Latest news with #BlackBrainPictures
The Citizen
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
PICS: Meet the cast of BET's new telenovela ‘Black Gold'
The show will premiere on 18 August on DStv channel 129. BET is bringing star power to the screen with its brand-new telenovela Black Gold. The show will premiere on 18 August at 6.30pm on DStv channel 129, airing from Monday to Thursday each week. Produced by Mandla N's Black Brain Pictures, the series features a strong mix of award-winning actors, well-known stars, and newcomers making their acting debut. ALSO READ: 'I was super nervous and scared to mess up': Nasty C on his debut on news channel as a guest host Black Gold's cast members Black Gold follows the gripping journey of Amandla Zungu, played by Nomalanga Shozi in her first lead role. Amandla is cast out of her ancestral home after being falsely accused of her father's murder. To survive, she enters the dangerous world of illegal mining — determined to reclaim her legacy and confront the woman who betrayed her. South African Film and Television Awards winner Dawn Thandeka King stars as Amandla's stepmother, Florence. Veteran actor Sello Maake KaNcube plays Tom Motsepe, Florence's secret lover and partner in crime, and the cold-blooded CEO willing to destroy a legacy to build his own! Big Brother Mzansi Season 5 winner Sweet Guluva has also landed his first acting role in the show. The cast also includes acclaimed actors Warren Masemola and Thulani Mtsweni, along with The Real Housewives of Durban alum Mbali Ngiba. Big Brother Mzansi Season 5 winner Sweet Guluva has joined the cast of BET's new daily drama series 'Black Gold' The show premieres on 18 August 2025 at 18:30 on channel 129. August 6, 2025 NOW READ: Aldrin Sampear dumps journalism for government job after leaving news channel
TimesLIVE
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
'A comedic genius and my right-hand man' — Mandla N pays tribute to the late Oscar ‘Madluphuthu' Mgudlwa
Tributes continue to pour in after the death of actor and comedian Oscar Mgudlwa, popularly known as Madluphuthu, with industry peers and fans mourning the loss of a true pioneer of township comedy. Oscar was actively involved in most Black Brain Pictures productions such as Blackdoor, Mabaso Family Reunion, Isitha-The Enemy, to name a few. Among those who paid tribute to him was Black Brain Pictures executive Mandla N, who worked closely with Oscar over the years and shared a deep creative bond with the late star. In a moving message, Mandla described Oscar as more than just a collaborator, calling him a 'comedic genius' and a 'relentless soldier in the arts'. 'On behalf of the entire Black Brain family, we are deeply saddened by the loss of a true creative force — a comedic genius, a relentless soldier in the arts. He was more than just a collaborator; he was family,' Mandla said. 'We had the privilege of working with him time and time again, and every moment was filled with brilliance, laughter, and authenticity.' Oscar rose to prominence in the early 2000s with his unique brand of humour and unforgettable on-screen presence, earning cult status through his Madluphuthu films which resonated deeply with township audiences. Mandla spoke of Oscar's rare ability to tell kasi stories with heart, humour and truth, an invaluable asset to the creative process at Black Brain. 'Personally, I've lost my right-hand man, especially when it came to Kasi stories and understanding how to connect truthfully to that market. He had a rare understanding of that world and his insights shaped a lot of what we created together.' He ended his tribute with a message of gratitude: 'Rest in peace, my brother. Thank you for everything.' Oscar's legacy as a storyteller and cultural voice lives on in the many characters he brought to life and the laughter he left behind.
The Herald
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald
Mandla N lauds Dawn Thandeka King and Sello Maake Ncube as they join his new series
Mandla N, who leads the creative force behind Black Brain Pictures, said the pair's deep understanding of the craft adds something truly special to the production. 'They don't just act they breathe life into the story and, in doing so, they elevate the entire production. Their presence on set is both grounding and inspiring.' Black Gold , which explores themes of legacy, ambition and the complexities of South African family dynamics, is poised to make a strong debut on BET. With a powerhouse cast and Mandla N at the helm, the series promises high drama, emotional depth and top-tier performances. Mandla added that working with Dawn and Sello is 'a masterclass in performance, leadership, and humility'. 'I remain inspired every time I share a set with them. What's even more special is the energy they bring: always warm, always professional and always uplifting.'
TimesLIVE
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Mandla N lauds Dawn Thandeka King and Sello Maake Ncube as they join his new series
Mandla N, who leads the creative force behind Black Brain Pictures, said the pair's deep understanding of the craft adds something truly special to the production. 'They don't just act they breathe life into the story and, in doing so, they elevate the entire production. Their presence on set is both grounding and inspiring.' Black Gold, which explores themes of legacy, ambition and the complexities of South African family dynamics, is poised to make a strong debut on BET. With a powerhouse cast and Mandla N at the helm, the series promises high drama, emotional depth and top-tier performances. Mandla added that working with Dawn and Sello is 'a masterclass in performance, leadership, and humility'. 'I remain inspired every time I share a set with them. What's even more special is the energy they bring: always warm, always professional and always uplifting.'
TimesLIVE
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Lights, camera, inspiration! Joburg's Region B hosts film career day
In a celebration of creativity and opportunity, the City of Joburg Region B — together with Lihle Media, Black Brain Pictures, The Greatvila Foundation and Media City Academy — are hosting a Film Career Day for the Youth on Tuesday at the Transformation Development Centre in Westbury. The initiative shines a spotlight on the many exciting career paths within the arts and film industries and challenges the conventional belief that success is confined to the corporate world. It offers young people a front-row seat to the magic, innovation and potential that lie within South Africa's vibrant creative economy, demonstrating that passion and creativity can be just as powerful as spreadsheets and suits. MC for the day is Nyiko Bilankulu, renowned for his unorthodox PR strategies and magnetic personality. Joining him is Mandla N, the entrepreneurial force behind Black Brain Pictures, with Mpumelolo Nhlapo, partner and MD at Black Brain Pictures and Media City Academy. Sibulele Ntlebi, known for her standout role as Nolitha Sokhulu on hit soapie The Black Door, is there to share her journey, as is Siphesihle Masango, celebrated for her unwavering determination in breaking boundaries. The Film Career Day is a call to dream bigger, dig deeper and see beyond the traditional.
