! With Kings Of Joburg, we are taking South Africa and Africa to the world and bringing the world to South Africa. It’s a United States Of The World show, bringing together talent from America and the continent! It was an honour to work with Netflix to bring to life this passion project we are truly proud of. ”

“Working between Hollywood and across Africa over the decades, I’ve been able to see first hand the enormous influence and impact Hollywood has had on the hearts and minds of people across Africa. I am honored to be part of Kings of Joburg because through it and through our partnership with Netflix, we are providing African talent, both in front of the camera and behind it, the opportunity to be a part of their own ‘Hollywood’ production’’, says Samad Davis

On adding Kings Of Joburg to Netflix’s slate of licenced series, Director of Licensing and Co-Productions in Africa, Ben Amadasun said, “We couldn’t be more excited about our partnership with The Fergusons that has enabled them to expand the execution of their vision and showcase the best of Mzansi talent to a global audience. At Netflix, we continuously look for opportunities to create long-term partnerships with the best production partners in South Africa and beyond, as part of our ongoing efforts to bring a diversity of best-in-class african stories, across every genre.”

The 6-part series delves into legacy building, fragmented family structures, treacherous brotherhoods and the effects of crime and African masculinities on families and society at large. Loyalties will be tested, with long held secrets threatening to shatter the fragile facade.

Looking good today, Mildred.
Sarah Paulson stars in Ratched, coming to Netflix on September 18.

From Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, RATCHED is a suspenseful drama series that tells the origin story of asylum nurse Mildred Ratched. In 1947, Mildred arrives in Northern California to seek employment at a leading psychiatric hospital where new and unsettling experiments have begun on the human mind. On a clandestine mission, Mildred presents herself as the perfect image of what a dedicated nurse should be, but the wheels are always turning and as she begins to infiltrate the mental health care system and those within it, Mildred’s stylish exterior belies a growing darkness that has long been smoldering within, revealing that true monsters are made, not born.

RATCHED was inspired by the iconic and unforgettable character of Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest and was created by Evan Romansky. The series stars Sarah Paulson as Mildred Ratched, Cynthia Nixon as Gwendolyn Briggs, Judy Davis as Nurse Betsy Bucket, Sharon Stone as Lenore Osgood, Jon Jon Briones as Dr. Richard Hanover, Finn Wittrock as Edmund Tolleson, Charlie Carver as Huck, Alice Englert as Dolly, Amanda Plummer as Louise, Sophie Okonedo as Charlotte Wells, Corey Stoll as Charles Wainwright, Brandon Flynn as Henry Osgood, Annie Starke as Lily Cartwright and Vincent D’Onofrio as Gov. George Wilburn. The series is executive produced by Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, Sarah Paulson, Alexis Martin Woodall, Aleen Keshishian, Jacob Epstein, Jennifer Salt, Margaret Riley, Michael Douglas, Robert Mitas, and Tim Minear and is produced in partnership with Touchstone Television.

Visit netflix.com/ratched