Stage and Screen Stage and Screen is an online publication offering the latest Entertainment news of Productions on Stage, and on Screens.
M-Net Channels Showcase Proudly South African TV.
Popular local television channels M-Net, Mzansi Magic, Mzansi Bioskop, Mzansi Wethu, kykNET and kykNET & kie have two things in common; They all belong to the proudly South African M-Net stable of channels on DStv and in 2018, and they will all debut a slate of hot new original television productions. Capitalizing on the abundance of talent and stories available across the country, M-Net’s local content investment is set to increase.
First up, M-Net is creating South African editions of not one, but three, blockbuster global television formats. The gritty reality series Survivor, the culinary-themed My Kitchen Rules SA’s 2nd Season and the glamorous Dancing With The Stars. All these shows will keep the family entertained with local versions of some of the biggest formats in the world. Make sure you tune in as contestants play, cook and dance their way to the big prizes.
M-Net channels’ local is lekker flavour is kykNET. The fresh new series Oppi Kassie, is an intriguing new documentary series looking at the history of South African television. Plus, look out for Skelmpie, Op Die Spel, Knapsekerels, Flieknet Foendies and Elders de Camino to name a few of the new Afrikaans titles on offer over the next few months.
Due to its popularity, Suidooster, kykNET & kie’s soapie for the family viewer has increased its frequency to five episodes a week this year. The channel is also doubling its comedy offering over the next year and the popular reality show Boer Soek ‘n Vrou will be unveiling the new presenter in the upcoming 13th season.
Not to be outdone, and specifically for Compact customers, Mzansi Magic is also rolling out the red carpet for DStv customers. The recently launched drama Nkululeko, is a coming-of-age story set in the windswept streets of Khayelitsha. Also premiering in January, is iKhaya, set against the backdrop of Daveyton. Plus, the new reality show, Yim’lo, that tackles the difficult topics that pull friends and family apart. Mzansi Wethu viewers will be in for a treat as brand-new shows are being produced for the Access market.
Rounding off this Spotlight, is the new on the horizon channel upgrade of Vuzu Amp. An exciting content offering 1Magic, makes its first appearance on January 29. Top of the line-up is the original telenovela The River which will premiere on launch day. The storyline combines the allure and ruthlessness of the business world, with the raw essence of township struggles, making for the type of storylines our viewers love. The telenovela will be helmed by Sindi Dlathu who left Muvhango to star in this show. Rounding off the stellar cast are Hlomla Dandala, Don Mlangeni, Moshidi Motshegwa, newcomer Larona Moagi. There will be other new local dramas and reality shows to bolster the channel offering with the focus day being Friday.
Commenting on the local content explosion, CEO General Entertainment for Video Entertainment, Yolisa Phahle said: “We remain committed to telling local stories in local languages, this is what viewers want. This year Mzansi Magic, Mzansi Wethu, Mzansi Bioskop, kykNET & kie, as well as M-Net will all increase their investment in local productions. We are working with new and established industry professionals to ensure that all our customers from DStv Access customers all the way to Premium customers, regardless of how they access or experience an M-Net channel, are kept engaged and excited.”
So, with this much confidence in the South African TV industry, it’s clear that this will be a bumper, and yes magical, year for even the most avid of South African television lover! Stage and Screen will attempt to feature more information on these local shows, which are applicable to our loyal target market. One thing is clear though, with all these quality local shows, the little repeats still happening on DStv, is totally worth it.
If you don’t now already, here are the channel numbers on DStv:
M-Net: 101
1Magic: 103
kykNET: 144
kykNET & kie: 145
Mzansi Magic: 161
Mzansi Wethu: 163
Mzansi Bioskop: 164
M-Net +1: 901
