Disney Channel Premieres Brand-New Local Live-Action Shorts ‘Wandi & Kabz’ from Monday, 11 September
African Historical Figures Come to Life in This Quirky, Locally-Produced Short Form Series
Led by Young Actors Ogadinma Ngobili and Marang Kasonkola, joined by South African Screen Stars
Historical Figures Include African Icons Nelson Mandela, Queen Modjadji and IBN Battuta
The Walt Disney Company Africa today announced the premiere of a brand-new, local live-action series of shorts “Wandi & Kabz,” on Disney Channel (DStv channel 303) from Monday, 11 September at 16:30 (CAT). “Wandi & Kabz” is led by Ogadinma Ngobili (13) as Wandi and Marang Kasonkola (9) as Kabz.
(photo: provided)
Wandi and Kabz are best friends who have all sorts of “funventures” together. Wandi has a very special antique pocket watch that, at unexpected moments, takes on a life of its own and magically transports famous historical figures to the present. After a quick and playful interaction, the historical figures whisk Wandi and Kabz off to the past for a light-hearted glimpse into significant scenes from their lives. History is brought to life as they meet key and impactful African icons such as Mansa Musa, Cleopatra, Nelson Mandela, Charlotte Maxeke, Herman Charles Bosman, IBN Battuta and Queen Nandi, mother to Shaka.
Consisting of 15 five-minute episodes, “Wandi & Kabz” viewers will be entertained and informed as they delve into dynamic African historical figures and times. The episodes combine live action with an animated segment to further impart interesting information about the individual.
Comments Christine Service, Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa: “We are proud to share this locally-produced series with audiences and fans across the continent. With its fun and whimsical approach to showcasing beloved icons, we are excited to be adding this unique storytelling to Disney Channel’s programming offering.”
Each of the historical figures (including some who have lived as far back as the 14th Century) hails from a different country in Africa, is larger-than-life and is portrayed a contemporary spin on their traditional representation.
The roles of the historical figures are played by South African actors and actresses – the guest cast include:
- Jacques Blignaut (‘7de Laan) as IBN Battuta and Mansa Musa.
- Tiffany Barbuzano (‘Still Breathing”) as Ruth Khama and Cleopatra
- Musa Ngema (“Generations”) as Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu
- Tshepi Mashego (“Rhythm City”) as Amina and Charlotte Maxeke
- Josias Moleele (‘Still Breathing”) as Sol Plaatje and Gerard Sekoto
- Matthew Ribnick (“Chilli Boy”) as Chris Barnard and Herman Charles Bosman
- Naleli Seseli (“Lithapo”) as Queen Nandi, Nzinga Mbande and Queen Modjadji
“Wandi & Kabz” was produced by Storyline Productions and premieres on Disney Channel (DStv channel 303) from Monday, 11 September, Monday to Friday at 16:30 (CAT).
About the Cast
Marang Kasonkola (9) Kabz
Nine year old Marang Kasonkola had his first cameo television appearance at 7 months old. His mother Keitumetse Kasonkola was an actress on SABC2 sitcom Ge Re Dumele and baby Marang got his first opportunity then. Marang says he is inspired by his mom, who’s also starred in series like Binnelanders, Generations and How to Ruin Christmas 3: The Baby Shower. Intrigued by the industry and how much fun it was being on set, he went on to do an independent film by Comedian David Kau as well an advert for Osteo-Eeze. In his downtime Marang enjoys watching action, comedy and martial arts series despite having strict screen-time at home. Miraculous Ladybug & Cat Noir is one of his favourites and he loves sport – mainly basketball and tennis. At school he swims and is in the Scouts and he is busy writing his own comic book.
Ogadinma Ngobili (13) Wandi
At just 13 years old Ogadinma Ngobili has featured in a number of television adverts from MTN to DStv and SuperSport. He signed to an agency in 2019 and landed his first gig a year later and hasn;’t looked back since. He’s passionate about acting and production and hopes to continue doing this as he gets older. He says he never misses an audition and initially auditioned for Kabz but landed the role of Wandi. He loves science fiction content and enjoys action-comedy series and as a huge Disney fan is currently enjoying older content on Disney+ from KC Undercover to Jessie. He is very excited about his new role and personally loves learning about historical figures. In his downtime he focuses on his acting and writing – he was inspired by a friend to write a book and is keen on creating documentaries – he hopes to start with a famous person like Will Smith or Dwayne Johnson.
