Imbewu: The Seed

Last updated
Imbewu: The Seed
The seed.jpg
Created byDuma Ndlovu
Story byCarol Shore
Starring
Country of originSouth Africa
Original languages
No. of seasons5
No. of episodes1305
Original release
Network e.tv
eVOD
Release16 April 2018 (2018-04-16) –
14 April 2023 (2023-04-14)

Imbewu: The Seed is a South African television drama series created by Duma Ndlovu, who also served as executive producer alongside Anant Singh and Leleti Khumalo. It is an e.tv original series produced by Grapevine Productions, a co-production between Word of Mouth Productions, Videovision Entertainment [1] and Luyks Productions, commissioned and distributed by e.tv. Leleti Khumalo also starred in the series, alongside Tony Kgoroge, Thembi Mtshali-Jones, Raphael Griffiths, Jailoshini Naidoo and Koobeshen Naidoo, amongst others. [2]

Contents

Premise

The series revolves around, Zimele "Ngcolosi" Bhengu (Tony Kgoroge), alternating between two main plots. One is that he, along with two business partners, Pranav Rampersad (Koobeshen Naidoo), and Zane Johnson; have built Maluju Oil; an oil company worth a hundred million rand, driven by his ambition to be the first black South African black oil baron. Now in his forties, Ngcolosi is set on leaving a lasting legacy for his children. Knowing that neither of his partners are willing to relinquish their equity that they've helped build for years, Ngcolosi is dead set on doing whatever it takes.

The other, crucial central part revolves around the Bhengu family. Ngcolosi is married to, Nokubonga "MaZulu" Bhengu (Leleti Khumalo). Ngcolosi had mentioned the issue of bearing children. Mazulu, who hadn't given birth to any children and under pressure, sought medical help, and found that Ngcolosi was in fact, impotent. Rather than talk to Ngcolosi about the issue, she seeks guidance from her mother-in-law and family matriarch MaNdlovu (Thembi Mtshali Jones), who decides on a traditional solution where Ngcolosi's brother Phakade (Sandile Dlamini) must don the responsibility of impregnating her. The custom dictates that Ngcolosi bears full paternal rights to the children, and by extension, forbids Ngcolosi from ever knowing that such a ritual was practiced. When he finds out that all four of his children are not biologically his, it sets in motion family tensions between them.

Cast

Production

Filming took place in a studio in Congela, as well as Chatsworth, Mbumbulu, Umlazi, and other surrounding areas in Durban, Kwazulu Natal

In March 2020, production for the series was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the instated lockdown. [3] Marlon Davids, managing director of e.tv had stated to the public that production companies of all e.tv series, including Imbewu, would be temporarily shut down. [4] Despite this, pre-filmed episodes of the series continued to air uninterrupted throughout the lockdown period. [5] [6]

In January 2023, it was announced that season 5 would be the finale of the series. [7] [8] Though no reason was given by e.tv for its choice not to renew the series, the station reiterated that they were committed to investing in local content. [9] [10]

Casting

The cast was officially announced in January 2018, [11] with Mpumelelo Bulose, Thembi Mtshali and Leleti Khumalo announced as the lead cast. [12] It was later announced that Mpumelelo Bulose would be leave due to his conduct. Tony Kgoroge took on his role, making his on-screen debut on 14 September 2018. [13] Throughout the series, the production experienced an exodus of actors, most reported to be from contractual disputes. [14] [15] [16]

Broadcast

Imbewu premiered on 18 April 2018, with new episodes shown first on e.tv, and later on eExtra. Later on, the series was added to the PCCW Global streaming service Viu, through an exclusive streaming deal. [17] [18] e.tv briefly added the series to its streaming service eVOD, before being forced to take it down, as it was a contractual breach. [19] Viu sued e.tv R38 million for the breach. [20] The series was later added again on eVOD and subsequently removed from Viu.

International broadcast

The series has been aired in 25 francophone-speaking countries, dubbed in French as Imbewu: Le Fruit du Mensonge (lit. The Fruit of The Lie), through Canal+ and A+. [21]

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryNomineeResult
2019 South African Film and Television Awards Audience Award - Most Popular TV SoapImbewu: The SeedNominated
Best Achievement in Cinematography – TV Soap Marc Brower Nominated
2020Audience Award - Most Popular TV SoapImbewu: The SeedWon
Best Actress – Telenovela Leleti Khumalo Nominated
Best Achievement in Make-up and Hairstyling – TV Soap/TelenovelaImbewu: The SeedNominated

Related Research Articles

Leleti Khumalo is a South African actress known for her leading role in the movie and stage play Sarafina! and for her roles in other films such as Hotel Rwanda, Yesterday and Invictus, as well as the soap opera Imbewu: The Seed where she plays Nokubonga "MaZulu" Bhengu and on Uzalo as MaNzuza.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mbongeni Ngema</span> South African playwright and musician (1955–2023)

Mbongeni Ngema was a South African playwright, lyricist, composer, director, choreographer, and theatre producer, best known for co-writing the 1981 play Woza Albert! and co-writing the 1988 musical Sarafina!. He was known for plays that reflected the spirit of black South Africans under apartheid, and won much praise for his work, but was also the subject of several controversies. He died in a car accident on 27 December 2023.

<i>7de Laan</i> South African soapie

7de Laan was a South African Afrikaans soap opera created by Danie Odendaal and produced by Danie Odendaal Productions. The series focuses on the lives of residents in and around the community of 7de Laan, in the suburb of Hillside. The programme's dialogue is primarily in Afrikaans and was subtitled in English with some English and Zulu dialogue in between. The show was cancelled in July 2023 and its final episode aired on 26 December 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Durban University of Technology</span> University in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a multi-campus university situated in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was formed in 2002 following the merger of Technikon Natal and ML Sultan Technikon and it was initially known as the Durban Institute of Technology. It has five campuses in Durban, and another two in Pietermaritzburg. In 2022, approximately 31 991 students were enrolled to study at DUT. The university is one of five technical institutions on the African continent to offer Doctoral Degrees.

<i>Rhythm City</i> South African musical drama series

Rhythm City was a South African musical drama series produced by Quizzical Pictures. It is an e.tv original production that premiered on the country's free-to-air television channel e.tv from 2007 to 2021. The story revolves around the trials and tribulations of people trying to break into the music industry. The series also airs on e.tv Ghana.

Tony Kgoroge is a South African actor. He is best known for his performance as Jason Tshabalala in Invictus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Showmax</span> Video on demand and streaming service

Showmax is an online subscription video on demand (SVOD) service that launched in South Africa on 19 August 2015. Its majority owner is MultiChoice, which owns 70% of the Showmax group, while American conglomerate NBCUniversal owns 30% in all territories except Nigeria, where NBCUniversal holds an indirect 23.7% stake in the local subsidiary. In 2023, Showmax announced a partnership with Comcast's NBCUniversal and Sky. The new Showmax launched in February 2024, with a brand-new app and streaming platform, as well as an unprecedented content slate.

Acorn TV is a British-American subscription video streaming service offering television programming from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, other Commonwealth countries, and Spain. In other countries, it is available on a variety of devices including Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, and Roku.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Viu (streaming service)</span> Hong Kong streaming service

Viu is a Hong Kong-based over-the-top (OTT) video streaming provider from PCCW Media Group's Viu International Ltd. Operated in a dual-revenue model comprising subscriptions and advertising, Viu delivers content in different genres from Asia's top content providers with local language subtitles, as well as original production series under the Viu Original initiative.

<i>eHostela</i> South African television series

eHostela is a television drama series in South Africa. The series was renewed for season 3 but leading actor Thobani Nzuza did not return but instead added Siyabonga Thwala ,Tony Kgoroge and Gcina Nkosi as new lead actor for the new season. The show did not receive positive rating for its 3rd season.

Isipho is a South African supernatural drama series created by Busisiwe Ntintili. It is an e.tv original production co-produced by HerbVision Multimedia and The Ntintili Factory for South African free-to-air channel e.tv and streaming service Viu.

<i>Isibaya</i> South African Television Drama Series

Isibaya is a South African television drama series that started production in 2013, premiering on Mzansi Magic and created by Angus Gibson, Desiree Markgraaff, Teboho Mahlatsi, Catherine Stewart and Benedict Carton. Siyabonga Thwala leads the male cast as Mpiyakhe Zungu and Thembi Nyandeni leads the female cast as Mkabayi "MaNcwane" Zungu.

Duma Ndlovu is a South African poet, filmmaker, producer, journalist and playwright. He is well known in the South African television industry, having created award-winning shows such as Muvhango, Imbewu: The Seed and Uzalo. Between 1996 and 2004 he was the chairman of the South African Music Awards.

<i>Blood & Water</i> (South African TV series) South African television series

Blood & Water is a South African teen crime drama television series developed by Gambit Films for Netflix starring Ama Qamata, Khosi Ngema and Gail Mabalane. Set in Cape Town, the series follows a girl who transfers to an elite school when she suspects one of the students may be her sister, who was abducted as a baby.

Durban Gen was a South African medical drama telenovela. It was an e.tv original production that was commissioned and distributed by e.tv. The show was based in Durban and reflected on the struggles of the doctors and nurses in their daily lives at Durban General Hospital. The show was produced by Stained Glass TV Productions.

The Real Housewives of Durban is a South African reality television series that premiered on 29 January 2021, on Showmax.

The Black Door is a South African television drama series created by Mandla N and Mpumelelo Nhlapho. It is an e.tv original production produced by Blackbrain Pictures for e.tv. The series stars Linda Sebezo, Zamani Mbatha, Velephi Mnisi, and Gabisile Tshabalala, among others.

Ses'Top La is a South African sitcom that aired on SABC 1. This sitcom was produced by Blackbrain Productions and it was directed by Mandla Ngcongwane who played the role of Themba. It is a spin-off of the show City Ses'la.

Smoke & Mirrors is a South African television drama series created, written and produced by Loyiso Maqoma. It is an e.tv original series produced by The Final Chapter Productions for e.tv, and stars Ayanda Bandla, Hlomla Dandala, Meshack Mavuso Magabane, Kabomo Vilakazi, Charmaine Mtinta and Lusanda Mbane, among others.

Isiphetho - Destiny is a South African television drama series created by Mandla N and Mpumelelo Nhlapho. It is an e.tv original series produced by BlackBrain Pictures, and stars Mbalenhle Mavimbela, Upile uThixo Bongco, Tsholo Maseko, Kope Makgae, Gugu Gumede, Linda Sokhulu, Mjosty Mbhele, Thulani Mtsweni, Peter Mashigo, Nokwazi Dlamini, Chrispen Nyathi, Simangele Mhlongo and Sibusiso Sithole.

References

  1. ↑ "Imbewu: The Seed". Videovision Entertainment. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  2. ↑ "Imbewu: The Seed". www.etv.co.za. Archived from the original on 2019-04-21. Retrieved 2019-01-12.
  3. ↑ "Imbewu stopped filming due to a positive case of Covid-19". fullview.co.za. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  4. ↑ Birjalal, Alyssia (3 April 2020). "'Imbewu' shuts down production due to positive Covid-19 cases". Independent Online. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
  5. ↑ "TV with Thinus: Coronavirus: e.tv's Imbewu drama series produced in KwaZulu-Natal also shutters over Covid-19 case; exposed cast and crew tested and set deep-cleaned". TV with Thinus. 2020-07-03. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  6. ↑ Ferreira, Thinus. "Imbewu and Suidooster latest SA shows to halt production due to Covid-19 cases". Life. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  7. ↑ Gaanakgomo, Constance (26 January 2023). "Confirmed! 'Imbewu: The Seed' reaches the end after five seasons". timeslive.co.za.
  8. ↑ Ngenyane, Andiswa. "The curtain closes on Imbewu: The seed!". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  9. ↑ Ferreira, Thinus. "Imbewu: The Seed cancelled after 5 seasons". Life. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  10. ↑ Zuma, Mbalenhle (2023-01-26). "'Imbewu: The Seed' draws to a close after five years of drama". Sunday World. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  11. ↑ "Cast/plot revealed for e.tv's Imbewu: The Seed | e.tv | TVSA". www.tvsa.co.za. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  12. ↑ "Former Uzalo stars Leleti Khumalo and Mpumelelo Bhulose reunite for new show". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  13. ↑ "Tony Kgoroge talks about winning Imbewu viewers over as 'Ngcolosi'". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  14. ↑ "A list of Imbewu actors that got fired in the last 5 years". iHarare News. 2021-11-14. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  15. ↑ "Imbewu to get new KaMadonsela as Zwane quits". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  16. ↑ Seleme, Rae (2022-06-13). "EDUO may block 'Imbewu' over departures of 80 cast & crew members". The South African. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  17. ↑ Puterman, Simone (2019-09-30). "Press Pass: Streaming service Viu targets SA with freemium model •". MarkLives.com. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  18. ↑ yomzansi (2019-03-01). "'Viu' streaming service launches in South Africa, with Uzalo, Skeem Saam". yomzansi.com. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  19. ↑ Ferreira, Thinus. "e.tv and VIU head to court over streaming rights for Scandal! and Imbewu". Life. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  20. ↑ Seleme, Rae (2021-08-18). "VIU sues e.tv for R38 million over 'Scandal!' and 'Imbewu: The Seed'". The South African. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
  21. ↑ "Imbewu: Le Fruit du Mensonge". Canal+.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.