Siseko Bhonga is no ordinary newcomer. He is the son of King Mzukisi Bhonga — a Xhosa prince raised in tradition but shaped by the modern world. Tall, handsome, and charismatic, Siseko returns home from the city with a cosmopolitan edge and a deep inner conflict. Though confident, intelligent, and empathetic, Siseko is reluctant to embrace the destiny his royal blood demands. As he grapples with the expectations of his heritage and the life he truly wants, his journey promises to stir hearts, raise questions, and possibly change the future of the Bhonga legacy forever.

Chumani shares his excitement about the role:

“I was ecstatic when I got the part. I haven’t worked on kykNET in a while, and I really missed the channel and its viewers. I’ve never played a prince before, so this role felt fresh and special to me. Siseko is such a respectful and humble man — he’s someone with strong values and a deep heart. It’s an honour to step into his shoes.”

Describing his character in three words, he says Siseko is “caring, loving, and sweet.” He also shares how his preparation for the role included research into royal duties and protocol, especially within the Xhosa monarchy — a world he already has some familiarity with.

But beyond tradition and duty, Siseko also brings a light-hearted charm to the screen.

“He’s got a comedic side too,” says Chumani. “It was fun to explore that, especially because I don’t usually get to play roles that allow me to be funny.”

As for what audiences can expect from Siseko’s storyline?

“Viewers might get frustrated with his journey at times, but I hope they stick with him. What matters is the journey — and they’re going to enjoy going on it with him.”

He also praised the Diepe Waters cast and crew, calling them “a truly talented and friendly bunch,” and gave a special nod to actress Tracey-Lee Oliver (Pam), saying they hit it off from their very first screen test.

Ultimately, Chumani hopes viewers walk away with a message of love and destiny:

“Siseko’s story reminds us that love can find you when you least expect it — in the most surprising places and moments.”

Diepe Waters airs on kykNET (DStv channel 144) Mondays to Thursdays at 18:30 and is also available on DStv Stream. Don’t miss Chumani Pan’s debut as Siseko Bhonga—a prince torn between tradition and desire, heart and heritage.

The post Chumani Pan Returns To kykNET As Siseko Bhonga appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Wild Cards is a crime-solving procedural with a comedic twist that follows the unlikely duo of a by-the-book, sardonic cop Cole Ellis (Giacomo Gianniotti), and a spirited, clever con woman, Max Mitchell (Vanessa Morgan). They are partnered together, and each uses their unique skills to solve crimes. For Ellis, that means hard-boiled, shoe-leather police work; for Max, it means accents, disguises, schemes, and generally befriending everyone in sight while driving Ellis absolutely nuts.

Season 1’s cliffhanger found Ellis about to arrest Max for her heist of a 33-million-dollar jewel, but his feelings of betrayal are sidelined by a bombshell revelation from Max; she’s learned the identity of his brother’s murderer. Season 2 raises the stakes for the duo both in terms of the cases they’re tasked to solve in each episode and their feelings for each other.

From Blink49 Studios, Front Street Pictures and Piller/Segan in association with The CW for commissioning broadcaster CBC in Canada, Wild Cards is created by Michael Konyves. Executive producers include Konyves, pilot director James Genn, Shawn Piller, Lloyd Segan, and writers Alexandra Zarowny and James Thorpe. Wild Cards is produced by Charles Cooper and Virginia Rankin. The series is overseen by Carolyn Newman, Tashi Bieler and Alix Steerman on behalf of Blink49 Studios. International distribution is handled by FIFTH SEASON.

Season 2 of Wild Cards premieres on Universal TV on 21 April at 20:00, with new episodes airing every Monday until 14 July 2025.

Universal TV is available on DStv Channel 117 across Africa.

The post Wild Cards Season 2: Max & Ellis Return for More Thrills appeared first on Stage and Screen.